You may have seen this interesting exchange on CNN between ‘America’s top infectious diseases expert’ Dr Anthony Fauci and CNN anchor Jake Tapper. Dr Fauci gave his view that even with the COVID vaccine, business as usual would not be possible until next year.

Reader, take a look at Tapper’s face as he replies: ‘So, not until the second or third quarter of 2021, though? Christmas is probably not going to be possible?’

CNN’s Jake Tapper this morning: “Christmas is probably not gonna be possible.” pic.twitter.com/z56ifNCr3G

— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) November 15, 2020

Say it ain’t so, good doctor! Does this mean we don’t get presents?

Well, Cockburn has got news for Mr Tapper. Governments, and health officials may run — and increasingly ruin — our lives. But they do not control Christmas. It is not thanks to them that we have this vital religious holiday.

It’s not possible to cancel the birth of Christ. No matter what the state decides about lockdowns or social distancing, Our Lord will come to the manger in Bethlehem by dawn on December 25. The angels are not being canceled; the shepherds will not be socially distancing; Christians will be rejoicing as per usual when the Incarnation is made manifest to mankind. CNN cannot cancel Christmas and neither can Congress. Pass the word; Christ will still be born and the world will be made glad in 2020. Perhaps CNN can share the good news on the day. Or will they not accept that the world is saved until Joe Biden is ensconced in the White House?