November 21, 2023
Resources are becoming available for Advent and Christmas 2023, including the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, and those from a wide range of churches and Christian organisations. Plus there is material from previous years: A World in Waiting – Advent hope in an economic crisis and Advent Journey with the Magi.
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Download Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols (PDF)
Bible Society
The Bible Society has new Christmas resources to help share the story of Christmas with your family, church and community, including two children’s booklets for both primary and toddler ages with accompanying resources, festive Christmas cards and stickers.
CAFOD
CAFOD’s online Advent calendar of daily prayer and reflection will offer an opportunity to pause, reflect, pray and take action as we prepare for Christmas.
Also available are an Advent calendar and resources for young people.
Christian Aid
This year’s appeal from Christian Aid aims to help young women shine. Christmas Worship resources are available, as well as a digital Christian Aid Advent Wreath and more.
Christian BSL
Christian BSL provides British Sign Language (BSL) translations of Christmas carols and for words and phrases related to Advent and Christmas. The videos are presented by Deaf BSL users who are practising Christians.
Church of England
Theme for this year’s resources from the Church of England is ‘Follow the Star: Join the Song’, which highlights how singing can help draw us closer to God and each other through the journey from Advent to Epiphany.
Church of Scotland
The Church of Scotland is encouraging its churches to share Advent stories on its website and social media channels throughout Advent. Social media banners, an A4 poster and A5 greetings card graphics can be downloaded to use as part of Advent activities.
Church Urban Fund
Sign up to access free Advent resources, Walk Towards Hope, from the Church Urban Fund. These include a scripture reading, reflection, questions for discussion, intercessions and a prayer walk activity.
Doorstep Carols
An initiative to get everyone singing Christmas carols on their doorstep at 6pm on Wed 13 December 2023. It was started in 2020 to help spread some cheer during the Covid-19 pandemic. Words and sheet music are available to download.
Eco-Congregation Scotland
Eco-Congregation Scotland is providing prayer resources, a daily video Advent Calendar featuring friends of its movement, and four full-length location video reflections by Rev David Coleman (EcoChaplain) and Judith Macleod (EcoChaplaincy Probationer).
Embrace the Middle East
Embrace the Middle East has a bilingual Welsh/English version of its Bethlehem carol sheet as a free digital download. It includes 8 popular carols with bilingual translation, 6 Welsh language carols and 2 English language carols. Download from Embrace the Middle East.
Hope
Hope has produced another glossy give-away Christmas magazine to hand out to friends or at Church events this Christmas, containing celebrity features and real life stories. There is also an illustrated Christmas gift book, Christmas cards and more.
Methodist Church
The Methodist Church’s 2023 Advent and Christmas campaign has the theme of Out of the Ordinary, to share how the wonder of God’s love is revealed in the ordinary. Resources are available to order or download.
Shine Your Light
Campaign across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic to share the Gospel to the whole of society this Christmas on the weekend of Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th December. Emphasis on community events and activities, including Nativities and family-focused opportunities taking place on the Saturday. Find out more.
Previous years
CTBI’s Advent course from 2009 A World in Waiting – Advent hope in an economic crisis is still available to download.
Mission Theology Advisory Group (MTAG)
‘Advent Journey with the Magi‘ provides a reflective spiritual journey into the mystery of the Incarnation which travels towards Jesus through the eyes of the Magi. It includes sections on Stars, Travels, Gifts, Meeting Herod and Meeting Jesus.
