ONE of the recurring themes of the Faith Viewpoints is the scepticism of some correspondents in the comments section: scepticism about every aspect of a Christian’s relationship with Jesus, about the reality of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. I must admit to some questions about why these sceptics continue to read the column.

And so to the four weeks of Advent, and then Christmas. Scepticism can have a field day, if it wants. Christmas started as a pagan festival but was converted by the gospel many centuries ago, taken over as a means to help disciples focus on Jesus. Many will argue that it is a good thing that the festival is hardly Christian any more. Lost to commercialism; hooray.

The trouble with the gospel is that it does not know when to lie down and roll over. It keeps reappearing in different ways: Christ’s mass, now accompanied by carol services, Christingle services, twee calls to “Put Christ back into Christmas” or to “Remember the reason for the season”.

Sceptics must not give up, or there might be a resurgence of the gospel. Of people following Jesus. Of lives changed for the better. And a (re)discovery of the evidence behind it all. For there is high-quality evidence for the gospel. For Jesus. For God. Incredulity notwithstanding.

Not everyone is willing to examine the gospel with an open mind. But a good way to start doing so would be to attend a Christingle or carol service and talk with someone whose life has been changed by Jesus.

Dr Alex G Stewart, Coniston Christian Fellowship