The countdown to Advent 2024 begins

The countdown starts as Advent begins on Sunday 1 December running until Tuesday 24 December. This year, people from across the Church of Scotland are joining together to share their stories celebrating the season.

The theme for this year's Advent is ‘Love comes down at Christmas', inspired by Luke 1:79.

Meaning 'coming' or 'arrival', Advent is a time of prayer and preparation for the coming of God's Son. It is also a time when we look outwards to the needs of others, spreading joy with friends, families, local communities and further afield.

As always, our design team have provided a host of posters, cards and social media graphics which you are welcome to use throughout the season of Advent.

Love comes down at Christmas

Love comes down at Christmas is the Church of Scotland's theme this Advent, inspired by the words of Luke 1:79:

"to shine on those living in darkness

"and in the shadow of death,

"to guide our feet into the path of peace."

Like the star of the Nativity in the night sky, the arrival of Christ brought light to a world shrouded in darkness. That light continues to guide us through difficult times towards the path of peace.

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson, encouraged people to focus on the true reason for celebration this Advent, saying: "Advent is a wonderful season, and one that is often unappreciated.

"We are so busy preparing and getting ready for Christmas that we do not have time to reflect on the significance, meaning and wonder of the season.

"Our communities and homes are transformed from darkness into light - lights in the windows, on trees or lamp posts. Yet, what illuminates our path through Advent is more than electricity, it's God's love for the world through the birth of Jesus Christ.

"As we travel through difficult times, may this time of preparation be one that illuminates, not just our journey but that of every community, to recognise and celebrate the Good News of God coming into our world in Jesus Christ - the Prince of Peace.

"I wish you all every blessing in his Advent season."

Get involved

To celebrate this year, we will be sharing Advent stories from across the Church. We'd be delighted for churches to share those stories with us.

Contact us with your faith-filled, thought-provoking, uplifting and encouraging stories and photos and we will share as much as we can with the wider Church on the website and across our social media channels. We will do our best to share as much local church content as we can during December.

To share your stories with us please email our Media Relations address at mediarelations@churchofscotland.org.uk. Please note that we ask that you get in touch with your plans by Monday 16 December.

You can also contact us on X @churchscotland, or find us on Facebook or on Instagram.

Or you can find out more, including service times and about any special festive events, by checking your local church's website, or by popping into church for a service during December.

Christmas is a great time to get involved and hear the Good News of Jesus Christ.

We wish you every blessing for this festive season and thank all those who have journeyed with us this year.

Advent with Eco-Congregation Scotland

Eco-Congregation Scotland will offer a short video each day as an online Advent Calendar. Featuring Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson on day 11, other contributors include the United Reformed Church, church members, poets and pilgrims.

Rev David Coleman, chaplain for Eco-Congregation Scotland, said: "Advent is a vital Season of the Christian Year in its own right: a profound encouragement to transform our landscapes; repurposing our minds and hearts to welcome Christ's Way of justice, love and hope."

Themed around 'Landscapes in Progress'; All Eco-Congregation Scotland Advent resources are available on their website or alternatively you can access the Advent Calendar videos each day.