Nationwide Christmas campaign ‘Shine Your Light’ launched
‘Shine Your Light’ calls hundreds of thousands to unite in towns, villages and cities this Christmas to take the message outdoors
The initiative is led by the National Day of Prayer and Worship in collaboration with many denominations and key ministries, including Baptists Together.
HOPE Together, Myriad, Premier Christian Radio, Redeemed Christian Church of God and the Evangelical Alliance are among others backing the campaign.
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,' organisers state. '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 16 and Sunday 17 December, but with an emphasis on community events and activities, including nativities and family focused opportunities taking place on the Saturday.
These events will take place around town halls, high streets, town and shopping centres as well as other public places.
The website lists 'a number of expectations we are hoping local churches taking part might want to consider'.
These are:
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Taking the message outside their church building, as possible
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Declaring the Christmas message in song through Carols.
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Praying and blessing their community
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Sharing a testimony, story or Gospel presentation
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Following up those who attend by inviting them to another Christmas event and offering them a Bible.
To link the national and local church together, organisers will be providing an online map highlighting all the events taking place over that weekend, with website signposting.
A specific website, www.shineyourlight.org.uk has been created with a social media campaign to run alongside. There is a digital resources section for use by local churches.
Churches are being encouraged to play a special invitation video from Christian leaders from across the breadth of the church and locations around the Isles on Sunday 15 October 2023.
The video features Baptist evangelist and former President Chris Duffett among others, and can be accessed from the resources section.
Churches will also be able to sign up and say ‘I’m In’ via the website from that date too.
Speaking about the launch of Shine Your Light, Dr Jonathan Oloyede, Convenor of the National Day of Prayer and Worship said, 'We are inviting Christians from the North, East, South and West of these Isles to join us in Shining Their Light in their communities this Christmas.
'Imagine the impact of hundreds of thousands of Christians taking the message of Jesus into all public places and spaces.'
The campaign is backed by Lynn Green, General Secretary of the Baptist Union, who encouraged churches to prayerfully consider what they could do this Christmas.
'Christmas is a great time of year for Christians to be sharing and celebrating their faith. I’m encouraged to hear of plans this year to take that message out of their buildings.
'I would love to encourage all churches, including Baptist churches, to prayerfully consider where they might shine their light this Christmas!'
Gavin Calver, CEO of the Evangelical Alliance added his support, 'Every year, we celebrate Christmas in our churches and with our families.
'I believe we can be bolder and more confident in taking this out into public places too. Let’s take the amazing message of Christmas out into our villages, towns and cities. Let’s share hope with those around us this Christmas and I’m cheering you on!'
Baptist Times, 05/10/2023