Stop worshipping at altar of shops and remember what Christmas is all about

But what was going on in some (too few?) churches beyond the customary nativity plays?

It is to be hoped that because any society will be judged by its treatment of those at its margins, the essential link between Christianity and politics was proclaimed. To adapt Immanuel Kant, “Religion without politics is empty;  politics without religion is blind.”

I hope that the words from The Magnificat from Luke’s Gospel were announced in ringing tones throughout the land: “He has filled the hungry with good things and the rich he has sent away empty.”

And in 21st-century language Archbishop John Sentamu of York was affirming: “Many are being swept away in the storms of poverty and deprivation; others, relying on the apparent good life of experiential satisfaction of individualism and consumerism, are losing contact with the virtues which sustain us”.

It is thus the role of the Church not only to be “a voice for the powerless, the weak and the dispossessed” but to lead in creating “a shared vision of what our society should aim to be.”

The politicians are failing us. Now we must listen to Jesus, who was born in squalor, the son of refugees. The forces of wealth, power and privilege will seem, at times, insurmountable – but there is always Easter.

John Milne

Ardgowan Drive, Uddingston

I write in response to Neil Barber’s comments regarding David Cameron’s reference to Christianity in his Christmas message (Letters, 28 December). My dictionary defines Christmas as “the annual Christian festival celebrating Christ’s birth”.

It is wholly appropriate for Christians to celebrate this period following advent and continuing through until 5 January.

I find it inappropriate that those who scorn and dismiss the whole reality of Christ’s birth also celebrate this time of year and wish each other a merry Christmas.

Olive Bell

Randolph Crescent, Dunbar