Christmas is now less than a week away. I was reminded once again that some people think I am a Scrooge or the Grinch because I don’t put out the effort to decorate or like to spend a little money on gifts.

Those people are not totally wrong, and it may appear as though I don’t like Christmas.

My thoughts and reactions to Christmas are not because I dislike the holiday. Most of my disagreement with Christmas is that we as Christians all too often get caught up in the sights, the buying of gifts, and forget why this holiday is so important.

There are only two true holidays a year for Christians: Christmas and Easter. These two holidays should be the most celebrated each year. They are our core for what and who we believe in.

Without God sending His Son to be born of a virgin mother, a child growing up to remain sinless, we would not have the example of what it means to live a clean, moral life. The world does not want to accept it, but all of the moral virtues, the difference between right and wrong, all came to be because of God sending His Son to the earth.

Easter, the second holiday, is all about how Christ died, taking all the sin of the world, not just part, but all of it. When Christ died on the cross, all the sin went with it. We have forgiveness of sin because of this sacrifice.

But the best part is that God didn’t stop there. He raised Jesus from the dead to give us victory over it. So that when our body lays to rest for the final time, it is not our soul’s final time; it’s really the beginning.

Without the resurrection of Christ Jesus, we would have no hope, no eternal life.

My deal with Christmas is not the fact that I dislike it. In fact, it plays a major role in what I believe and how I choose to live my life. Christmas is a very important celebration; it’s not for gifts, not for lights and trees.

For me, it is a solemn time to remember that our Savior was born to save me from the sin of the world and ultimately give me my eternal home with my one true King.

Call me a Grinch or a Scrooge if you want to, but I refuse to get caught up in all the hoopla that the world sees as Santa Claus, presents, silver bells, mistletoes, and decorated pine trees.

I am a simple man with a single goal. I do enjoy time with family, the joy and excitement in children this time of year. I also don’t ever want to take for granted what God has done for me either.

Don’t get me wrong. I like the sights and sounds of the season, but I also take it very seriously too. This is the first holiday of the year that has real meaning about why I exist and why I live the way I do.

Have yourself a Merry Christmas, and remember why and for whom you are celebrating it.

May God’s peace always be with you.