London Mayor Sadiq Khan appeared visibly uneasy during a Christmas carol performance over the weekend, as he joined attendees in singing “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” specifically the line “glory to the newborn King,” which affirms the divinity and kingship of Jesus Christ. Footage from the event shows Khan briefly wiping his hand on his coat, glancing around the venue, and mouthing the words with hesitation as the choir and crowd continued the hymn.
Khan, a practicing Muslim, would theologically reject the Christian belief that Christ is King or divine which may explain the moment of apparent discomfort. Islam teaches that Jesus is a prophet, not a divine ruler, and observant Muslims typically avoid reciting lines that explicitly proclaim Christian doctrine. Still, the mayor often attends Christian events as part of his job as mayor and has in the past praised the city's Christians.
In past comments to Premier Christian News, Khan highlighted his respect for the Christian community, calling himself “humbled” by charitable work. "London is a very special place at Christmas and it’s a great time of year to visit the capital and get into the festive spirit. For me, the celebrations begin with the lighting of the traditional Norwegian Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square followed by the switch-on of the lights that illuminate our world-famous shopping streets. It’s a fantastic spectacle and a reminder that Christmas is the fulfilment of the promise to bring light to the world. From early December until Christmas Eve, Trafalgar Square hosts traditional carol singing. Different choirs perform every day, raising money for charities and filling the Square with joy, song and festive cheer,” he said in a previous interview.
Khan has also talked about the cultural value of Christmas celebrations in the capital, saying he appreciates “a good sing-along” and praising the carol services held throughout the city.
"I love a good sing-along and there’s nothing like a rousing rendition of ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ to put me in the Christmas spirit. Here in London, we are privileged to have some of the most beautiful churches in the world, and each year I hold a Christmas Carol service in the glorious Southwark Cathedral. This year the service’s central theme was new beginnings and renewed hope, something we can all embrace as we look towards a brighter, more opportune, future for all Londoners."
Khan, a practicing Muslim, would theologically reject the Christian belief that Christ is King or divine which may explain the moment of apparent discomfort. Islam teaches that Jesus is a prophet, not a divine ruler, and observant Muslims typically avoid reciting lines that explicitly proclaim Christian doctrine. Still, the mayor often attends Christian events as part of his job as mayor and has in the past praised the city's Christians.
In past comments to Premier Christian News, Khan highlighted his respect for the Christian community, calling himself “humbled” by charitable work. "London is a very special place at Christmas and it’s a great time of year to visit the capital and get into the festive spirit. For me, the celebrations begin with the lighting of the traditional Norwegian Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square followed by the switch-on of the lights that illuminate our world-famous shopping streets. It’s a fantastic spectacle and a reminder that Christmas is the fulfilment of the promise to bring light to the world. From early December until Christmas Eve, Trafalgar Square hosts traditional carol singing. Different choirs perform every day, raising money for charities and filling the Square with joy, song and festive cheer,” he said in a previous interview.
Khan has also talked about the cultural value of Christmas celebrations in the capital, saying he appreciates “a good sing-along” and praising the carol services held throughout the city.
"I love a good sing-along and there’s nothing like a rousing rendition of ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ to put me in the Christmas spirit. Here in London, we are privileged to have some of the most beautiful churches in the world, and each year I hold a Christmas Carol service in the glorious Southwark Cathedral. This year the service’s central theme was new beginnings and renewed hope, something we can all embrace as we look towards a brighter, more opportune, future for all Londoners."
