Blessing of the Nativity Scene

So having had to “cancel hogmany” a few years ago, we found ourselves “cancelling Christmas” on Sunday, or at least the blessing of the Nativity Scene which sits at the bottom of the Mound in Edinburgh’s historic city centre. The wind and rain might have made for an authentic nativity experience but there was areal danger of some-one getting hurt. We managed to hold an indoor version up in the city chamber. It was a bit chaotic but well worth it, especially with St Peters Choir, backed by the Exile Choir, who were all ourstanding. I really like the Nativity Scene. Gifted by Sir Tom Farmer, it sits at the heart of the marketplace, a reminder that Christmas is a story about hope and forgiveness not consumption and wealth. It also is a clear statement that far from banning religous symbols, they can add to our self understanding. By that I mean symbols of all religions, not simply those from my own faith community. No matter what each person believes, symbols of all faiths allow us to reflect on our own belief decisions, even if that is to believe in nothing. Banning symbols of faith is asking us to stop thinking about what is truely significant and meaningful about life and the living of life. Banning religious symbols takes away from all our living, not just those of faith.