Just Jubb!

When I was working at a college on the 16th of December 2004  I sent a Christmas Email to everyone featuring a piece by Banksy.

These are the replies I received. 

Powerful message there.

Amanda

Sorry Si I think your taste in Christmas Greeting is appalling.

From the HR Team

I was Cc on this one (one of the names was the Principle)

Tim /Sue

I find this e-mail not suitable to be sent to all to deface religious images is offensive.

K

I find this offensive. 

Sara Elliot

I was then asked to explain myself.

From:

Si Carruthers  

To:

All 

Cc:

Subject:

xmas 

Sent:

17/12/2004 11:02 

Importance:

Normal 

To All,

I have been asked to explain myself for the email that I sent to you all yesterday.

The included image by Banksy “Christ with Shopping Bags” is a conscious statement highlighting the commercialisation /consumerisation of the Christian Celebration of Christmas in our culture.

It was not intended as a joke, it was intended to make people think.

si carruthers

Then these emails followed.

Fair do’s boy!

Emily

isnt christmas a christian plagarism of the pagan winter solstice festival, the decoration taken from the egyptian night of life …….

can’t we just buy nice pressies, enjoy our families and have a break at the bleakest part of the year? 

bon noel

good on you si, we’d like you in sackcloth & ashes, in the christmas party for a thorough public scourging. Welcome to the mea culpa club. I sympathise.

lee

And that is exacly what it made the people in this room do. 

Thanks

Understood at the time.  Very thought provoking.

Sheila

Hi Si 

I lecture in Basic Skills Numeracy over in the Skills Unit and am the minister of the local Elim Church here in Weymouth.Saw the challenging email yesterday and read your answer today. Yep I agree its Christmas not foodmas or drinkmas or spend as much as you can mass. Jesus is the reason for the season!! He’s the focus of the festival!! the centre of the celebration! Knowing Him is the true joy of the birth life death and coming alive of Jesus isn’tit!! Whoops almost got into sermon mode!!

Saw this poem recently 

CAN THIS BE CHRISTMAS? 

What’s all this hectic rush and worry? 

Where go these crowds who run and curry? 

Why all the lights — the Christmas trees? 

The jolly “fat man,” tell me please! 

Why, don’t you know? This is the day 

For parties and for fun and play; 

Why this is Christmas!

So this is Christmas, do you say? 

But where is Christ this Christmas day? 

Has He been lost among the throng? 

His voice drowned out by empty song? 

No. He’s not here — you’ll find Him where 

Some humble soul now kneels in prayer, 

Who knows the Christ of Christmas. 

But see the many aimless thousands 

Who gather on this Christmas Day, 

Whose hearts have never yet been opened, 

Or said to Him, “Come in to stay.”

In countless homes the candles burning, 

In countless hearts expectant yearning 

For gifts and presents, food and fun, 

And laughter till the day is done. 

But not a tear of grief or sorrow 

For Him so poor He had to borrow 

A crib, a colt, a boat, a bed 

Where He could lay His weary head. 

I’m tired of all this empty celebration, 

Of feasting, drinking, recreation;

I’ll go instead to Calvary. 

And there I’ll kneel with those who know 

The meaning of that manger low, 

And find the Christ — this Christmas. 

I leap by faith across the years 

To that great day when He appears 

The second time, to rule and reign, 

To end all sorrow, death, and pain. 

In endless bliss we then shall dwell 

With Him who saved our souls from hell, 

And worship Christ — not Christmas!

I am actually shortlisted for the position of the Free church college chaplain interviews on Jan 7th 

Anyway very brave of you to send the piece out well done!! 

Have a great refreshing relaxing Christmas break and enjoy a contagiously joyful time

Geoff

I got the message.  I did wonder how it would go down with some.  What area do you work in?

Amanda

damn right. Don’t let the bastards grind you down

Thanks for this this Si 

Peter

well i liked it!

Lemon x