Bishop Sam shares Joy of Christmas

Running throughout Advent and Christmas, the campaign offers a wide range of free resources for families, schools and churches, from daily reflections and online services to creative activities and downloadable materials.

For the first time, the Church has created a fully illustrated children’s picture book as part of its Advent and Christmas outreach. The Grumpy Owl and the Joy of Christmas, written by Jonathan Maltz and Christopher Poch and illustrated by award-winning artist Jago, retells the nativity through the eyes of a grouchy owl who discovers the true meaning of joy.

Alongside the storybook, new reflective resources are being released. Twelve Joys of Christmas, by the Dean of Salisbury, Nicholas Papadopulos, explores where joy can be found in everyday traditions, while O Come Emmanuel offers Advent meditations inspired by the ancient ‘O Antiphons’, accompanied by newly commissioned artwork and music.

Resources span every age group: children can enjoy free cartoons, songs and Bible stories; families can access activity sheets and colouring pages; young people can engage with daily reflections and youth-group sessions; and adults can sign up for daily emails, app-based reflections, and an audio series by theologian Paula Gooder titled Women of Advent and Christmas.

Schools have receive four weeks’ worth of collective-worship materials with prayers, videos and creative activities.

Commenting on the launch of the resources, The Bishop of Stockport, Sam Corley, said:

“There’s a lot of talk – and quite a bit of singing – about joy at Christmas. But what does that mean when life feels overwhelming?

“If you feel like joining the grumpy owl in our story and shutting yourself away, then the message of Christmas is for you.

“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.

Find out more and download resources at cofe.io/TheJoyOfChristmas.