A nationwide Christmas campaign ‘Shine Your Light’ has been launched to call hundreds of thousands to unite in towns, villages and cities this Christmas to take the message outdoors.
A new video launched this week features Sports people, Politicians and those involved in the world of Entertainment to say I’M IN. The video features politicians from the main political parties as well as representatives from across the Isles as well as broadcasters from mainstream TV programmes.
The vision for Shine Your Light is that the whole church across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic stand united to share the Gospel to the whole of society this Christmas. Every local church and believer is being encouraged to be a Light to shine to brighten up the whole country like a Christmas tree.
Shine Your Light will run on the weekend of Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th December. These events will take place around town halls, high streets, town and shopping centres as well as other public places.
Since its launch, tens of thousands of Christians have already signed up from towns, villages and cities from every part of the country. Registrations are coming in from all over England, Scotland, Wales, Among those taking part including a flashmob in Bedford town centre, an open-air Christingle event in East Anglian and a nativity trail in Woolwich.
The Churches United in Pontypool in Wales are holding a Carol service in Pontypool Town Centre at 11.00 am on Sunday 16th December with the local Spirit Choir joining.
There will be a Shine Your Light banner event called ‘Carols@Carlowrie’ on Saturday 16th December at Carlowrie Castle, in Kirkliston just outside Edinburgh.
Carols under the Shine Your Light banner will also be sung on Friday 15th December at 4.00 pm in Trafalgar Square in Central London.
At 6.00 pm on the Saturday evening, hundreds will gather to sing Carols in Europe’s Largest Shopping Centre.
As this second video is launched, Churches are being encouraged to play the I’M IN film on Sunday 19th November 2023 in their meetings and services.
Speaking about this second I’M IN Video, Dr Jonathan Oloyede, Convenor of the National Day of Prayer and Worship said:
Christmas is a celebration first for those outside the church. It’s for those who haven’t heard or responded to the greatest news of all; Emmanuel, God is WITH US.
Having Politicians, Sports people and Broadcasters get behind this nationwide Christmas campaign is such a boost for us as the number of locations taking part grows daily.
My prayer is to see the WHOLE church, in every expression, declare the Gospel. And to see Christians everywhere say I’M IN to sharing the joy of Christmas into their communities.
Pam Rhodes, Broadcaster and Writer added her support:
When I heard about Shine Your Light I was thrilled to hear of the plans. I love Christmas carols because of the message of hope, joy and expectation contained.
To know Christians across the Isles will be taking them into public places excites me; that’s why I’M IN!
Darren Millar MS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Clwyd West and Chair of the Senedd’s Cross Party Group on Faith added:
As a Christian seeking to promote the voice of faith communities in the Welsh Parliament, I believe it is vital that opportunities to celebrate groups coming together is recognised.
Shine Your Light will see Christians in Wales uniting together in small, medium and large groups to share the important message of Jesus’ birth; that’s why I’M IN!
To sign up your local church in Shine Your Light, please visit: www.shineyourlight.org.uk
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The vision for Shine Your Light is that the whole church across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic stand united to share the Gospel to the whole of society this Christmas. Every local church and believer is being encouraged to be a Light to shine to brighten up the whole country like a Christmas tree.
A suite of graphics is available to support this press release on request.
Dr Jonathan Oloyede and other Christian Leaders are available for media interviews.
For more information or media requests, please contact Adam May, Director of Communications for the National Day of Prayer and Worship on 07736 949 869 or am@ndopw.com