Mary is a great example to all of us.

For many people Christmas is a time of loneliness and isolation. But that's probably a much more authentic Christmas experience than being surrounded by indulgent comfort.

I believe it is no accident that the mother of God's name means rebellion. 

I think perhaps what God delighted to see in Mary's heart was not compliance but rebellion. I think Mary looked round at the world saw its hypocrisy, its judgment, its restriction on authentic creativity, its stereotyping and thought: 'stuff this!' I'd rather have an adventure with God. 

So to all those who lie outside the boundaries of normalish this Christmas, lets have a cracking time enjoying our rebellion.

My advent thoughts on taxes