It wouldn’t have been Christmas without news headlines of a vicar debunking an aspect of the ‘Santa Story’ (spoiler: it’s the parent who eats the mince pie and drink the milk…). Upset school children and angry parents featured strongly in the ‘news story’ and the vicar was forced to apologise. His unwise actions being described by the Church of England as ‘a misjudgement’.
Recent weeks have seen several ‘misjudgements‘ coming to light in that same Church of England. Times when those who should have known better clearly didn’t. When a lack of wisdom featured strongly – and raised doubts about the integrity of the said organisation.
At this Epiphany time of January when we think of the ‘wise men’, the three Kings, the Magi, following a star, one aspect of the ‘Nativity Story’ can also be debunked but it’s unlikely to make the news headlines. Nobody probably minds that we don’t know how many visitors there were (it’s three gifts…) nor that they weren’t at ‘the stable’ when Jesus was born (unless the family stayed there for two years…).
So, if we can raise doubts about them (and of course others have questioned the virgin birth…) is it fair game to debunk the Santa story? Well, not for children at least (they work it out for themselves…). Just think though if we who profess to believe in God could generate the same fervour and unquestioning belief in Jesus, as children who believe in Santa, wouldn’t that be something to write headlines about…
The child longs for the certainty of Father Christmas bringing presents. In the period of Advent and these last 12 days of Christmas did we long for the certainty of what the Christ-child brings? Or are we too all-consumed by the ‘story’ and its trimmings?
The unwise vicar raised doubts and uncertainty in the minds of children. So, what raises doubts and uncertainty in our minds and what nurtures wisdom in our faith and way of living?
In Robert Harris’ novel, Conclave (you may have seen the film with Ralph Fiennes) the lead character says:
‘Our faith is a living thing precisely because it walks hand in hand with doubt. If there was only certainty, and if there was no doubt, there would be no mystery, and therefore no need for faith.’
Like the disciple, Thomas and millions of others before and since, it is by questioning and doubting that we nurture wisdom. It is by questioning and doubting that we deepen our faith in God who is beyond all ‘stories’.
As this year of 2025 gets underway, maybe take some time to reflect on the questions from in the previous post:
- Who am I becoming?
- Who are others becoming in my presence?
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