'Time to press pause'
The digital revolution is driving us apart – Christmas TV can bring Britain back together, says the Bishop of London
Mark Harrison
Much of my Christmas is spent in church. That comes with the job. For Christians, Christmas has always been a time to come together and celebrate the birth of Jesus. For those of different or no faith, it still has a way of bringing people together – an invisible pull back to family and friends, no matter what the year has thrown our way.
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But some of my warmest recollections from Christmasses gone by are the memories made at home, whether around the dining table, opening gifts or in front of the TV. I still vividly remember times as a very young girl when my family, after spending the morning at church, gathered around the black-and-white set to watch the Queen’s speech. During my years working as a nurse, and many Christmas days spent on shift, I would look forward to coming home to relax in front of the TV using Radio Times to highlight what to watch.
Though this tradition has remained a constant in my family, the way in which we as a nation consume TV and media throughout the year has changed beyond recognition. Since my childhood, our lives have become more and more dominated by the instant gratification available through our mobile phones and social media. Streaming sites have sought to displace traditional channels, allowing us to watch whatever we want whenever we want it. With that, the act of watching TV has become more solitary and insular – a far cry from the years many of us remember of three channels and one set per household. I can’t help thinking that for all the technological advances and abundance of choice, something has been lost.
Christmas now feels like one of the few times a year when we can unapologetically press pause on the incessant demands of the modern world and truly be present with family and loved ones; that includes precious hours spent around the TV; laughing together, crying together, being together. The fact that this is more of a rarity today makes these moments of togetherness all the more special.
This year's Call the Midwife Christmas Special. BBC
During these times of division, there is something incredibly moving about the fact that millions of people, regardless of their beliefs, will choose to watch the same shows. This collective act of togetherness belies the claims we so often hear; that this is a disunited kingdom, fractious and broken. Though there is of course much that separates the nation, Christmas reminds us that there is always more that unites than divides us.
Looking ahead to this year’s TV, I’m eagerly awaiting the Call the Midwife and Great British Bake Off specials – and of course the King’s Christmas message. More than seven million people tuned in last year, the sort of figures you only get nowadays with sport or a hit drama. Though viewing figures aren’t what they used to be, I sense that the enduring cultural impact of British TV, and the role it plays in bringing us together, will remain steadfast despite the ever-changing technological landscape.
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I pray that wherever you find yourself this Christmas, whoever you’re with and whatever you’re watching, you’re able to spend time with those you love. And, if you are at a loss, there is always a church ready to welcome you.
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