What does Christmas mean to you?

I have just been to a carol service. OK, you might say, it is Christmas.

But what will it be like on the day? 4am, 5am, 6 or even 7, if you are lucky, screams of delight will be echoing through the land, followed either by 'oh wow look at this', or 'but I didn't want one of these', or 'Father Christmas promised me....', or 'it's not working, are there any batteries?' Then tears as something gets broken. Wrapping paper and plastic containers will be scattered round bedrooms and lounges as one present is followed by another.

Cut to lunch. Family, parents and in-laws, a deadly combination at any time, but with three women in the kitchen the turkey is not going to be the only thing attacked by the carving knife. Steam everywhere, sprouts not ready, spuds starting to go dark brown at the edges, and shouts of 'come and get this wretched bird out of the oven 'cos I can't lift it'. Then, with everyone sitting around the table, ma-in-law pipes up with 'where's the gravy?'

Cut to after lunch. Men, ma and ma-in-law are dozing in front of the 54" wide screen, dipping into the tins of sweets, while a silently fuming daughter is trying to bring some order to the kitchen which looks like the aftermath of a mini twister. Then various snacks and mince pies appear and no-one dares move for fear of internal combustion. The Queen's speech is drowned by snoring.

Cut to tea. Turkey sarnies. Turkey pasties. A buffet of meats, salads, gateaux, Christmas cake, you name it and it will appear. And after tea - oh joy, family games. Cards, Monopoly, Scrabble, Twister, the list goes on. Then, full of e-numbers, chocolate and alcohol the visitors depart, dragging screaming kids

Repeat on Boxing Day, usually with friends or more relatives.

I know this all sounds somewhat cynical but I have experienced it myself, though not all at the same time! And a lot of families have perfectly civil and enjoyable days.

Back to the Carol Service. For me, this is what Christmas is all about. The birth of a child who changed the world, and in the aftermath of his life on earth, still is. During Advent four taper candles, three purple and one pink, are lit, one every Sunday, and a larger white candle on Christmas Day. The purple represents repentance and the pink joy. Eucharists are held at various times and in different churches on Christmas eve.

Symbolism perhaps, but a reminder of whose birth we are celebrating, as we would any other birthday. Perhaps commercialism has overshadowed the real reason for the festival but the baby in the manger isn't going anywhere; The true message of Christmas has inspired every generation since. He might get buried under piles of wrapping paper and food but he won't get thrown out with the garbage. Jesus Christ is here to stay :)