CHURCH OF ENGLAND LAUNCHES LARGEST EVER CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN INVITING MILLIONS TO REDISCOVER JOY OF CHRIST'S BIRTH
The Church of England launched its biggest ever Christmas campaign, "Joy of Christmas," inviting people across the nation to rediscover the hope and joy at the heart of the season.
The Church hopes to reach millions of people with the real reason behind Christmas celebrations through daily reflections, online services, and over 500 specially created free resources for families, schools, and children.
Reflections include "Twelve Joys of Christmas" by the Dean of Salisbury, Nicholas Papadopulos, on the meaning of joy in everyday traditions, and "O Come Emmanuel," a series of Advent meditations based on the ancient O Antiphons accompanied by newly commissioned artwork and music.
In a first for a Church of England Christmas campaign, a brand new illustrated children's storybook has been published for families to read together during the festive season. Priced at £4.99, "The Grumpy Owl and the Joy of Christmas" reimagines the story of Jesus' birth through the eyes of an owl who seems determined to miss all the excitement.
The storybook is written by Jonathan Maltz and Christopher Poch and illustrated by artist Jago. "It marks a milestone for the Church, as its first dedicated children's picture book produced specifically for the Advent and Christmas season," the Church said.
For adults, writer and theologian Paula Gooder has prepared an audio series on behalf of the Church of England. There are also bitesize Christmas reflections available via email or on the Everyday Faith app.
Christmas is one of the busiest times of year for churches up and down the country as they welcome many visitors who would not otherwise come to church but are open to festive events like carol concerts, candlelit services, craft stalls, and nativities.
Last year millions attended a Church of England service or event over the festive period, and the Church is expecting a similar turnout this year.
The Bishop of Stockport, Sam Corley, said
"There's a lot of talk and quite a bit of singing about joy at Christmas. But what does that mean when life feels overwhelming? If you feel like joining the grumpy owl in our story and shutting yourself away, then the message of Christmas is for you."
"It's a reminder that joy is not a command to obey or another task to tick off; nor is it hidden in perfection or possessions. It is a gift freely given by the God who never hides or closes the door to us," he said.
"At the heart of Christmas is the good news that God comes into the world, opening doors and giving us confidence to walk with him into the future he makes possible."
Resources are available at cofe.io/TheJoyOfChristmas, with local services listed at AChurchNearYou.com.
TAKE ACTION
- Download free Christmas resources from the Church of England's "Joy of Christmas" campaign at cofe.io/TheJoyOfChristmas. Use daily reflections, children's activities, and family devotionals to keep Christ at the center of your Christmas celebrations.
- Purchase "The Grumpy Owl and the Joy of Christmas" children's storybook for £4.99 to read with families during Advent. Share the Gospel through illustrated stories that reimagine Jesus' birth for young children.
- Amazon UK: www.amazon.co.uk
- Invite unchurched friends and neighbors to Christmas services, carol concerts, and nativity events at local Church of England congregations. Use the festive season as an evangelistic opportunity reaching people open to hearing the Gospel.
- Find services: AChurchNearYou.com
- Share Christmas reflections from Paula Gooder's audio series and daily devotionals with Christians needing encouragement during Advent. Subscribe to bitesize reflections via email or the Everyday Faith app to stay focused on Christ throughout the season.
