07/12/2024
This Advent and Christmas, the Church of England is sharing the stories of seven churchgoers across the country who, despite the December rush, find moments of both Calm and Bright in their local churches.
Filmed in Bradford and London, these stories reflect the hectic nature of the season—social events, services, endless to-do lists, and the pressure to craft the “perfect” Christmas. Yet, amid the chaos, our churches stand as places of peace, offering a chance to pause and reflect.
The 2024 Advent and Christmas theme, Follow the Star: Calm and Bright, is inspired by the beloved carol Silent Night:
“Silent Night! Holy Night!
All is calm, all is bright...”
This carol invites us into the still centre of the Christmas story, where Mary cradles the newborn Jesus, the Light of the World.
These adverts, designed for national use on social media, encourage people to find local services and events through AChurchNearYou.com. They’re also a fantastic resource for churches to use in their communities throughout December.
Five Ways to Use the Church of England’s National Christmas Adverts
1. Share the adverts on your church’s social media accounts
There are seven versions of the adverts, each cut to work on our social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and TikTok. We will be sharing these stories throughout December, sharing a version in the final days before Christmas that features all the churchgoers.
Think about your community and who you’re trying to invite to your Christmas services and events. Share the story or stories that work for this audience, and tailor your invite in the wording you use to work for this group. If you’re sharing the story featuring our grandmother, could your wording be:
“You are invited to bring the whole family to church this Christmas. Celebrate with us this December 🎄
Find services and events at AChurchNearYou.com”
Or if you’re trying to invite the commuters who work locally into your midweek services, how about:
“December can feel like chaos. Find a moment of calm in your busy week by coming to church this week.
You’re invited to our services this Advent. Find one at lunchtime at AChurchNearYou.com”
2. Make your own advert!
While our videos were made by our national digital team, you can create your own that features your very own community—just by using your phone! You could use our messaging — or tailor it to your own context. You wouldn’t need extensive kit or training to do this — e.g. you can easily make a Reel on Instagram that combines visuals, text and music to craft a short and impactful message.
We’ve also produced this how-to guide for churches who would like to produce a Christmas advert with a timelapse style for their own church. You can download the sound effects and music used in our video here. Watch the how-to video below:
3. Play the adverts at the start of your services or events as your community arrives
For churches with screens, consider playing the videos that work for your community at the start of your service, or add them into the mix of promotional videos and graphics you’re sharing on screens as your congregation arrives or mingles after services.
4. Embed the videos in newsletters you’re sending out to your community
By using the YouTube links, could you embed the videos in your newsletters to invite your community to church? Think about those who don’t attend regularly but perhaps joined you this year for a wedding or baptism—what might encourage them to attend in December?
Use the links from YouTube to the videos to paste them into your emails.
5. Share the adverts with local community groups and networks
Reach out to local schools, community centres, and other groups in your area to share the adverts as part of your outreach efforts. By doing this, you can extend the invitation beyond your congregation to those who may not normally engage with your church, helping more people find Calm and Bright this Christmas.
By sharing these adverts and stories, your church can be a beacon of peace and joy for those seeking a meaningful Christmas experience. Find the videos on YouTube and start sharing today!
