Don't be Afraid

This Advent we listen again to the angel's words: “Don’t be afraid”. In Scripture, these words are not a demand but a gift. They reassure us that, while God’s presence is awe-inspiring, in Jesus, God comes to us in self-sacrificing love. 

And Jesus experiences with us all the things that make us afraid, so that we are no longer alone in our fear. Yes, the world is a scary place. Yes, life is hard. You are not alone.

As we journey through Advent, let's help one another recognise the presence of God in the midst of frightening times. There may be all kinds of pressures making people afraid this Christmas – from news headlines to personal struggles with poverty, grief and sickness – for people within and beyond our churches.

The message this Christmas is that God is here in Jesus, and we can all notice and experience this for ourselves.

Resources to invite people to church

Print resources

See below for links to order church posters and invitation postcards from Methodist Publishing, then add a sticker with your service information. Alternatively, add your own service information in Adobe or Canva and have them printed yourself.

Digital resources

Create your own social media posts and engaging PowerPoint presentations using these digital assets. There are illustrations for you to mix and match, and a digital background you can use as a template for your Facebook or Instagram post (link coming soon):

Worship resources

The worship pack takes you through Advent and Christmas up to Epiphany, and once again includes ideas for a carol service and Blue Christmas service. This year, there is also a separate small group resource that follows the themes presented in worship. Materials for children and young people will be coming soon.

Advice and inspiration

If you'd like a short overview of the digital and print resources and an opportunity to think through how you might use them, sign up for the webinar taking place in September and repeated in October. You can also check out the video below with ideas for connecting with your community this Christmas.

Lent 2027

Lent begins just six weeks after Christmas. To help your planning, resources for Lent 2027 will build directly on the Don't Be Afraid theme of Advent-Christmas.

While this earlier season explores God’s coming among us in vulnerability and promise, Lent will continue that journey, following the story beyond the manger into the wilderness, towards the Cross, and into Resurrection life.

Together, the resources offer a cohesive narrative across the Christian year, tracing God’s faithful presence from expectation to fulfilment.