The lights are up in the town centre, the tree is at the end of Dalton Road, the Crib is in Forum 28, the shops are full of festive food and decorations; and the shopping spree is beginning. So stand by for the usual rubbish which comes at this time of year. The idea that Christmas should be renamed 'Winterval' or something equally meaningless. The suggestion that offices, etc., should not have Christmas Parties but have Midwinter Parties instead. The talk that Nativity Plays should be banned in schools. There is, I think, an increasing use of 'Seasons Greetings' on cards and in decorations. All in a misguided effort to be inclusive and, it is said, to avoid giving offence to people of other faiths.

In the 2001 census there was a question asked about religious belief. 72% of the population declared themselves to be Christian. In the same census only 16% declared that they had no religious faith. So that leaves 12% of the population who follow other faith traditions. Those people of other faiths that I know are not in the least bit offended by the celebration of Christmas. In 2006 the National Christian Muslim Forum issued a statement which said: “As Muslims and Christians together we are wholeheartedly committed to the retention of specific religious recognition for Christian festivals. Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus and we wish this significant part of the Christian heritage of this country to remain an acknowledged part of national life. The desire to secularise religious festivals is in itself offensive to both of our communities”. In response to this statement the Chairman of the Local Government Association said “Christianity has a unique place in our national values, beliefs, language, culture and architecture, and in our traditions and heritage.”

This country is a Christian country, even though the majority of those people who declared themselves to be Christians in the Census do not actually practice their faith, in the sense of coming to Church regularly; but they would acknowledge their faith at times like the birth of a child, a marriage or the death of a loved one. It has been observed that over the past few years there has been a significant increase in the number of people who come to Church at Christmas.

In November there was a meeting at Abbey Road Baptist Church at which there was a dialogue between a Christian and a Muslim; each listening to the other, trying to understand each other and learning what there is in common between their faiths, so that there can grow a greater understanding.

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ to the Virgin Mary. The Koran honours Jesus as a prophet and tells of his birth to Mary, a Virgin. In the Koran Mary is the only woman mentioned by name. She is mentioned 34 times, and she is suggested as a model to follow for believers, both men and women.

Let us celebrate Christmas, let us wish those who we know – whether Christians or people of other faiths or none – a Happy Christmas because the message of Christmas   is relevant for all people. Jesus is born as one of us to show us in his words and in his actions; in his death and resurrection, the message from God, 'Peace and Goodwill on earth.'

Revd. Stuart Evason, Priest-in-Charge of St James.