INTERVIEW: Stephen Poxon

Writer Stephen Poxon discusses his new book With Dickens at Christmas: Fifty-three Christian reflections to enjoy at this festive time of year …

 

Why is it often said by some that Dickens ‘invented Christmas’?

It’s probably fair to say that Christmas had “fallen into disrepair” as a consequence of Puritan disapproval.

The great season of celebrating the incarnation of Christ’s birth had fallen foul of religious strictures, and the joy had disappeared.

Dickens deployed his genius as a writer to establish a sense of celebration into the nation’s psyche: his stories resonated with themes of reconciliation, generosity, goodwill, and deep emotion.

Almost everything Charles Dickens wrote about Christmas ignited what we might feel is the true spirit of the season, stirring minds and hearts.

How should readers approach With Dickens at Christmas?

In a word – Enjoy!

The book is crafted in such a way that Christian devotions are framed with warmth, empathy, and kindness: hallmarks of the love of God expressed at Bethlehem.

Dickens covers stories that reach deeply into the human condition, and my hope is that the truest sense of “Emmanuel - God with us” will resonate on each page.

The readings are designed to reassure, bringing reminders of that great love.

How did you go about matching extracts from Dickens with NIV Bible verses and carols?

That was such a privilege!

To be honest, the work did itself insofar as, while I was reading an extract from Dickens, a Bible verse came to mind. Something I read from Charles Dickens, for example, reminded me of a Bible story, in that so many elements naturally and easily combine.

In terms of choosing carols, I bought a very old carol book online and simply ploughed my way through, carol by carol it until I found something I considered suitable. I discovered some ancient gems along the way!

Do you have a favourite Christmas related extract from Dickens’s writing and why?

If push came to shove, I would need to say I find Charles Dickens’ little work “The Chimes” one of my favourites, even though it is not particularly well known, generally.

I love “The Chimes” because it demonstrates Dickens’ absolute genius in describing people and circumstances. His attention to detail is wonderful, and his word pictures are a delight to read.

Anything in the book I have linked to “The Chimes”, therefore, gets my vote, simply because the themes were a joy to extract.

How can the work of Charles Dickens remind people of the faith element to a Christmas season that is increasingly secular in the way it is celebrated?

I am a firm believer in the fact that secularism can only take us so far.

The human heart – the soul – cannot be adequately filled by secular pleasures, however enjoyable they might be. I feel they are only ever temporary, whereas the much deeper themes of Dickens’ stories – love, forgiveness, worship, purpose – offer elements secularism cannot match.

These themes belong to the glowing heart of Christmas, even if they often appear to be overlooked.

That light shines in the darkness, and cannot be extinguished. By the grace of God, here is always a gentle undercurrent of that divine light present.

Can you recommend a prayer for us to keep in mind this Christmas?

My personal favourite line, from any Christmas carol is: “God and sinners reconciled” (from “Hark! The herald angels sing”).

My prayer, therefore, would be:

Lord Jesus,

We celebrate your incarnation:
Light in our darkness,

Saviour for our sin,

Grace giver to our lives.
You stepped down from glory to offer reconciliation:

“God with us.”

Thank you for the gift of Yourself.
Draw us closer to your love, this Christmas.

Stephen Poxon is a writer. He has edited a number of devotionals, including Through the Year with Catherine Booth; Through the Year with William Booth; Through the Year with the Pilgrim Fathers; Through the Year with John Wesley; Through the Year with Charles Wesley; Through the Year with John Newton; and At the Master’s Side.

With Dickens at Christmas: Fifty-three Christian reflections for this festive time of year by Stephen Poxon is available now in hardback, priced £14.99.