Christmas is all about belief, whatever the materialistic gloss.<\/p>\n
A decade ago I was pretending I believed in Father Christmas to my boys. I am glad I don't need to do that any more.<\/p>\n
For many this is when they remember the birth of Christ, and I completely respect that, even if the birth narratives inform little in my own faith; saying which, the Magnificat is a stunning indication of what those who wrote them thought this faith was about.<\/p>\n
At a secular level it is a time when we reconfirm our faith in family and friendships, and it is none the worse for that. This is essential, and worthy of a festival.<\/p>\n
This all seems especially poignant this Christmas. The last year has challenged the faith of many. In a nutshell, the standards of tolerance and respect of others that are at the heart of all true religious faith and which underpin liberalism have been challenged.<\/p>\n
Brexit was a challenge to a political and economic order that had forgotten not just that duty of tolerance and respect, but the obligation that comes from it to care.<\/p>\n
The election of Donald Trump reflected the same sentiment.<\/p>\n
The rise of so-called political populism is a persistent theme in current commentary. This, however, contrary to the Daily Mail's opinion, is not the same as pro-Brexit opinion and is mis-described because I am not sure it is as popular as is said. And nor is it populist: isolationist would seem to be a much better term for the thinking involved. The last thing it does is embrace populations.<\/p>\n
If this is the case though I think Christmas is a time to restate beliefs.<\/p>\n
I believe in the equality of all people.<\/p>\n
I believe in the right of each person to a life well lived.<\/p>\n
I believe in \u00a0the right to live without fear of prejudice.<\/p>\n
I believe in the right to speak and be heard.<\/p>\n
I believe in our duty to care that is as strong as our duty to ourselves.<\/p>\n
I believe in our right to participate in democratic government.<\/p>\n
I believe each person deserves the protection of the state.<\/p>\n
I believe in the sanctity of life and that states should not threaten it.<\/p>\n
I do then believe in peace on earth and goodwill to all.<\/p>\n
And I believe that is what Christmas is about.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"