Church launches Advent campaign
After a particularly dark and anxious year, people across Wales are being encouraged to find hope and light in God’s love as we prepare for Christmas.
Darkness Into Light is the theme of this year’s Church in Wales’ Advent campaign, launched today.
Over the coming weeks the campaign will feature a specially commissioned video-track by the double MOBO award-winning rapper and committed Christian Guvna B, and stories from our “torch-bearers” – people who have gone that extra mile this year to shine a light into their communities.
On Advent Sunday – which this year falls on November 29 – the Archbishop of Wales will be sending out an Advent message and our six cathedrals and greater churches will be lighting up after dark. The churches will stand out as beacons in their towns and cities as a powerful symbol that, even when their doors have had to close or traditional services have been unable to take place, the Church is still present in and serving the community.
Meanwhile, on Advent Sunday, the six Bishops will be issuing a “call to prayer” for the nation. They will be inviting everyone, of all faiths and none, to join them in prayer for God’s healing and blessing on Wales, every day at 6pm from Advent Sunday to Christmas Day.
With many traditional carol services looking very different this year due to Covid restrictions on numbers and singing, people are being encouraged to revive an old Welsh tradition of carol singing from home. The Carol For Wales initiative is inviting everyone to sing the favourite carol, Silent Night, on their doorsteps at 7pm on Christmas Eve, raising their voices across villages and towns to spread joy and peace.
The Darkness Into Light campaign will be shared and promoted on social media with a variety of digital resources for all to use.
The Bishop of Bangor, Andy John, the lead bishop for the Advent Campaign, says,
“The Christian message of Advent, of the coming of God’s light into the darkness of our lives, is particularly relevant this year to a world thrown into crisis by the Covid pandemic. We are living our lives as never before - distanced from each other, anxious, uncertain, fearful, sick and grieving. Many feel the shadows of darkness and despair all around them.
“Our Darkness Into Light Advent campaign aims to draw people to light and hope - the pure light we find in Christ’s message of salvation for all and its reflection through the love and good works of those all around us.
“We invite you to share these resources, join in the activities and be a light to those around you.”
You can find out more at: www.churchinwales.org.uk/darknessintolight
