Let's Unwrap the Advent and Christmas Resources for 2026

This year’s Advent and Christmas theme The Gift of Christmas 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.  

You can read about the theme and resources at cofe.io/ChristmasResources– this page will be updated continually with new tools and resources as they become available. In this blog we’ll unpack the digital resources made to help churches share the Gift of Christmas.  

Online reflections  

This year's reflections journey will feature a variety of 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.  

Our reflections journey is also available as a booklet: The Gift of Christmas: Meditations for the Twelve Days of Christmas, which will be available to order from Church House Publishing. Booklets can be ordered as singles, packs of 10 or packs of 50, with large print versions available. Download an overview of the themes, readings & contributors. 

They will also be available via email, and the Everyday Faith app will also feature them from 25 December to 5 January. 

Advent From A-Z  

We are excited to announce a new evergreen resource for your church to hopefully be able to use this year and many years to come. This is our new book, Advent From A-Z. From 30 November to 24 December, Imogen Ball, Bishop Phillip North and Andrew Zihni will unpack a different character, place, symbol or idea each day, exploring 24 key terms we are likely to encounter as we prepare to celebrate Christ’s coming among us.  

These are available from Church House Publishing now and on the Everyday Faith app from late November.  

To accompany our A-Z we also have some great resources for children, young people and families including: 

• Free downloadable Activity and Colouring sheets for all 24 days of Advent, mirroring the themes of the reflections for adults 

• Free downloadable teen devotional by Lucy Rycroft, also with 24 daily reflections (Coming soon) 

Content ideas for social media: 

As always, our social media channels will feature a mix of invitational content about Advent and Christmas with prompts to engage with our reflections. 

We’ll also be sharing an A-Z of Advent to tie in with the reflections, and content will have a particular focus on welcoming people curious about faith or new to attending church.  

Here are four ways you can use The Gift of Christmas on your social media this year: 

1. Share stories of the best gift you have received or act of unexpected kindness – has someone in your church or community given you something special?   

2. Gifts within your congregation – why not highlight a member of your community who has used their gifts to help others?  

3. Photo challenge – Send in or share your photos online of gifts your church has been blessed to give or received? 

4. Post a video highlighting what gift you’re hoping to share with your community this Christmas and inviting people to church 

Catch up on the Advent and Christmas webinar here: