On Tonight: A Charlie Brown Christmas, The Polar Express and The Closer

Monday, Dec. 5

A Charlie Brown Christmas, 8 p.m., ABC

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.' That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

The Polar Express, 8:30 p.m., ABCFamily

The animation of this movie from a few years back creeps me out. I prefer the book.

The Closer, 9 p.m., TNT

Our friends at Major Crimes always do a nice job with the Christmas episode – lots of humor mixed in with the murder. Tonight, “Santa's entrance into Christmas Village via zip line goes awry; Buzz's sister helps the Major Crimes Division solve a holiday case.”