One more sleep shouted my girls as they tear apart the last box on their advent calendars.
One more sleep until Christmas
Watching their joy and anticipation makes me remember mine when I was their age.
But Christmas had more substance and meat to it when I grew up as we still celebrated the core messaging.
For example, all the lyrics to the traditional carols I learned in music class and assemblies we did in the public school system.
A school district with a large Jewish population whose kids sat in and learned Christmas Carols.
Just like we would learn the songs for Hanukkah that were celebrated at the same time.
The Jewish, Muslim and Hindu, and other belief or non belief kids did not melt into a puddle or become a shaking heap on the floor when exposed to songs about Jesus.
Just like we did not go home and jump off a bridge when we were taught about other religions and cultures.
Today It’s different.
In Wales and London I have seen so far a grand total of 1 nativity scene.
And that was in front of a church in Cardiff.
I’ve seen more festive decorations in Dubai for Christmas than in the UK.
It’s amazing how western culture and society can fall for the delusion that castrating what makes them special makes them more inclusive and open minded.
What it does is it turn them into eunuchs.
Specifically, Eunuchs lining up at fertility clincs and wondering why there are no babies.
Let me contrast that to my home in the UAE.
They too have a diverse population of different religions and cultures (over 190 different ones in Dubai).
But they are proud of their heritage and what they have built.
They do not whip themselves about any dark chapters in their history.
They don’t bend over backwards to water down or diminish their religion
They are proud Emiratis and Muslims and as guests in their country we are asked to respect and acknowledge both their traditions and hospitality.
And we do.
And they respect ours.
Isn’t that what inclusivity is all about?
Something to think about as we honour the pregnant wife and husband over 2000 years back in a manger getting ready to transform the world.
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P.S. I’m not the “systems,” “finance,” or “fix your processes” guy.
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