I'm Angry, Once Again, As I Was Last Year

Here we go again . . . Tis the season to be jolly! Why are we jolly? Why is there so much joy flowing abundantly around us? I, for one, believe that it the Christmas music, the giving and receiving of love, the family togetherness, the winter wonderlandiness, the beauty. BULL CRAP!!! It is because I may get a new Playstation or something else out of my budget under the tree. This isn't the time for giving . . . this is the time for getting. And if I don't get like I am entitled, then it becomes the time of depression, loneliness, and letdown. And for some the time for suicide (you know this is the documented highest time of year for suicide - Tis the season!!!). And if you do get those toys that you asked for and NEED, then you are strapped with the debt for the next 10 months (at least). Society has done a fine job of totally taking the true meaning of Christmas and shoving it down the tube. You are told that Christmas is about Santa Clause, about decorations, parties, food, gifts, and money. Christmas, you are told, is about you and your family, about connecting with those you haven't seen all year, and especially about hopefully getting the 42 inch plasma that your boss it giving away. From shortly after Halloween you are carefully lulled into the Christmas frenzy by all surrounding you. Some say, "It is not the receiving that I look forward to, it is the giving!" Once again, BULL CRAP. That is a pretty line that makes you feel better than you spent over your limit - like you do every year. "But I gave so much to those in need." Other say, "It is a the time of year you get together with all your family." Yeah, I agree, so you can get even more presents. Let's face it, Christmas is not what it was originally meant to be!! NOT EVEN CLOSE!

So what is Christmas all about? Good question. Get ready because what I am about to write will be groundbreaking. Christmas is about YOU and CHRIST. That's it! Nothing more, nothing less. This holiday is about a baby that was born in a manger and what he did for YOU by coming to earth. Him coming to earth has nothing to do with your desire to get a new motorcycle, or even to give a new motorcycle. Christ came to earth so we can be saved. Why do you think that Christmas comes this time of year? We all know that Christ was not born on December 25th (did I just ruin Christmas for many of you? Look it up!). Why then is Christmas celebrated in the end of December? Becasue we remember the covenants and promises we make with God and Christ, we remember the sacrifice Christ made for us, and we take the next 7 days repenting and truely changing our ways (thus New Year's resolutions - I'll get to that another day). Christmas is about your relationship with Christ and your repentance process.

So what's the deal with Santa Clause? He was a saint - or has become one because he took presents to the poor and needy. I don't recall that he mortgaged his home to buy the latest and newest for the rich kids down the street. He was a nice guy who continually strived to be like Christ by serving the poor and meek. It wasn't between him and the kids - it was between him and God and the kids were the recipients. Get it? Do you really think that Christ wants you to go into debt so you can buy the biggest and best of everything for your already spoiled and over-indulged kids? Heavens NO (all pun intended).

I know that I am totally screwed up; my wife reminds me of this each year at this time. Nevertheless, I think Christmas should be more than what society feeds us. If not then let us all call this holiday Santamas or Giftmas or Jollymas or some other thing than the holy name of our Lord and Savior. And on Christmas morning remember that this holiday is not between you and your wife or kids; it is only about YOU and CHRIST. I bet if you do, you will gain less weight, feel less depressed, and certainly enjoy the holiday much more. Merry Christmas and God Bless!