What should I say on TV?

During Advent I was listening to a radio programme on Christmas and commercialism. Some panellist had no problem with Rudolph and snowy Christmas songs being played in hot stuffy, or cool air-conditioned shopping malls, but didn’t think “Silent Night” and such other religious songs were appropriate.

Someone else thinks religious songs should be played there; at least those who don’t go to any church over Christmas would hear something spiritual and hopefully meaningful. There are obviously a lot of different opinions.

I was also invited to take part in a TV debate on the question “Should Christians celebrate Christmas?” which at the time of writing is still due to be recorded. It’s all quite mind-boggling. What shall I say? Shall I maybe take it from Jesus’ perspective? WWJD or WWJS (What would Jesus do/say)? So here is a little scenario that might occur if Jesus were here today?

As his birthday was coming closer he experienced the usual increasing sense of excitement, but anxiety too. He’d invited many to celebrate with him, but would they come?  People seemed to have got into the habit of celebrating his birthday without him. They’d send a card or e-mail a greeting — often ready-made — downloaded from bluemountain.com or some such site. They even used the occasion of his birthday to have a party of their own. That really got to him.

“It’s not just a party, it’s my birthday,” he complained to his mother.

Mary sighed: “Never mind, son. They’re getting into the spirit of it and you’re always going on about ‘the spirit’. There’s a lot of caring and sharing going on in small ways in homes and workplaces. Even at global, international level, they’re concerned about cholera in Zimbabwe, pirates and wars, fair trade, justice and universal peace.

“Fat lot of good that seems to be doing, I must say,” Jesus retorted. “But in a way you’re right, I suppose. Here and there people are becoming more aware, more concerned.  They’re doing something about HIV/Aids, even if it is knitting jerseys or chanting slogans. A while ago some even shaved their heads for cancer awareness and they’re making a big issue about abuse of women and children and human trafficking. But what I really mean is, I want to share with them my love, my joy, my peace — a peace the world cannot give.”

May the healing power of his love, his joy, his peace be the same love, joy and peace you experience in your homes and families this Christmas season (which, as you know lasts until January 6) and on into 2009.