The Church of England says more than three million people have engaged with its Christmas video campaign so far.
The 2024 campaign called 'Follow the Star - Calm and Bright' encourages people to pause amidst the busy-ness of December, find moments of calm, and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas at their local church.
The campaign, which can be viewed across social media, features a series of videos shot using a time lapse technique, which places the subject at the heart of hectic, familiar Christmas scenes.
It draws inspiration from the carol 'Silent Night' and contrast the bustle of the season and the stillness depicted in nativity scenes where Mary cradles the new-born Jesus.
Previous Christmas campaigns include a new version of ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ in 2021 which reached number one on the classical chart. Last year, the ‘Join the Song’ campaign saw thousands of singers up and down the country join for performances of a brand-new setting of ‘The First Nowell’.
The campaigns seek to engage creatively with existing and new churchgoers, staying true to the heart of the Christmas message and serving as a reminder that in a world of constant activity, churches are places of stillness and connection with communities and with Jesus.
The Church of England says the campaign has already reached 3.4 million impressions on social media, with over 66,000 engagements.
More than 5.4 million page views have been recorded on AChurchNearYou.com, the Church of England’s church-finder website, with over 20,000 users adding services to their calendars or sharing them with friends.
Collaborations with clergy and influencers—including Rev Kate Bottley and Rev Pat Allerton—have brought the campaign to new audiences, collectively engaging more than 750,000 Instagram followers.
The Bishop of Stockport, Rt Rev Sam Corley, said:
"In the busyness of Christmas preparations, it’s easy to lose sight of the peace and hope at the heart of the season.
"This year’s campaign is a timely reminder that the story of Christmas invites us into something deeper - moments of reflection, joy, and connection as we celebrate the arrival of a saviour in the reality of our world.
"Churches across the country are opening their doors to welcome everyone to experience that peace and discover that hope this Christmas."