Archbishop commends Nigella's 'theological truth'
Updated on 25 December 2008
Nigella Lawson has uncovered a "theological truth" by urging families not to strive for perfection this Christmas, the Archbishop of Wales has claimed.
Dr Barry Morgan said that instead of aiming for the ideal day, we should live in the "real world", as Nigella suggested by saying it was acceptable to have chips for Christmas lunch.
Preaching his Christmas Day sermon at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff, Dr Morgan said the lyrics of songs such as White Christmas, and even carols like Away in a Manger, contributed to the creation of unrealistic expectations.
He said: "It points to an idyllic kind of world where everything is in place and all is well.
"Perfect weather for a perfect season where we all enjoy wonderful food, presents that we want against a background of a perfect holy family sitting in total contentment, in a stable that bears no relationship at all to any stable that I have ever come across."
He said domestic goddess Nigella Lawson "spoils it all" by telling women not to succumb to pressure.
"While it may be too late for you this year to go for the Nigella Lawson solution, she has, in fact, highlighted a profound theological truth, perhaps unwittingly," Dr Morgan said.
"Christmas is not about perfection, viewed either from the human or divine perspective.
"It is not about a baby, born in pristine condition, into a perfect world.
"It is about God, in Christ coming into a messy world, precisely because it is all messed up.
"And the trouble with us is that we are so hooked on looking for perfection, that we are in danger of failing to understand the true significance of this feast."
The Archbishop said televised talent shows were also to blame for putting people under pressure to be perfect.
He added: "So the X Factor judges regard as total rubbish anyone who is less than perfect in their eyes as they search for a flawless performance.
"Strictly Come Dancing judges couldn't cope with John Sargeant because he couldn't dance perfectly and never claimed to, and I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here looks for a flawless celebrity able to withstand all kinds of humiliations without blinking an eyelid.
"TV shows reinforce this image of perfection that we seem to long for."
Dr Morgan told the congregation that God was with people whose lives were far from perfect, from those in war-torn regions to everyone affected by the credit crunch.
He added: "Christmas is not about escapism into some perfect world - it is about the real world, God dealing with the world as it is where so much is wrong, where there is so much pain, suffering and anguish."
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