Editorial: Christmas means many things

OPINION: New Zealand is, for the most part, a secular society. But it is nonetheless a country with a Christian heritage and a not-inconsiderable number who happily admit to believing in God, or at least a higher being.

It is probably no surprise, then, that a lot of Kiwis were upset by a pre-Christmas bid by an Auckland-based parish to make them think about some of Christianity's lore.

Last week, St Matthew-in-the-City Anglican church erected a billboard outside its doors that riled those who don't share the vicar's liberal interpretation of the virgin birth. It showed a downcast Joseph in bed with wife Mary, who herself looks a mite deflated. The caption read: "Poor Joseph, God is a hard act to follow".

The billboard was defaced, its replacement slashed.

Archdeacon Glynn Cardy, evincing surprise that Kiwis' famous tolerance does not equate to indifference, decided against resurrecting the controversial message a second time. Anglican Bishop John Paterson will be relieved. He called the billboard "insensitive" and expressed disappointment at the parish's initial decision to persist with the message.

If the row has done anything more than remind Aucklanders that freedom of expression includes the right of those with whom they disagree to have their say, too, it has also reminded people that many New Zealanders do care about the Christmas message, which is about more than groaning tables laid with seasonal goodies, and indulging children with toys they might play with once, then discard.

For non-religious New Zealanders, however, this season is not about the Christmas story – the birth in a manger of a small boy who was Jesus, the son of God. For them, December 25 means a smidgen of summer, an overdue end-of-year break, and a chance to relax with family or friends, before, one week later, firmly closing the door on what has been a difficult year.

Although economic statistics suggest the country is emerging from the worst recession in decades, it is proving – at this stage, anyway – a jobless recovery. That means Christmas celebrations will again be subdued in some households.

Parents who struggle to give their children all the presents they might want will probably find that, in most cases, their offspring understand. Kids are experts at soaking up atmosphere – they quickly grasp the consequences of straitened times and can be remarkably sanguine if things are explained.

What they really need, of course, is our love – and our time. It is what grandparents want, too – to have their sons and daughters, flat out most of the year with keeping the family in clothes and food, spend a few hours with them and to willingly involve them in celebrating the occasion.

However you, our readers, spend your Christmas, celebrate it well, and safely, and perhaps spare a thought for those less fortunate than most of us, or whose job it is to care for the day's casualties.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

- © Fairfax NZ News

Newest First

Oldest First