from Christian Today
The Church of England’s ‘Joy of Christmas’ campaign gets underway today, inviting people across the nation to “rediscover the hope and joy at the heart of the season”.
The Church hopes to reach millions of people with the real reason behind the Christmas celebrations, with daily reflections, online services, and over 500 specially created free resources for families, schools and children.
Reflections include Twelve Joys of Christmas by the Dean of Salisbury, Nicholas Papadopulos, on “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”.
In a first for a Church of England Christmas campaign, a brand new illustrated children’s storybook has been published for families to read together during the festive season.
Priced £4.99, “The Grumpy Owl and the Joy of Christmas” reimagines the story of Jesus’ birth “through the eyes of an owl who seems determined to miss all the excitement”. The storybook is written by Jonathan Maltz and Christopher Poch, and is beautifully illustrated by artist Jago.
“It marks a milestone for the Church, as its first dedicated children’s picture book produced specifically for the Advent and Christmas season,” the Church said.