The Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev Philip North, has warmly welcomed the first ever printed Advent Calendar to be produced by The Church of England.

Available to buy now via the ‘Church House Publishing’ website and on other sites like Amazon, the calendar offers a creative and interactive experience focused on the Nativity story. More information and onward links to buy are here. 

Bishop Philip said: “At this time of year Advent calendars are very popular but very few are available that directly tell the important Christian story of Jesus’ birth, thereby helping people to discover, in fresh news ways, their place in the greatest story ever told.

“So I am delighted to see this latest development from the national church and warmly welcome the decision to produce the calendar as Christmas has become increasingly commercialised in recent times.”

At just £3.99 (or 10 for £35) the new Advent Calendar is very competitively priced compared to other calendars available. It’s the brainchild of Clare Williams, Head of Schools and Family Learning at Norwich Cathedral.

There is a fold-out crib scene by children’s illustrator Charlotte Cooke; while a sticker for each of the 24 days in Advent can be added to the overall scene.

That’s not all. A short story also accompanies each day, along with themed activities including a simple nativity play script for anyone wanting to act out the tale.

A rhyming Nativity story sheet also gives people a catchy way to remember how – and why – Jesus came to be born in Bethlehem.

Bishop Philip adds: “I encourage people in our parishes and schools to consider buying one of the new Advent Calendars, and to use it as an opportunity to share and talk about the Good News of Jesus’ birth with family and friends.

“If you can afford to do so, why not buy extras for a pre-Christmas gift for someone you know who may not be as familiar with the Christmas story?”

The Advent Calendar is part of this year’s Church of England ‘Follow The Star’ digital campaign. Resources and more information about that here and sign up for Advent and Christmas email reflections here.

Captions for above pictures, top to bottom:

• The new printed Advent Calendar from The Church of England 
• Rt Rev Philip North, Bishop of Blackburn