Loyal radical

CHRISTMAS STORY State schools are increasingly replacing the traditional nativity play with variations on a winter theme including pop songs and aliens rather than carols and Mary and Joseph. This move away from a faith-based story to a mish mash of ideas and imagery seems a retrograde step. An acknowledgement of the way faith has shaped our culture is sacrificed on the altar of political correctness. As one parent reminded her son, if you don’t want God we can forgo the presents and celebration! Secularists may want to remind us that it is the Christian faith that has highjacked a pagan festival rather than the other way round. However, the retelling of the story at this time of year with its associated traditions is a way of presenting the package of goodwill towards others rather than simple indulgent revelry which was the focus of its pagan origins. The Christmas Child shoebox service was a fitting way to move the focus away from our own needs on to those of others. The all-year r