Silent Night, Holy Night

With the news that Brunei will imprison, for up to 5 years, anyone who celebrates Christmas in public there’ll be no silence from me. For when a regime attempts to oppress, surely the only response is to celebrate louder. In China officials from the Communist party have dismantled crosses outside churches, and in the city of Wenzhou churches have been demolished. But how can a message of “peace on earth” and “goodwill to men” be offensive to the point of banishment? I thank God that we live in a country where freedom of speech, religion and equality are paramount. Our leaders may not be perfect, with expenses scandals, petty arguments and an apparent cancelling of Christmas by Corbyn, but at least they fight to uphold freedom and tolerance in the UK. It’s something we take for granted and I’ve been reminded today what a precious gift that is.

And so this Christmas I will raise an extra glass of wine, sing carols that little bit louder, and put feuds aside for all those who are living in fear of celebrating Christmas. I intend to remember and celebrate the birth of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, who taught us to love our enemies. Much less of Silent Night and a little more Hark the Herald please.

I hope you have a very Happy Christmas.