A group of churches and local families in High Town, Luton have come up with a creative and Covid-safe idea for people to enjoy advent in the lead up to Christmas. 

Twenty four households across the neighbourhood will display in their windows a variety of stories related to advent.

Speaking to Premier, one of the organisers Lucie Shuker, explained how the idea came from a desire to create something different that would still resonate and bring the "Christmas spirit" alive. 

"This year, when we don't know if we're going to be able to gather, it's going to be much harder to really experience Christmas together. We wanted to do something that would bring the community together and help people participate in the storylines a bit more, taking them on a journey." 

Every day from 1st December until 24th December, a different window will "go live" around midday. Each window has an accompanying scripture to remind us of an aspect of advent such as hope, Mary and Joseph´s journey to Bethlehem or the experience of the shepherds. 

"Today's theme is dawn," she said. "My friends have decorated their window with this beautiful sunrise scene and a silhouette of a bird," she added.

She continued: "If you scan the QR code on the front of that house, it will take your Facebook page and it will ask you some questions about it, like "Where have you seen hope? What are you hopeful for?" ...So, there are reflections that will hopefully connect this biggest story with people's individual experiences as well."

Organisers hope that people take on a "mini-pilgrimage" around the neighbourhood to see all the windows as they gradually appear and are able to hear the advent story "in a new way."

"I think we hope that families who take part will experience how amazing it is to gift something to the local community and we're hoping that there ultimately is an encounter with Jesus in some way through this," Ms Shuker added. 

Anyone who wants to learn more about the initiative can click here.