Follow the Star: A pop-up Christmas journey

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As before, the theme this year will be used on social media to encourage people to attend services through Advent and Christmas, with a focus on singing — a pastime banned for much of the pandemic, putting paid to choirs and carol services. Amazed as they are, the shepherds take up angel’s invitation and hurry to Bethlehem. And it isn’t long before the shepherds are singing, too, praising God and sharing the good news of Jesus’ birth.

Now that the majority of the resources are available, here is a question for you to ponder on: what would be best thing that could happen within your church this Christmas?

Follow The Star: The Great Invitation consists of 12 reflections from a range of contributors including the Archbishops who share personal stories exploring themes of invitation. Three webinars are being organised to help churches make the most of the new resources in services, schools, or at home, with both children and adults. An invitation to all choirs and singing groups to sing a new version of ‘The First Nowell’ – listen to a preview.

Is it too early to talk about Christmas in September? We don’t think so … and with new resources announced from the Church of England, there’s plenty of ideas to help you get ahead and ready to ‘Join the Song’. Learn how to use Join the Song with under-18s: Find out how you can engage under-18s through singing our new setting of The First Nowell. Learn about the resources available for under-18s and get practical ideas for using them in schools, church or at home. Sign up to join our webinar on Wednesday 27 September. Using Join the Song with under-18s: engaging under-18s through singing the new setting of The First Nowell. Learn about the resources available for under 18s and get practical ideas for using them at your church. Sign up to join this webinar, held on Wednesday, 27 September. For example, you can film your choir or singing group from when they first listen to the carol preview, during rehearsal (be sure keep any bloopers as they can make great content) and any public performances they might have. This type of authentic content performs really well online because it’s relatable and inviting.Lesson 1: Just as the Wise Men, be ready to meet God in the midst of our everyday activities, then get up and follow the star; Lesson 4: Do not worry about what gifts you bring; each is appropriate in its own way as you follow the star. There is a wonderful lesson for us right there – these three (or four, or however many) met God in the midst of doing what they were supposed to do: they were at work. God is not limited to meeting with us in a certain place (a church) or at a certain hour (11 AM Sundays). God can and does speak to us ANYWHERE and ANYTIME. The lesson is BE ALERT! Lesson 3: Scripture is a wonderful resource if you want to know God’s direction for your life; get good directions, then follow the star;

The annual observance of the birth of our Savior is almost over – Epiphany, recalling the visit of the Wise Men is commemorated today, January 6, and ends the liturgical celebration, following the “Twelve Days of Christmas.” No gifts of turtle doves, French hens or partridges in pear trees; rather the more traditional gold, frankincense and myrrh. Digital promo planner, blogs and bitesize videos from Digital Labs to support churches in using the digital resources available. Christmas 2023's digital resources unwrapped: Join the Digital Labs team for this interactive session to look at the resources available for this year's Christmas campaign. Sign up to join the webinar on Wednesday 11 October. If you share a Christmas event link from AChurchNearYou.com, the link preview will carry a “You’re invited” link preview graphic. The first time an Advent and Christmas campaign from the Church spanned digital, print, traditional press and broadcast in terms of promotion and awareness

Script Samples

One of my friends in North Carolina tells of her brother’s family driving into Thomasville [NC], where their cousins and aunts and uncles were, for a Christmas season get-together. As they passed by the Episcopal church where a manger scene was in the yard, her 5-year-old nephew asked about the meaning. “That is Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus, there in the manger,” Jean’s sister-in-law explained.