The goose is getting fat

Throughout my life I have always had a gift for taking songs, poems and stories and changing them in the interest of my own particular silly, childish brand of humour: All things bright and beautiful sung to the Dad’s army theme is one of my favourite creations. I have also found it funny when others have done the same, such as changing the words of Christmas is Coming to:

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat,

Wrap it up in tinfoil and feed it to the cat.

Changing the lyrics from an appeal to people to give to the poor, into something that has no purpose except humour is one thing, but the first time I heard it the person changed the lyrics “the goose is” to “Simon’s.” From humour to insult.

This transformation from something real and earthy into something of no substance the purpose of which is to give people pleasure happens at Christmas on a grand scale.

Songs are sung that deify Christmas itself and not the one who deifies Christmas, that glorify the day and not the one who glorifies the day. We find Christmas carols that celebrate the true meaning of Christmas hidden amongst a plethora of secular songs: according to TimeOut magazine no carol makes the top 10 most popular Christmas songs and only one carol makes it in the top 25 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel at number 25.

If our choice of music is a reflection of how the Western world thinks then it would seem that Santa, flying reindeer, snow and Christmas trees are the true meaning of Christmas for most people. Personally I have no problem with any of these traditions and trappings, they are part of my culture and heritage and I enjoy them. If people don’t choose to believe the true story behind the fantasy of fat men in red suits and magical flying reindeer, then that’s their choice. But if we claim to believe in the one who is the story we must not allow ourselves to be sucked in completely to a secular Christmas and we must take every opportunity to profess our belief about Christmas to our family, friends and acquaintances. At a time when the entire country is focused on celebrating the event perhaps, just perhaps, they may be a little more open than usual to the true story of the birth of our Saviour.

The story hasn’t changed it has just been confused. The truth hasn’t changed it has merely been hidden. So this Christmas expose the truth and clarify the story behind the most amazing event humanity has ever witnessed.

Just before you go a new rendition of Christmas is Coming:

Christmas is coming, Santa’s getting fat,

Wrap him up in tinfoil and feed him to the cat.

Put down your sweets and presents,

On the special Christmas morn,

And take the time to celebrate

our saviour being born.

Not my best but hopefully yule get the message. 

Merry Christmas and a joyous and peaceful New Year to all my readers.