It's hoped more than a thousand churches get behind a nationwide campaign to share the joy of Christmas this year outside their buildings.

'Shine Your Light' which is a united initiative of denominations, prayer networks & streams, wants to mobilise over 100,000 Christians outdoors to reach 1 million people with the Gospel. It's seeking 1,000 churches to take carol services, nativity & other Christmas events from within church buildings out into shopping centres, village greens, community centres – anywhere where the public will gather this December.

Last December, more than 78,000 Christians from over 700 churches took their carol services and nativity events outside in what was said to be one of the largest Christmas outreaches on behalf of the UK Church.

This year's campaign takes place on the weekend of 13th – 15th December, but churches are encouraged to register and benefit from a range of free resources to help them spread the Christian message throughout December.

Churches Together in England which endorses the campaign said :

"Shine Your Light is reminding people of the true meaning of Christmas - God's gift to the world in the person of Jesus Christ...Our 54 member church denominations unite in declaring this Christmas that "Jesus is the reason for the Season!"