Insubordinate Clauses
Because Fiona and I returned from Leave at the beginning of Advent, having left in the first week of October, we were deprived of the opportunity to be aggrieved at the shops and how they started Christmas stuff so early, and how we had become so sick of the carols, and leaving Christ out of
Because Fiona and I returned from Leave at the beginning of Advent, having left in the first week of October, we were deprived of the opportunity to be aggrieved at the shops and how they started Christmas stuff so early, and how we had become so sick of the carols, and leaving Christ out of Christmas… I sometimes think one of my favourite pre-Christmas rituals is to feel self-righteously indignant. And this year, I didn’t have the chance! 
I did notice the other night a minor media storm because a comedian on television show The Project had announced, without preamble, that Santa Claus is not real. The result appeared extraordinary, as emails (they said) flooded in, the twittersphere (they said) lit up, texts (they said) ran hot, as people registered their complaints of grieving children unable to sleep, of parents caught in a theological Gordian knot, questioning the whole meaning of Christmas, of shop front Santas wondering about unemployment… (I made the last one up). Just google “Kitty Flanagan Santa Claus” to witness the histrionics.
What is interesting is that the comedian had gone on to say, “If you want to study a Christmassy man that doesn’t exist, surely Jesus comes in at number one.” There seemed to be no indication of any reaction from anyone about that (they said). Interesting.
Having served as Kris Kringle during my university years, I remain fascinated at the Christian energy directed at criticising him, rather than grasping the opportunity to promote Jesus. I am not flying a flag for Father Christmas – far from it – but I wonder if the good news is better heard when we offer good news rather than slam something people profess to enjoy. It’s also a waste of energy; if people want to find a reason to celebrate Christmas, then let’s give them a good reason – the deep reason.
This week we witness Isaiah and Luke offer their understanding of the depth to which God has gone. This is not a reason for tree decorations, this is the whole world changed. This act of God will set captives free, heal the broken-hearted, release prisoners and bring good news to oppressed people. This good news will feed the hungry and comfort everyone who is grieving.
Why waste our time moaning about tinsel in the shops in October, when we have a God who breaks into the world to save it and us? Why bother complaining about carols ad infinitum (ad nauseum?) in Target when the reason we sing at all is God offering hope and life to any who would receive it? Why distract from God’s act of righteousness in Jesus with our indignant self-righteousness?
We have good news to offer. Let’s get on with it!