Shine Your Light at Christmas
CMS backs nationwide campaign to take Christmas message into public spaces
Church Mission Society is joining an array of churches and mission agencies to support the nationwide Shine Your Light campaign which aims to get hundreds of thousands of Christians singing carols in their communities this Christmas.
The main focus is the weekend of 12 to 14 December, when among other things a special edition of Songs of Praise will feature Shine Your Light.
Encouraging Christians to take carols and the gospel message out onto the streets is Dr Jonathan Oloyede, Convenor of The National Day of Prayer and Worship and the organiser of Shine Your Light: “What if over two million people across our towns, villages, and cities heard the Good News of Jesus this Christmas?” he says.
“For that to happen, we need 200,000 believers to stand together across these Isles.”
Churches and Christian groups are registering their events on the website www.shineyourlight.org.uk as part of a nationwide Christian witness.
“Last Christmas, more than 112,000 believers from 1,500+ churches stepped beyond their walls and brought the light of Christ to the streets through Shine Your Light,” says Dr Oloyede. “It was a moving glimpse of what happens when the Body of Christ rises in unity – denominations, ministries, networks, all lifting one voice for Jesus.”
Andy Roberts, CEO of Church Mission Society, said: “Church Mission Society is delighted to take part in this uplifting and joyful Shine Your Light campaign. Singing carols fills so many with hope, so let’s move outside our comfort zones and take that hope out onto the streets for all to hear.
“Shine Your Light is a great opportunity to get out into our neighbourhoods, especially paying attention to those people pushed to the edges of society. This year has witnessed so much conflict at home and overseas; and there are many reasons to be anxious about the future.
“So let’s raise up the eternal love and hope of Jesus. It’s a kingdom treasure that can be received by everyone. Let’s sing together to promote peace, mercy and compassion; and transform lives.”
What is Shine Your Light?
A nationwide grassroots movement bringing Christmas carols and the Gospel message to public spaces across the UK and Ireland
What will Shine Your Light do?
Take Carols to the Streets
Bring traditional carol services out of church buildings and into shopping centres, town halls, and public spaces where communities gather
Share Hope and Joy
Spread the message of Christmas through song and celebration, reaching people who may never step into a church
Unite Christians Nationwide
Join thousands of believers from hundreds of churches and denominations in a coordinated movement of faith
Reach Communities
Meet people where they are – in their daily lives, bringing the light of Christ to every corner of the nation
Take part
Register your local event and find all sorts of resources at shineyourlight.org.uk
