The magic powers of Harry Potter have so fascinated the younger generation that Books of Spells, Casting Stones, etc., have become the most popular toys this Christmas. But, so I am told, it is only children who believe in that sort of thing.

Feng Shui and Zen, however, are much more serious adult matters. I was in a local Garden Store the other day and saw special wind chimes being advertised, with the promise that they distribute the Chi forces and improve the Feng Shui. On another table were various items associated with Zen, including a particular plant associated with the goddess who sits along side Buddha, which supposedly is associated with long life, harmony and prosperity.

Now it may be claimed that it is only a small percentage of the population who give any credence to such ideas. However, the extent of the advertising of these products would suggest otherwise. Perhaps it is merely that, while people do not actually believe in these ideas, they are prepared to go along with them just in case there is something there.

The same is true of the raft of New Age therapies that are on offer today. Most people know nothing of the pagan beliefs that lie behind them, they are simply looking for something that works for their particular problem. They are totally unaware of the possibility of spiritual harm that may come upon them from dabbling with such things.

What has this to do with Christmas? Simply that the message of Christmas is a message of God reaching down to us to rescue us. And God's saving work through Jesus is unique. What God did for us in sending His only Son is not just one among many possible answers to life's problems. It is the ONLY answer. There is no other Saviour, there is no other path to God, there is no other hope of Eternal Life and there is no other source of Holy Spirit power for living.

This message of exclusivity does not sit well with modern values of eclecticism and tolerance. But it is God's word, not ours. God did not make the enormous sacrifice of His Son just so we might have one more choice among many others. Jesus stepped down from heaven into this corrupt and sinful world, and suffered on the cross because there was NO OTHER WAY for us to be saved.

Harry Potter, Feng Shui and Zen are evidence that people are moving away from the Scientific Rationalism of former decades, and are more open to the spiritual realm. But only the Christ of Christmas and the Cross can bring real satisfaction to our spiritual needs.

Rev. John Davies
23 December 2001