A CHURCH leader will hit back at political correctness and controversies surrounding the festive period in his Christmas Day sermon.

The Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Nicholas Reade, is set to use his annual Christmas address at Blackburn Cathedral to encourage his congregation to raise the profile of Christianity.

His speech is responding to recent issues such as the banning Nativity plays and replacing Happy Christmas' greetings with Winterval', a fusion of the words winter and festival to describe all festivities taking place around the end of the year.

In his speech Rt Rev Reade will also refer to an incident earlier this month where the Dean of Blackburn, The Very Rev Christopher Armstrong, could not send out his Christmas cards with stamps showing the Madonna and Child because the Post Office had a shortage of them as fewer had been printed.

Rt Rev Reade is expected to say: "The Christian community needs to be far more visible - not less.

"We need to move from temporary debates about stamps to calling, in God's name, for the recognition of his presence and his power in all we do.

"The supposed reason for such actions has been sensitivity to other faiths, although our friends in other faiths appear to share no such objections.

"Perhaps it points to a deeper problem? After the revelation of glory through the birth of Jesus, both shepherds and wise men went back' to their flocks and their own countries'.

"That's also the challenge for the Church each Christmas; not to keep our faith isolated to special festivals but to let it flow through each and every day.

"It is the responsibility of every Christian to be Christ's ambassadors, wherever we are, each day living out Luke's vision of the servant king', subverting the celebrity values of our fragmented society with his kingdom values of humility and care for all.

"We too must go out and tell others. We too must praise God.

"So we must not be shy when reminding the world that Christmas is much more than it may seem to most people. It is not about how much we spend. It is about how much God has spent on us."

Colin Rigby, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "I totally agree with the Bishop.

"The majority of the Muslims in this community don't have a problem with Christmas.

"It's a small number of liberals who don't want to offend anyone.

"it is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. I'm delighted somebody is speaking out for once.

"I don't understand why there is controversy surrounding Christmas."

Salim Mulla, vice chair of Lancashire Council of Mosques, said: "Faith is a very important element in everybody's day to day life.

"I think it is very positive, I support the Bishop because faith is very important especially at this time of year for every religion.

"I don't think Christmas should be toned down. It is a very important part of the Christian faith."

Gordon Birtwistle, leader of Burnley Council said: "I'm a traditionalist.

"I believe in nativities in the town centre and spending time with the family at Christmas.

"I agree with the Bishop and if he wants to raise the profile of Christianity it has to be a good thing.

"There is nothing wrong with it.

"I have many Muslim friends who have celebrated Eid and recognise Christmas is an important festival in this country.

"We all come from the same place and end in the same place. It's what we do in between that counts. We have to accept everyone's differences."