At this time of year, I am reminded of Thomas Hardy’s poem “The Oxen” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83cHvz5u39s

Hardy recollects “elders” talking about the oxen kneeling on Christmas Eve to worship Christ. He then goes on to say that few would now believe such things, but ends by saying that where he to be asked to go and see the animals kneeling he would go “hoping it might be so”.

As an agnostic (or, perhaps a cowardly atheist), I share Hardy’s view. I to would go to see the oxen kneel “hoping it might be so.”

A very happy Christmas to all of my readers. May your Christmas be full of warmth and happiness.

Kevin