THE Church of England has launched what it describes as its “biggest-ever” Advent and Christmas campaign, which focuses on the theme “The Joy of Christmas”.
Announced on Monday, the campaign features a new children’s storybook, The Grumpy Owl and the Joy of Christmas, written by Jonathan Maltz and Christopher Poch, with artwork by Jago Illustration.
The Bishop of Stockport, the Rt Revd Sam Corley, said of the book: “There’s a lot of talk — and quite a bit of singing — about joy at Christmas. . . If you feel like joining the grumpy owl in our story and shutting yourself away, then the message of Christmas is for you.”
The campaign is designed to help “people pause, reflect and celebrate wherever they are”, with the help of specially commissioned reflections and meditations. Among them is Twelve Joys of Christmas, written by the Dean of Salisbury, the Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, which explores the meaning of joy in everyday traditions. There is also a new set of Advent meditations based on the ancient “O” antiphons (News, 7 November).
Families are offered activity sheets and colouring pages to use at home, young people are invited to attend youth group sessions designed to explore the meaning of Advent, and adults to explore reflections and meditations on the Everyday Faith app. The campaign also includes an audio series, Women of Advent and Christmas, by the writer and theologian Dr Paula Gooder.
Church House has collated more than 500 free resources for families, schools, and churches, which they expect to “reach millions”. In a statement, they report that, between 11 November 2024 and 5 January 2025, the AChurchNearYou.com website recorded 11.6 million page views — up 11 per cent on 2023 — and expect similar numbers in 2025.
Bishop Corley continued: “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.
“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.”