Christmas Starts with Christ...

A trendy nativity scene is being used in a poster aimed at reminding the British public that Jesus is the true meaning of Christmas. Christian charity Church-Ads.net launched the poster for its Christmas advertising campaign some weeks ago. Maybe you’ve seen it?

It shows the nativity scene with “trendy twenty-somethings, designer fashion and luxury gifts”, as part of its “Christmas starts with Christ” promotion, which is now in its third year.

In the poster, the shepherds are represented by a cycle courier and plasterer. The wise men are shown as three successful entrepreneurs and their gifts are iconic ‘treasures’ of modern culture: a Swarovski crystal perfume bottle, a Fabergé egg and a replica Damien Hirst skull. All are ‘sharply dressed’. “But the traditional nativity arrangement is unchanged, with Jesus as its clear focus," Mike Elms, of ChurchAds.net, said. “This year we have a very simple but dramatic idea by showing the meeting of Christianity and high street consumerism, with Christ in the middle.”

What do think about when you hear the word “Christmas”? I came across this poem recently by Marilyn Ferguson, it reminds us of the different types of images and memories that flood our minds when we start to think about Christmas.

Some people think of Christmas

As sleigh rides in the cold

A tree that glistens of tinsel

And decorations of silver and gold.

Some people think of Christmas

As stockings dressed in red

A crackling glowing fireplace

And a warm and cosy bed.

Some people think of Christmas

As faces filled with glee

Sharing stories, fun and laughter

And gathering 'round the tree.

Some people think of Christmas

As gifts wrapped up in blue

Writing letters to their loved ones

And Christmas carolling too.

Some people think of Christmas

As snow falling on the ground

The hustle and bustle of shoppers

And the joy that's spread around.

Some people think of Christmas

As the Lord who dwells above

Who sent His son to die for us

And gave the gift of love.

For me these words from the beginning of John’s gospel remind me of the key idea for why we celebrate Christmas  “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighbourhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.”