Can’t we illuminate the true meaning of Christmas?
ALL across the country, it’s the big Christmas switch-on, with excited crowds and local celebrities counting down to that magical moment when the push of a button floods our High Streets and shopping centres with seasonal lights. But wait a moment: do we ever stop to take a close look at the illuminations that light up our towns and cities? Most of the lights consist of little more than a sprig of holly and a star or two, along with a lot of nebulous, squiggly shapes that fail to convey any message at all. Where have all the religious icons gone, such as the Wise Men, shepherds, and the Holy Family at the manger? Even the angels have had their wings clipped! Promoting this seasonal celebration on the High Street without reference to the original Christmas is like trying to drive a car without wheels. Has political correctness so gripped our nation that local authorities can’t openly celebrate the true meaning of Christmas? It seems Christianity is being ignored — except, of course, for the street pastors helping the police to keep down crime figures; the churches providing sleepovers for the homeless; rehabilitation shelters for recovering addicts; food banks; churchgoers’ money administering to the needy; and the great work done year-round by the Salvation Army. The Christian faith triggers a huge amount of philanthropic work. And if the excuse is that public money should not be spent on religious illuminations at Christmas, may I remind the powers that be that churchgoers are taxpayers.