Church of England launches ‘Joy of Christmas’ campaign to share hope, celebration

[Church of England] The Church of England on Nov. 30 launched its biggest-ever Christmas campaign – The Joy of Christmas – inviting people everywhere to rediscover the hope and joy at the heart of the season.

Running throughout Advent and Christmas, the campaign offers a large range of free resources for families, schools and churches, helping people pause, reflect and celebrate wherever they are.

For the first time in its history, the Church of England has produced a fully illustrated children’s picture book as part of its Advent and Christmas campaign. “The Grumpy Owl and the Joy of Christmas,” written by Jonathan Maltz and Christopher Poch and brought to life with new artwork by award-winning illustrator Jago, offers a heart-warming retelling of the Nativity story through the eyes of a rather grumpy owl who learns the true meaning of joy.

This illustrated edition invites children and families to rediscover the wonder of the first Christmas in a way that is engaging, accessible and fun. It marks a milestone for the Church of England, as its first dedicated children’s picture book produced specifically for the Advent and Christmas season.

The campaign also includes new reflections, such as “Twelve Joys of Christmas,” written by Salisbury Cathedral Dean Nicholas Papadopulos, exploring the meaning of joy in everyday traditions, and “O Come Emmanuel,” a series of Advent meditations based on the ancient “O Antiphons,” accompanied by newly commissioned artwork and music.

There are resources for every age group: children can enjoy free cartoons, songs and Bible stories, while families have access to activity sheets and coloring pages to use at home. Young people can download daily reflections or join in youth group sessions designed to explore the meaning of Advent together. Adults can sign up for bite-sized daily emails, reflections on the Everyday Faith app, and an audio series from writer and theologian Paula Gooder, “Women of Advent and Christmas.”

Schools will have access to four weeks of collective worship resources packed with prayers, videos and creative activities to help pupils discover the joy of Christmas.

Commenting on the launch of the resources, Stockport Bishop 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.”

He added, “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.”