LETTER : Christian Christmases need Santa - and cribs
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Mr Martin Hill
Sir: The upset caused by Canon Brian Andrews to the parishioners and children in his congregation is a lesson which the theologically minded need to learn ("Vicar's attack on Santa ends in tears", 18 December).
Christmas is not about the historicity of the gospel birth narratives or the difference between fact and fable. Neither is it about the contemporary issues, highlighted by the Rt Rev Dr David Jenkins, of homelessness, poverty and oppression. It is about having a nice time with little children dressed as angels, shepherds, kings, Joseph and Mary and a dolly in the manger to represent the baby Jesus. It is about trying to find a "window" in a world increasingly pressured by universal degradation and self-worthlessness to see the possibility of affirmation and self-worth.
David Jenkins is right to bring into question the increasing materialism with which the traditional spiritual values of Christmas are blighted. Yes, let us affirm the facts of the gospel message, indeed I am all for it, but let the spirit of giving embodied in Santa Claus remain a part of our children's Christmas. Perhaps by the maintenance of this traditional embellishment to Christmas our children may learn that Christmas is about giving: God's gift to us of Jesus Christ, the symbolic gifts made to him by the magi, and our exchanging gifts with one another to mark this tremendous act of a loving God.
Yours faithfully,
Martin Hill
Manchester
18 December
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments