This year’s Church of England Christmas theme – Follow the Star: Join the Song – highlights how singing can help us draw closer to God and each other through journey from Advent to Epiphany.
The shepherds went back,
singing praises to God for all they had heard and seen;
it had been just as the angel had told them.
– Luke 2.20 (GNB)
In the story of the first Christmas, the shepherds are astonished to find the night sky filled with countless voices singing God’s praise.
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.
Centuries later, singing is still central to how millions of people celebrate the good news of Christmas. Singing and hearing carols can enable people of all ages to get in touch with the wonder and the truth of the Christmas story.
This year’s Christmas materials will include:
- An invitation to all choirs and singing groups to sing a new version of ‘The First Nowell’ – listen to a preview now.
- Free resources to help choirs of all ages and stages learn and perform the carol
- Our first printed Follow the Star Advent Calendar for families – with stickers!
- Daily Advent and Christmas reflections inspired by the words of familiar carols
- Music, social media graphics, PowerPoint assets, posters and other free tools and resources via A Church Near You (registration required).
Find out more on the Church of England website.