Despite our many differences, we all crave meaning and purpose

What is Christmas really all about?

In December 1965, nearly 15 million viewers, or one-half of the television viewing audience, tuned in to watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” It has become the longest-running cartoon special in history, but it was almost canceled before it was ever aired. You see, the CBS network executives were less than impressed.

Aside from the technical criticisms resulting from a rushed production schedule, the executives did not want Linus to recite the story of the birth of Christ from the Gospel of Luke. It was thought that viewers would not want to be preached upon by an animated cartoon, especially from biblical passages. Obviously, after almost 59 years of airing every Christmas and receiving an Emmy and a Peabody award, those CBS executives got it wrong.

“There will always be an audience for innocence in this country,” said Charlie Brown’s creator, Charles Schulz. And indeed, there still is — although it may not seem like it.

After all, a Pew Research poll revealed that 28% of U.S. adults now identify as religiously unaffiliated, describing themselves as atheists, agnostics or “nothing in particular” when asked about their religion. This figure has risen sharply from just 16% in 2007. Also, regular church attendance is declining — only 3 in 10 Americans attend weekly religious services. In the 1950s, that figure was nearly one-half of all Americans.

The rise of the “Nones” — as these religiously unaffiliated individuals are called — signals not only a detachment from organized religion but also a broader drift away from the values that bind communities and enrich lives.

Faith, particularly Christianity in the United States, has long provided a moral framework that encourages responsibility, charity and engagement. As more Americans drift away from these values, we see rising loneliness, declining community involvement and increasing polarization. Is it any surprise that a Gallup poll earlier this year revealed the loneliness rate has now increased to 20% in this country, which is the highest level in two years?

Yet, an interesting paradox emerges from all the data, and despite this rise in religious unaffiliation: Over 90% of Americans continue to celebrate Christmas. Yes, 90%.

This may be evidence of the true spirit of Christmas within us all because, even among the “Nones,” the fact that 9 out of 10 Americans celebrate Christmas — I think — shows that people still crave meaning, connection and a sense of purpose. They may not recognize it as such or want to admit it, but these desires are deeply spiritual, and Christmas offers an unparalleled opportunity each year to bridge that gap.

They’re not unlike Charlie Brown, who exclaims, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” And the opportunity we have as Christians, especially at Christmas, is not unlike Linus who said, “Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about!”

You see, the message of Christmas — the birth of a Savior who offers hope to all — speaks to universal human needs. It’s a message that transcends political divisions, cultural differences and even religious affiliations.

Even still, there are some reading right now who are offended by any mention of Jesus Christ. They are the same ones who get upset when someone wishes them “Merry Christmas!” instead of “Happy Holidays!” or when schools say they are letting out for “Christmas break” instead of “winter break” or when they advertise “Christmas trees” and not “holiday trees.”

But why? What is it about Christmas that is so offensive? The answer is that it’s not really about Christmas — it’s Christ that’s the issue.

While many might deny the existence of God, it’s much more challenging to deny Jesus, for whom we have historical evidence of His existence, even from secular sources that are outside of the Bible. Still, the life of Jesus is so powerful, and His words so meaningful, that even atheists, or the “Nones,” cannot seem to get Him out of their minds.

So at that next Christmas party, or Christmas gathering, or while waiting in line at the store, let’s be more like Linus and remind one another what Christmas is all about because it’s not just the glitter and gifts, of course, but the light of Christ’s love and the hope His birth brings to our world, even for the “Nones.”

Louis R. Avallone is a Shreveport businessman, attorney and author of “Bright Spots, Big Country, What Makes America Great.” He is also a former aide to U.S. Representative Jim McCrery and editor of The Caddo Republican. His columns have appeared regularly in 318 Forum since 2007. Follow him on Facebook, on Twitter @louisravallone or by e-mail at louisavallone@mac.com, and on American Ground Radio at 101.7FM and 710 AM, weeknights from 6 - 7 p.m., and streaming live on keelnews.com.