Resources for Advent and Christmas 2025
There are a lot of opportunities within St Mary’s Church, the Church of England, and in the surrounding area. Hopefully here is a one-stop-shop.
You are welcome here!
Everyone is welcome at Church, particularly at Christmas time. If you are thinking of coming along for the first time, or haven’t been for a long time, we would love to see you.
You are welcome to just turn up but if you would like to speak with someone first please do get in touch.
You can also find some answers to common questions of concerns here https://www.churchofengland.org/faith-life/what-we-believe/advent-and-christmas/what-expect-church-christmas#na
Have a read of our Sunday Open Door talk Joy! – Rev’d Kathryn Waite.
You may also be interested in some of our other sermons and talks https://www.stmaryssawston.org.uk/services/recent-sermons/
The Church of England national resources
Advent & Christmas – a time of waiting and great celebration – click here for an introduction to our beliefs https://www.churchofengland.org/faith-life/what-we-believe/advent-and-christmas
This year’s theme is ‘The Joy of Christmas’.
The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news
of great joy for all the people …’ Luke 2.10-11
For Advent, to prepare for the Joy of Christmas, The Church of England is exploring the symbolism behind the hymn ‘O Come Emmanuel’ and the Advent Antiphons https://www.churchofengland.org/faith-life/what-we-believe/advent-and-christmas/advent-o-come-emmanuel. A beautiful book is available from Church House Publishing to guide you through https://www.chpublishing.co.uk/books/9781781405192/o-come-emmanuel. But if you prefer a digital option, daily reflections will be available on the EveryDay Faith App, free to download for iOS and Android https://www.churchofengland.org/faith-life/exploring-faith/everyday-faith.
Christmas to Epiphany – From Christmas Day to Epiphany we will be reflecting and meditating on the ‘Twelve Joys of Christmas’. Booklets to guide you through short daily reflections will be available in Church on Christmas Eve. Alternatively you can continue to follow the reflections on the EveryDay Faith App https://www.churchofengland.org/faith-life/exploring-faith/everyday-faith or you can sign up for daily e-mails https://www.churchofengland.org/faith-life/what-we-believe/advent-and-christmas/sign-joy-christmas
Kids resources – For Younger Children, aged around 4-6years, there is a Christmas publication ‘The Grumpy Owl and the Joy of Christmas’, available from Church House Publishing. It is a beautiful retelling of the Christmas Story. https://www.chpublishing.co.uk/books/9781781405291/the-grumpy-owl-and-the-joy-of-christmas
Cheeky Pandas and Friends (not Church of England) also have an online TV Christmas series for younger children https://cheekypandas.com/cheeky-pandas-series/#specials
Teen resources – An online Advent devotional aimed at children aged 11-15 is also available following the ‘O Come Emmanuel’ and Advent Antiphons theme https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2025-09/teen-daily-devotional-booklet-v3_0.pdf
Further Events at St Mary’s Church
Events in the surrounding area
Mothers’ Union
Granta Deanery Advent Service – Thursday 4 December, 2pm at the Johnson Hall, Stapleford
Wave of Prayer – Wednesday 10 December, 2-3 pm at St Mary’s Church in the Choir Vestry
THE ST MARY’S CHURCH CHRISTMAS POSADA
Have you spotted the Christmas Posada, our travelling nativity scene, using knitted figures made by the St Mary’s Craft group? The Posada figures are originally a Mexican tradition and stay at a different house in the parish every night, taking their place in Church at the Crib Service, ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas day.
With thanks for your support for this lovely tradition. Janet Martin
