Follow the Star: The Great Invitation

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Follow The Star: The Great Invitation

Download the app

The app features daily Advent reflections (1 - 23 December) and 12 days of Christmas reflections (24 December - 6 January).

Together, each reflection takes you on a journey that will help you take fresh encouragement and hope from Advent and the Christmas story into the year ahead.

The app is available to download now for free.

Download for Apple devices
Download for Android devices

Email reflections

Sign up to our free Christmas reflection emails. Receive daily messages straight to your inbox to help you Follow the Star from Christmas Eve to Epiphany – 24 December - 6 January (except Sundays).




By submitting this form, you agree to the Church of England's privacy policy.


Screenshot of advent calendar

Have fun with our Advent Calendar

Start every day of Advent with a bible reading and family activity to prepare you spiritually for the birth of Jesus Christ and serve as a reminder of the true meaning of the season.

A Christmas service at Worcester Cathedral James Atkinson

Worship with us

Can't make it to church this Advent and Christmas? Watch our weekly online worship services from across the Church of England and worship with us this festive season.

Person talking on a mobile phone

Daily Hope freephone

Daily Hope is a free, 24-hour telephone line offering hymns, prayers, reflections and church services from The Church of England.

Throughout Advent and Christmas, the line offers a wonderful selection of festive content including Christmas carols and Bible readings. Listen to an Advent reflection each day on 0800 804 8044.

Apple HomePod mini smart speaker

Smart speakers

The audio versions of our 12 days of reflections are available for free on Alexa and Google Home smart devices.

Just tell you smart speaker to "Ask the Church of England for today's Follow the Star reflection" and you will hear a Bible passage, a short reflection and a prayer, starting 24 December.

You are not alone this Christmas

Christmas can be difficult for many people. Whether facing bereavement, loneliness or another struggle, space to reflect during December can be useful in the busyness of the season. The Church of England has a range of resources for those finding Christmas hard.

  • The Archbishop of York will be leading a Blue Christmas service on the third Sunday of Advent, 11 December at 9am. You can watch on our website, YouTube or Facebook channel.
  • Those remembering someone who has died are invited to light a virtual candle on our website.
  • On Christmas Day, gather with us at 4pm on our YouTube channel as we countdown your top 10 Christmas carols and chat together in the comments.
  • A range of prayers for those struggling at this time of year will be shared. Follow us on Instagram to see those.

Looking for church resources to get involved?

Discover resources to invite your community back to church this Christmas. The services and events will be specific to your community, but you will find signposts to the national branding, reflections and more that will help you to invite people into your church

Resources for Advent and Christmas