The X Factor at Christmas
The final is now upon us. For some that will be with a sense of relief, for others the anticipation will be hard to bear. Whatever your thoughts of the show might be it is television at its ingenius best. It is not desperately expensive TV to produce. Into the bargain the public contribute huge sums to it every week by their calls and texts. It fuflils the market researchers every dream, draws in the advertisers and to boot hopefully produces the next marketable singing star in the process. The viewers too get lots of payback. They live out their own daydreams, particularly when they hear performers speak in their own local accent. That could be me! Ah, but do you have the “X Factor”? Would you rather be entertained, or be the entertainer? Sadly TV doesn’t always deliver what it appears to promise but one thing is certain it plays a huge part in shaping people’s thinking.
It would be an interesting question to ponder in a quieter moment. How much does TV influence, my thinking? Is it the “X Factor” in what prompts my life style choices? Does it influence my moral judgements more than I would care to admit? I think the idea of an “X Factor” is a good one. I guess most people are seeking such a notional ‘experience’ in their lives. That extra ‘zing’. There are no prizes for guessing that I have found that “X Factor” in Jesus Christ. I love this time of year which despite the hype offers a wonderful opportunity to encourage the world to focus on Him.