Like something reminiscent of a fairground ventriloquist’s dummy we had the Prime Minister of the UK endlessly repeating his chant “Get Brexit Done”!   All through the election hustling’s the refrain rang out from his lips.   It was incorporated into the answer to almost every question.   It reduced public debate to a mindless mantra – but it won him the election!

This was an election where words carried a hidden meaning.   Brexit was always the elephant in the room.   The phrase “get Brexit done” meant leave the EU and to be silent on this issue was the equivalent of saying “I wish to remain in the EU”.   Other major issues such as Health and Housing were dismissed by pledges of enormous sums of money to put them right!

The election itself was theatre on a grand scale!   The National Broadcasting Co of the UK – the BBC, dramatised the proceedings by illustrating the country on a large floor map composed largely of red (Labour) and blue (Conservative) tiles.   Initially they showed the current holders of the seats but as the night wore on the colours changed to reflect the gains and losses.    Enthusiasm was high at each counting centre and votes were counted, stacked and checked at great speed.   

This view of democracy in action was beamed around the world by the BBC World Service.   There was an absence of bloodshed, which blights so many overseas elections and often results in the army taking charge, turning the event into a military dictatorship.   

Of course many countries do not give their people a choice in how they are to be governed.   The individual has no say in addressing needs and righting wrongs.   But in lands where the Bible is read and those in authority prayed for, those governing do not have to resort to strong arm tactics.   2 Timothy Chapter 2 verses 1 to 6 are key: – First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and    quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.     For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 

And that proper time we remember at this time of year: – When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the  law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.    And we enter this relationship by faith in the ransom Christ Jesus has paid for us!