All Advent articles
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OpinionThink you know your Christmas carols? Think again!
Andrew Gant unpacks the mysterious origins and strange evolutions of some of our favourite – and less well-known – festive words and tunes
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Opinion5 ways to make your Christmas count for Christ
It’s easy to get lost in the busyness of the season, but dare we ask ourselves what really matters this Christmas? If we do, we might just discover that it changes everything, says Susie Larson
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OpinionHow to hold onto hope this Christmas
The hope of advent seems a long way off against the backdrop of war, famine and disaster. That’s where lament comes in, says Tim Farron MP
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OpinionA light in the darkness: Why we need the hope of advent
The world may seem dark this advent, but that’s even more reason to turn to Jesus, the light of the world. He illuminates the darkness and lightens our load. That’s something worth celebrating, says Rev George Pitcher
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OpinionThese CofE devotionals are lightweight, haphazard and verging on heresy. We can do better
At best, the CofE’s Christmas social media campaign is too light and fluffy to communicate the truth of the gospel says Rev Peter Ould. At worst, it misinterprets and mistranslates scripture. The Church must do better if it wants to win souls for Christ
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OpinionThe elf on the shelf is the antithesis of Christmas. Let's get rid of him
Christmas is about the undeserved gift of Jesus, says Mark Deacon, not giving gifts to an elf so he doesn’t ’report’ you to Santa. As secular ideas capture hearts at advent, it’s time for churches to fight back
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Magazine FeaturesCome, Lord Jesus: Longing for Jesus’ return this Advent
In this season of Advent, the Church doesn’t just look back to the birth of Jesus in a stable, but forward to Christ’s second coming, says Rt Rev Dr Jill Duff
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Opinion3 ways to ensure your carol service is not a waste of time
Christmas is the time of year when people who never usually attend a Sunday service suddenly stream through the doors. But how can we ensure that at least some of them come back again? Derek Hughes offers his top tips
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OpinionSex toys in advent calendars? It’s the antithesis of Christmas
The advent calendar was designed as a spiritual discipline to help Christians prepare for the coming of Christ. But designer versions, or ones filled with expensive gifts, alcohol and even sex toys, are instead turning them into a platform for vice and excess, says Dr Gavin Ashenden
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Opinion3 things churches get wrong at Christmas – and how to fix them
Christmas is a time of great celebration, says Chris Goswami. But we must be careful not to assume that everyone finds it easy, and that we’re giving a good invitation to a year-round, life-long relationship with Jesus
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Real Life‘God is present whether we feel it or not’ - A Ukrainian Christian reflects on what Advent means to him
When living through conflict, the season of Advent takes on an even greater significance, says Taras Dyatlik
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OpinionI used to look down on Advent. But this year I need it more than ever
Mary and Joseph sought sanctuary in Bethlehem and then Egypt, but also welcomed strangers to their home. Even when times are tough, we can find sanctuary in Christ this Christmas, and extend that hope to others, says Krish Kandiah
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OpinionAdvent isn’t about chocolate calendars. It’s about the return of Jesus Christ
Advent is a time for reflecting on the return of Jesus Christ. But such a tricky task requires imagination, not logic, says Graham Tomlin
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OpinionThe government lies for power, but Christianity speaks truth to power
Government ministers are occupying positions that make no sense, such as claiming that they weren’t at a party that didn’t happen, says George Pitcher
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Real LifeIt’s -5C and we have no heating or hot water. But even in the storms I know God is with me
Following Storm Arwen 13,000 homes in the north of England remain without electricity. But as advent begins, Rev Mike Slade reflects on being thankful that God is with us, even when things are hard (and cold!)
