The Church of England, Diocese of Norwich

Christmas and Advent 2026: Resources and Webinars available

This year’s theme focuses on the first and greatest Christmas gift of all: the gift of God being born as one of us in Jesus Christ. The Gift of Christmas invites us to join with our communities this Advent and Christmas:

  • to celebrate the great gift God offers to each one of us in the birth of Jesus
  • to receive that gift – and all God gives to us – with gratitude and joy, and
  • to respond to God’s generosity by serving others, especially those in need. 

This year’s The Gift of Christmas reflections 

This year’s Christmas reflections journey will feature Christians whose daily lives have given them a particular connection with the Gospel stories about the birth of Jesus. 

The reflections are introduced by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Following Archbishop Sarah’s reflection for Christmas Day, we will hear from contributors whose work has required them to keep watch by night; those who have worked to support new parents, to care for new-born lambs or observe the stars. 

Twelve people – with very different backgrounds and callings – will explore how the blessings of heaven entered so many ordinary lives and invite us to share those blessings by the welcome, hospitality and service we offer to others. 
Download an overview of the themes, readings & contributors.

The Gift of Christmas: Meditations for the Twelve Days of Christmas is available to order as a booklet from Church House Publishing (published mid-September) individually, in 10-Packs, 50-Packs and Large Print.
Preview sample pages from The Gift of Christmas booklet

They will also be available via email, and the Everyday Faith app will also feature them from 25 December to 5 January. 

For Advent – an A to Z reflections journey 

During Advent, we will be sharing daily reflections exploring Advent from A to Z.  

These reflections will explore 24 key terms we are likely to encounter as we prepare to celebrate Christ’s coming among us. From 30 November to 24 December, Imogen Ball, Bishop Philip North and Andrew Zihni will unpack a different character, place, symbol or idea. Download an overview of the themes, readings & contributors. 

Like our Christmas reflections, Advent from A to Z is available now in book form from Church House Publishing and will provide content from 30 November to Christmas Eve in the Everyday Faith app. 
Download sample pages from the reflection booklet, ‘Advent from A to Z’. 

Last year’s Church House Publishing resource, O Come Emmanuel: Reflections on the Advent Antiphons is also suitable for use any Advent, with sheet music for all seven settings of the Advent antiphons commissioned last year now available from the RSCM. Find out more at cofe.io/OComeEmmanuel.

Support for churches, chaplaincies, schools and households 

As in recent years, we are sharing a wide range of both digital and physical resources to support churches, chaplaincies, schools and households as we approach Advent and Christmas. 

This includes: 

  • Branding and visual identity, social media templates and other support for churches to adapt and use locally 
  • Downloadable resources to support planning and hosting groups to explore the Advent and/or Christmas themes
  • An Advent and Christmas homepage and special tab for relevant events on AChurchNearYou.com, making it easy for churches to highlight their services to newcomers
  • Versions of An A to Z of Advent suitable for young people, children and families, together with activities for use at church or at home
  • A range of other resources to support churches and families in engaging with children and young people
  • Resources for schools (including Collective Worship sessions)

Downloadable resources:

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