I have just discovered the amazing album, Strange Communion by Thea Gilmore. I cannot recommend it highly enough. On the song, Book of Christmas, I was challenged by this lyric:

There was a star in the east

Magi in their turbans brought their luxury toys

In homage to a child born to capsize their values, wreck their equapoise

       A smell of hay like peace in the dark stable, not peace however

      but a sword to cut the gaudy and knot of self-interest

      the fool-proof golden cord

      for Christ walked in where philosophers tread

      but armed with more than folly

      making the smooth place rough

       and knocking the heads of church and state together.

     In honour we have taken over the pagan feast of satanalia

     for our annual treat.

     Letting the belly have its say.

     Ignoring the spirit whilst we eat.

     And conscience still goes crying through the desert

       with sackcloth round his loins.

     A week to Christmas.

     Hark the Herald Angels beg for copper coins

    Thea Gilmore -Book of Christmas