'Christmas Starts with Christ': 2011 Campaign
Research has revealed that 85% of people agree with the statement that 'Christmas should be called Christmas because we are still a Christian country'. But it also shows that only 12% of adults know the facts of the Christmas story in any detail.
So, if we Christians really want to keep Christmas focused on Christ, we must constantly re-tell the story of his birth in ways which engage positively with the public's interest.
Our 'Christmas Starts with Christ' campaign re-tells the Christmas story in modern, secular contexts to capture the general public's attention and interest. Poster ads in previous years have set the nativity in a bus shelter and featured a dramatic 'Jesus Babyscan'. Radio ads have placed the story in a football match, horse race and pop chart countdown.
Research shows 61% of people surveyed like the message 'Christmas Starts with Christ'; with 41% saying it makes them think more about the true meaning of Christmas.
This year we have a very simple but dramatic idea. To re-set the nativity in modern professions and high street fashions. Shepherds become cycle couriers and plasterers. Wise men are successful entrepreneurs and their gifts are iconic 'treasures' of modern culture: a Swarovski crystal perfume bottle, a Faberge egg and a highly decorated skull. All are 'sharply dressed'. But the traditional nativity arrangement is unchanged, with Jesus as its clear focus. And the message is compelling: 'However you dress it up.... Christmas Starts with Christ'.
It's the meeting of Christianity and high street consumerism, with Christ in the middle.
In the final few days before Christmas, millions of people will be heading for shopping centres. Could there be a better time to expose them to this Christian message?
Church leaders across the denominations have welcomed the campaign and are urging Christians and churches all over the country to get involved.
Donate online
To support our work online via credit card or PayPal, please enter your gift amount, choice of advertising location and click the "Donate" button to go through to our payment pages. Thanks for considering helping us in this way.
Donate by post
Alternatively, you can support the campaign by sending your donation through the post. Simply download our donation form. Thanks!
Get Connected
If you'd like to be kept up to date with developments at Christmas Starts with Christ then simply enter your details below:
