C.S. Lewis wrote concerning Christmas in personal correspondence: “I send no cards and give no presents except to children.”   

“Rats. Nobody sent me a Christmas card today. I almost wish there weren’t a holiday season. I know nobody likes me. Why do we have to have a holiday season to emphasize it?” -From “A Charlie Brown Christmas, by Charles Schulz, 1965” 

We want to be liked. We want to be wanted. 

Just one card might help Charlie Brown’s Yuletide blues. 

Isaiah 2b, 3a, 11b 

There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected –a man of sorrows acquainted with deepest grief…

And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. 

Jesus knows what it is like to be rejected. 

The prophet Isaiah foretold the reception of Christ among the people and that they should bid welcome to the grace and raise their expectation to entertain it and give it consideration. Isaiah tells with wonder the unbelief of numerous Jews. Gentiles follow their lead. 

It was a low condition that Christ entered the world. 

Israel expected a King. A Son of David. Royalty comes robed in splendor. 

The royal messiah was expected to have uncommon beauty. After all, Moses and David had appearances that Scripture noted as pleasing. 

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“And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.” -(describing David)  1 Samuel 16:12  KJV

“At this time Moses was born, and he was very beautiful. For three months Moses was cared for in his father’s house.”  -Acts 7:20 CEV

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Jesus came to this world with nowhere to lay his head, lived dependent upon alms, and was opposed and menaced. We never read that he laughed.

Holiness was His beauty. 

When you open the mailbox (electronic or streetside) remember God sent his Son to deliver many to be counted as righteous bearing all sins. 

God likes you, Charlie Brown. 

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, 

 Thank you for the season that takes us to our mailbox -waiting for a delivery.  Remind us that even when we are treated harshly there is nothing that your Son has not endured. By the comfort of your holy Word may we embrace the hope of eternal life. 

Amen