Most primary schools in UK have opted to stage secular plays in place of the Nativity story for Christmas. That is such a sad state of affairs. Their reason is that they are afraid to offend those students of other faiths. Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ and that is how it even got its name! The principals didn't become what they are for no reason. As principals, they have the right to decide to educate and enlighten the non-Christian students on the real meaning of Christmas. Yes, indeed the principals will fail in their duty as educators if this materialises.
I don't deny Scoorge or A Christmas Carol is a good story to share with the students but the values embodied, that of love, forgiveness and goodwill, really start with the Nativity story. Love is the reason Christ was born and forgiveness was seen in Joseph when he agreed to marry Mary despite having to father a child which wasn't his. Goodwill was wished upon all man by the angels who appeared to the shepherds to announce the Good News. I feel that this decision, if implemented, is a foolish one. Again, they are repeating history, back in 2004.
I would like to quote Oxford University Professor of Educational Studies Terence Copley's view here. He has said exactly what I feel. He said the idea that the nativity plays could offend other faiths was "crazy", that he has "never met a single Jew, Muslim, Sikh or Buddhist who has objected to the commemoration and celebration of the birth of Jesus." He feels that "if we avoid Christmas we are pandering to a secular minority and allowing the event to become all about commercialism, presents and self-indulgence."
The principals are just afraid it will happen but so far, no one has protested. I feel they are being paranoid here. England's royal family is Anglican. After all, the Church of England started with Henry VIII. This story is definitely in the country's culture, according to experts on religious education. The season of Christmas is already so materialistically celebrated in society. Isn't it a duty for the schools to set things right with the future generations?
So what if the students are of different ethnic races? The essence of learning is to be exposed to new things, especially for non-Christians. The school in Barking wants to learn about other cultures. It can still be done by discussing the different ways in which Christmas is celebrated in various countries but the Nativity story is an unchanged essentiality of the season. Another in Birmingham tries to apply the story to present times by changing the gifts of the Magis to social concepts. That is commendable but some things can't be watered down. The gifts should still stay as they are though thinking out of the box from them can be done.
My church choir has annual concerts and we usually work with a school choir. Most of the students in it are not Christians but they still sing carols on the birth of Jesus Christ. They get to learn about the true origin of Christmas in this way, like it or not. They then realise that Christmas is not just about parties, fashion and shopping. They have truly learnt.
Mr Rupert Kaye of the Association of Christian Teachers feels that "Christmas encourages all people to ponder the profound and sacred." Christmas is a sacred season after all.
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