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Well, it’s just one sleep until the big day. If ever I were to deliver a sermon, this might be it!

There’s a story in the British newspaper the Telegraph which has concluded that when it comes to wearing the pants in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s household (Harry and Meghan, for short) - their Christmas greeting might reveal who’s really wearing the pants. Apparently, their choice of wording— “Happy Holidays” or “Happy Holiday Season” instead of the dreaded “C” word—Christmas—has driven the conclusion that Meghan, not Harry, is calling the shots.  

Maybe so but frankly who cares about Meghan and Harry!

But what this does remind me though, is the long running debate and sensitivity about using the word Christmas because as some argue, it doesn’t include other religions or might offend those who don’t celebrate it.  

As a result, we end up with these bland, soulless – can I say WOKE? phrases like “Season’s Greetings” and “Happy Holidays.” It’s as if uttering the word Christmas is somehow a cultural crime

Heaven forbid anyone mentions Jesus…!.

But I reckon maybe we’ve moved past all that we can accept that Christmas, although rooted in Christianity – has grown into something much bigger – something for everyone to celebrate.  

Remember that in the northern hemisphere Xmas coincides with the winter solstice and wouldn’t be the first tradition to have broken free or extended beyond its origins

And while for many Christians, Christmas obviously has a deep spiritual significance that goes beyond family get togethers, turkey, gifts and mistletoe etc - I don’t know many – or any – Christians who begrudge folk of other religions or no religion at all for taking the opportunity to celebrate Christmas. In fact, I believe most Christians love seeing it celebrated widely as a day for everyone.  

It’s a bit like two Christian holidays - Easter and Good Friday which are considered to be important enough in our calendar that we still protect them with retail trading bans, despite commercial pressure.     

I’ve heard plenty of non-believers support those trading bans too, not just for sake of tradition but because it doesn’t hurt to have a couple of days where we don’t have to be charging to the shops and instead, we can maybe step back from the chaos for a day or two

I should confess that I’m not religious although raised Anglican. But I do believe that Christmas is a special day no matter what you believe. It’s an excuse for us to put our differences aside and extend a bit of hospitality and generosity, and spend time with friends and loved ones

So, here’s to Christmas - as the song goes - the most wonderful time of the year. So…  merry Christmas!  

Here endeth the lesson…

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