Case of the Jollies?

So it's Christmas time again...already.

"What!? It can't be already!"

Oh, but it is. Fa-la-la and all that jazz.

How's every one feeling about Christmas? Good I hope. It is a time of year that is a celebration after all. Full of warm and fuzzy things. Loving family or friends, whichever you got. Maybe even a bit of eggnog, cookies, and a few snowflakes if you're lucky. A time to put up santas and snowmen and talk about being prepaired for Christmas morning gift giving. When people spend hours upon hours joyfully (or begrudgingly) wrapping present after present and shoving it all under leaky pine tree (or plastic if that's more your style). Everyone tuning in to that atmosphere of good times or, for those not into the good things of the season, quietly sitting alone at home or brooding while surrounded by insane family members.
Sound like Chirstmas to you? Yea, me to, but not for much longer.

"Say what now?"

That's right, I've been at odds for a VERY long time with Christmas and Easter. Not the premise or concept, but the way it plays out.

As a child, not interested in God stuff I saught the things listed above and ANY chance to eat candy while opening gifts. What kid wouldn't after all. As an adult however I find that when people say, "reason for the season" I feel my heart dip a little. Truly, I don't see the aforementioned reason very much on those days. I know that in many of the hearts I am surrounded by on those days Christ is present and accounted for, but I have always asked myself, "is this it?"

Christmas is the birthday of Jesus, a unique gift from God and quite literally the best thing that has EVER happened to my life. Easter is the remembrance of the culmination of Gods long term efforts to get mankind out of the trouble we have always walked into. A blessing counted above anything else I can mention. Yet on these days what do I do? I do what everyone else does. That has made me sad for several years honestly. What to do about it though is not a simple question or at least not easily answered. The truth is God didn't say "celebrate these two days" nor did He say "celebrate them by doing this thing instead of whatever you want". And so I have no real direction to take nor can I make an authoritative statement about it. All I can say is I am not ok with it as is.

While it's a bit late this year to come up with a plan, I hope to have a plan by Easter and then also one for next Christmas. A God I care enough about to devote myself to and to think of all the time is also one I would gladly give up my holiday for. For me, if indeed He is the reason for the season, let my day be lived accordingly I think.

I'm not demanding or attempting to guilt anyone, this is my opinion and I know I am no ones judge on this. Heck, He never asked for it so their is no call for others to agree and even the choice of days is full of controversy. So let each decide for themselves on this.