All Silent on the Blogging Front

I don't like holidays. I like the breaks, the hanging out, the music, and the all around fun that come with them. But I don't like holidays.

I dislike the fact that we feel the need to limit everything associated with the holiday into a certain day of the year. Or a certain season. If we want to celebrate something as important as love, being thankful, or the birth of Christ, isn't that something that should come up every day? Or, more realistically, a feeling that arises spontaneously, not a result of some periodic man-made calendar?

I do believe that Christmas is a great idea. I do believe that setting apart a time to remember Christ's first coming and wait for His second has provided a much-needed boost in people's walks with God. I cannot deny this. To them it is a true, beautiful part of their faith.

But too many times I see emphasis being placed on time rather than what it's about. All around I hear of Christians trying to take back Christmas from the non-believers who celebrate it for different, un-Godly reasons. It's a day in December. Let them have it.

And so this has been my rant on Christmas. It could have been a lot angrier than it is now, but I held myself back. I didn't mention that Jesus was probably born in the Spring. I didn't mention that churches would never play 'Christmas' songs any other time of the year, even if the incarnation is a central part of our faith, and would undoubtedly help in the worship experience. Or maybe I did just mention them. I am well aware you may have a radically different opinion than mine, and that you may suddenly develop an irrepressible hate for me after reading this. That's perfectly fine. At least I had a chance to get this off my chest.

One last thing. 'Jesus is the reason for the season'? Really? He's the reason we have Christmas trees and lights, sing Jingle Bells, and only buy gifts for each other once a year?
I'm sorry. I couldn't resist.