So I did an interview for the Tulsa World today, that will be out in this coming Sunday's paper (April 8) in the religion section.  The question was about whether or not people still carry on the tradition of dressing way up on Easter, and if they do, why they do.

My answer was of course about the nature of Easter.  Easter is the most important holiday in the Christian year.  Although consumerism has thrust Christmas to the forefront of the public spotlight, Easter is the REAL deal.  On Easter we celebrate the resurrection, the completed work of Christ, and our new life.  I said people dress way up out of celebration and out of a sense of the closure of Lent.  In lent we're to be reflective and frugal, contemplating the life, teachings, and especially the last week of Jesus.  On Easter, we celebrate the joyous new beginning.

I know for some it's a fashion show.  For some it's the only Sunday they'll darken the doors of a church this year so they want to make it count.  But don't be too hard on those folks...at least they're there. 

I did, however, share that the tradition of up-dressing is waining a bit.  I think churches are starting to wake up to the fact that the behavior is a bit intimidating for people new to the scene...and that you can worship God and celebrate no matter what you're wearing.

But this is my soapbox, so I get to repeat myself whenever I want.  I'm glad I got this opportunity to repeat to you that: Easter is the most important holiday in the Christian year.  Let's make it that way.  Be joyful for what God has done and share that joy with others...no matter what you're wearing.