Of late I've been wondering why good Christians penalized themselves during Lent (and to a lesser extent during Advent). If you believe in what Christianity teaches why wouldn't you be joy-filled over your salvation and its anticipate its anniversary with happiness? Why punish yourself? Same deal with Advent -- why not celebrate the birth of your Savior (even though it probably happened in April or thereabouts and not December)? The "ways" were "made straight" centuries ago.