‘For a child has been born for us, a son given to us … and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’
Isaiah 9.6 (NRSVA)
‘How silently, how silently,
the wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
the blessings of his heaven.’
Phillips Brooks, O little town of Bethlehem
This year’s theme focuses on the first and greatest Christmas gift of all: the gift of God being born as one of us in Jesus Christ. The Gift of Christmas invites us to join with our communities this Advent and Christmas:
- to celebrate the great gift God offers to each one of us in the birth of Jesus
- to receive that gift – and all God gives to us – with gratitude and joy, and
- to respond to God’s generosity by serving others, especially those in need.
To find out more about the theme and the resources, join our launch webinar on Tuesday 8th September at 2pm.
Look out for further webinars in the autumn that will equip churches and help leaders make the most of the season using our resources and digital platforms.
This year’s The Gift of Christmas reflections
This year's Christmas reflections journey will feature Christians whose daily lives have given them a particular connection with the Gospel stories about the birth of Jesus.
The reflections will be introduced by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Following Archbishop Sarah's reflection for Christmas Day, we will hear from contributors whose work has required them to keep watch by night; those who have worked to support new parents, to care for newborn lambs or observe the stars.
Twelve people – with very different backgrounds and callings – will explore how the blessings of heaven entered so many ordinary lives and invite us to share those blessings by the welcome, hospitality and service we offer to others. Download an overview of the themes, readings & contributors.
The Gift of Christmas: Meditations for the Twelve Days of Christmas will be published as a booklet by Church House Publishing in September.
They will also be available via email, and the Everyday Faith app will also feature them from 25 December to 5 January.
For Advent – an A to Z reflections journey
During Advent, there will also be daily reflections exploring Advent from A to Z.
These reflections will explore 24 key terms we are likely to encounter as we prepare to celebrate Christ’s coming among us. From 30 November to 24 December, Imogen Ball, Bishop Philip North and Andrew Zihni will unpack a different character, place, symbol or idea. Download an overview of the themes, readings & contributors.
Like our Christmas reflections, these will be available in book form from Church House Publishing and via the Everyday Faith app.
Download sample pages from the reflection booklet, 'Advent from A to Z'.
Support for churches, chaplaincies, schools and households
As in recent years, we will be sharing a wide range of both digital and physical resources to support churches, chaplaincies, schools and households as we approach Advent and Christmas.
This will include:
Branding and visual identity, social media templates and other support for churches to adapt and use locally
Downloadable resources to support planning and hosting groups to explore the Advent and/or Christmas themes
An Advent and Christmas homepage and special tab for relevant events on AChurchNearYou.com, making it easy for churches to highlight their services to newcomers
Versions of An A to Z of Advent suitable for young people, children and families, together with activities for use at church or at home
A range of other resources to support churches and families in engaging with children and young people
Resources for schools (including Collective Worship sessions)
and much more.