I’m not a big fan of Christmas! This is the first of several contentious statements to be found in this article and one unlikely to bother all that much the anti free speech brigade.

One of my Facebook friends posted this statement this morning on his page: “ALSO I AGREE WITH TOMMY ROBINSON’s ‘UNITE THE KINGDOM’ PUT CHRIST BACK INTO CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION IN LONDON ON 13 DECEMBER – WELL DONE TOMMY!”. Also recently, two other Facebook friends have posted on their page quite the opposite sentiment.

Following my posting yesterday: “Andrew Bridgen and Reiner Fuellmich; why I won’t shut up” (see here), I wanted to move onto something quite different in my writing endeavours, but given what I see as a great divide now affecting my beloved country, represented by some Christians who I have a good deal of respect for, who see things quite differently, I decided that I ought to weigh in, in the spirit of wanting to establish truth, unity and peace.

In order to keep this relatively short by not rewinding the old gramophone record and being the nerd that I am – wanting to define terms and establish positions so you know what I’m talking about, I thought it best to give readers who are interested enough a chance to check out what those terms and positions are by giving links to some of my recent blogs that relate to what I want to say:

1. Some personal reflections as a result of yesterday’s “Uniting the Kingdom” London event – for my thoughts on a recent event convened by Tommy Robinson.
2. Far Right, Far Left, Flying Flags, Newton’s Laws, and a Warning – for my thoughts on the over use in a pejorative sense of the term “Far Right”.
3. Waving the flag for Britain – for my thoughts on why recently people have been raising Union and St. George’s flags up and down country, to vent their feelings.
4. Tommy Robinson is a hero – for my thoughts concerning this much maligned man by many that even Nigel Farage is prepared to throw under the bus.
5. Is Immigration the Elephant in the Room? – for my thoughts on a subject that has many strings attached to it and one that is seen as one of the most divisive facing us.
6. “Nationalism”, “Gnosticism”, “Idolatry”, “Digital IDs” and “Palestine” – for my attempts at defining terms (pertinent here – nationalism as it gets the anti TR brigade worked up).

As for my two “anti” friends and the articles they posted (one by a Baptist and one by an Anglican), which I should add made pertinent points about the true meaning of Christmas and ones that I hope the Tommy Robinson event will take on board, these are the links:

1. What will Unite the Kingdom’s rally really put into Christmas?
2. Responding to Tommy Robinson’s Christmas rally – by Al Barrett

As for the Tommy Robinson event, when I asked Meta AI “what is being planned for the Tommy Robinson put Christ back into Christmas event?” it informed me: “Tommy Robinson’s “Put Christ Back into Christmas” event is scheduled for December 13 in London, with the venue yet to be confirmed. The event aims to “reclaim and celebrate our heritage, culture, and Christian identity,” according to its description. However, the event has sparked controversy, with some Christian leaders criticizing Robinson’s involvement, citing his past actions and associations with far-right groups. They argue that his event may be using Christianity to promote divisive ideologies”.

Premier Christian News informs us: “Controversial far-right activist Tommy Robinson has announced a Christmas carol event in London, as a follow up to the Unite the Kingdom rally. Robinson has encouraged followers to “put Christ back into Christmas” at the event on 13th December, to be held at an outdoor venue yet to be confirmed. The service description reads: “This event marks the beginning of a new Christian revival in the UK – a moment to reclaim and celebrate our heritage, culture, and Christian identity.” It also reminded us, concerning September’s “Unite the Kingdom” rally, of a letter that was written by way of condemnation by several Christian leaders representing different denominations, concerning that event, referring for example to the use of Christian symbols, including the statement: “Any co-opting or corrupting of the Christian faith to exclude others is unacceptable.”

Phew! Having got all that out of the way, let me share my thoughts … About the two articles from my detractor friends, both made important points and raised serious concerns. Both recognised some of the frustrations of those who had attended the first Tommy Robinson event and will attend his second (Christmas) one. Both raised, perhaps fairly, disquiet that the reason for the season could be highjacked and give unwelcomed fuel to those undesirables pushing their version of a “them and us” agenda. However, both gave little indication of understanding the fundamental concerns of those who feel aggrieved at what is happening to their country and at the Unite the Kingdom event merely wanted to vent their feelings. These included being let down by the Unholy Trinity: politicians of all parties, including Reform; the mainstream media, who lie if only by withholding relevant information; and societal elites, the people who run the country and those who are responsible for institutions that one should be looking up to, e.g. the Criminal Justice system. Worst of all, many feel let down by the church who ought to be taking a lead by pointing us in the way to go, but has dismally failed. They look elsewhere for those who might champion their concerns. Tommy, love him or loathe him, is one place where many look!

The first share read like a Tommy Robinson hit piece and included the sort of vile typically raised against Tommy by his influential, when it comes to shaping public perception, detractors. On top of that, it was full of inaccuracies, e.g. around Tommy’s recent contempt of court imprisonment where he sought to expose what was really behind the Jamal Hijazi case and was told he couldn’t. Then the second one did one no favours with statements suggesting the TR Christmas event would be pushing “versions of the Christmas message that feel so contrary to this inclusive heart of our faith?” and it was led by exemplars of those exhibiting an “aggressive ‘Christian nationalism’ emerging in our country”. As for Premier, that back in the day was an entity I was an enthusiast for and hoped would lead the way in providing items that contained content that represented truth and balance to its largely Christian audience and beyond, it disappointed by employing the pejorative “Far Right” description of Tommy Robinson, giving room for his detractors when making their comments, but not to his supporters.

[Edit 07/12/2025: another of my nice detractor Christian friends (in fact it was three) posted a link to the following Guardian article on his Facebook page. It is titled: “C of E to challenge Tommy Robinson’s ‘put Christ back into Christmas’ message” (see here). It begins: “The Church of England is to launch a poster campaign aimed at challenging the anti-migrant message of Tommy Robinson, whose “Unite the Kingdom” movement has urged its supporters to join a carols event next weekend to “put the Christ back into Christmas”“. No doubt, we will see more reports of objections to the TR event (and supporting ones) in coming days!]

As I write, I know too little about the event that has got these various Christian big hitters so worked up. I haven’t seen, for example, a response to the concerns that have been raised. If I were on the event’s organising committee, I would counsel that it put out a press release concerning what the event is about and trying to allay the concerns even if not addressing the assortment of misreporting by those who should know better. I hope too, the latest event will be about God’s agenda (as the poster above would have us believe) for celebrating the Christmas story and not anyone else’s. I hope it might include a call for us to bless “the them” as well as “the us”. I can’t help feeling, with the detrimental responses by the anti TR clergy referred to above, many attending the event wouldn’t attend their churches (who can blame them if patronising, condescending, dismissive attitudes are only going to be repeated) but, praise God, they can still go to where the Gospel will be preached, and even should it turn out to be by those doing so from wrong motives!

I dare say, many of my detractor friends have hopes for the much reported “Quiet Revival”. Not that I want to take any credit, but while I have long been reporting on the possibility and even likelihood of a civil war, involving even the two sides of the debate I have touched on being on opposite sides, I have given reason to hope in Him who has never left His Throne. I have little doubt my country is in a mess and going down a dangerous path. While I get why folk with particular concerns (many which I share regarding the direction the country is heading) go on demos, I counsel NOT to put our hope in politicians, human cleverness or stopping or getting rid of foreigners that won’t integrate or respect our laws and customs, but rather in God. Just as in the case of the eighteenth century Wesley revival that may have averted a civil war so might today’s “Quiet Revival” do the same, attracting, among others, Tommy Robinson supporters and other deplorables. For all its faults, insensitivities, inclusion of bad actors etc., I am hopeful that this much criticised, by much of the church hegemony, TR event will deliver in a good way, and that it will continue where the last one left of by turning, often unlikely, folk to the God of the Bible.

I am sad to note the number of Christians from different churches, especially those in leadership, some who I know and respect, condemning Saturday’s TR event rather than considering the many positives, as well as failing to understand what is going on in my nation that get many of those who will attend so worked up. They may even be opposing what God is doing, something that has been a recurring theme throughout history and something that all Christians to be mindful off. I don’t dismiss some who attend may indeed adopt a “them and us” or nationalist or Far Right in the bad sense attitude, and understand why detractors are sceptical given TR’s bad ass record. But they should also accept that those attending may also be doing so out of a concern that the UK has lost its traditional cultural identity, which not so long ago had the Babe of Bethlehem, who was to become the Saviour of the World, as its Christmas focus, and are now being forced to adopt an unwelcomed alien one. But I rejoice they will be attending and will learn of God’s solution to their woes, which is encapsulated in the Christmas story.

Having now done my bit by writing and returning to watching and praying, I will let God decide on the rights and wrongs, whys and wherefores, etc. I pray that this event will be all about Him and will draw people into His Kingdom. May human egos be put aside and God get all the glory. I end by letting Chris Wickland, a pastor who attended the September TR event, who will speak at Saturday’s “Put Christ back into Christmas” event, have the last word …

“Across Britain and Europe, a sense of unease has begun to take shape among those who watch cultural and spiritual trends closely. The impression is a turbulent season may be approaching – deep unrest, social fracture, and the shaking of long-trusted institutions. This emerging picture suggests that Britain is heading toward a period of intense upheaval. The language used by those who perceive these shifts is stark: a clash of worlds, a season marked by chaos, discipline, and reckoning. Many foresee the possibility of armed conflict, accompanied by economic decline and governmental instability. Even established churches that have abandoned historic Christian teaching appear vulnerable to collapse. What lies ahead is described as a great humbling – a tightening spiral of disorder within the nation. Internal conflict is anticipated, not quite to the level of civil war yet still marked by violence on the streets. Some foresee Islamic uprising contributing to the unrest, adding another layer of confusion and volatility. Yet within this bleak scenario, a surprising countercurrent emerges. Alongside turmoil comes the expectation of spiritual renewal. Many believe that, in such a climate, large numbers will turn to Christ, seeking hope and clarity. New leaders – spiritual, prophetic, and political – are thought to be preparing quietly in the background, ready to step forward when the pressure reaches a breaking point. Voices now dismissed or opposed may become the very ones offering guidance when chaos descends”.

Edit 10/12/25: Today I asked AI: “Can you provide me the latest information concerning the location, actual times and detailed program for this Saturday’s “Put Christ back into Christmas event”?” and it responded …

The “Put Christ Back into Christmas” event is happening this Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Whitehall, Central London, starting at 2 pm.

Here’s what you can expect:

– Bible Readings & Reflections: Priests, pastors, ministers, and a bishop will lead you through the powerful story of Christ’s birth and the hope it brings.

– Live Music & Worship: Enjoy uplifting worship from a dynamic gospel band and breathtaking performances from opera singers.

– Testimonies of Transformation: Hear moving personal stories from Christians sharing how their lives were changed by their journey to Jesus Christ.

– A Revival Gathering: Celebrate the birth of Jesus with believers from across the nation.

This event is organized by Unite The Kingdom, aiming to honor the true meaning of Christmas and stand boldly for the heart of the faith: Christ is Christmas.

Also see here and here for more info concerning the event.

Interestingly, as predicted, Christian voices, both supporting and criticising the event, continue to make themselves heard, typically through social media. One that I found particularly helpful, because of its thoughtful, articulate and gentle presentation was by ex-C of E Bishop Gavin Ashenden (see here).

As for the “Christian” voices opposing the event, drawing in decent folk in support, the following warning could apply …