Advent and Christmas 2023

Resources are 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.
(Compiled in partnership with Churches Together in England)

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.

 

BRF Ministries

BRF Ministries has resources for Advent and Christmas including questions and ideas to prompt conversations about how we might choose to do Advent and Christmas, as well as stories and reflections from others’ experiences.
 

 

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 Action on Poverty

Church Action on Poverty’s Advent calendar, features a new picture and story every day in the run-up to Christmas, from the movement to end UK poverty.
 
 
 

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.
 
 

Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference

This year’s Advent calendar offers resources for school, parish and home and is accessible behind a virtual door that, as per tradition, can only be opened on each day of Advent. Content will include a short video message, seasonal crafts for children and prayers to assist us in keeping Christ at the centre of our Christmas preparations.
Please visit the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference website.

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.