Celebrate the global joy of Jesus’ birth with our interactive Advent resource for schools and families.
The Diocese of Guildford’s Education Team is excited to launch the 2025 Online Advent Primary and Secondary School Calendars, themed “Joy to the World!”. This year’s calendars invite schools, families, and young people to embark on a journey of discovery, exploring how Christians not just here in the UK but across the globe celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Advent is a season of anticipation, a time to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ. Our interactive calendars offer a fresh way to experience this journey, combining reflection, creativity, and cultural insight. Each day from 1 December, you’ll find new content designed to inspire and engage.
What’s Inside the Calendars?
- Global Perspectives: Discover how the Nativity story is told in different cultures. Each day features words and images that bring the universal message of joy to life in diverse and beautiful ways.
- Weekend Activities for Families: Advent is for everyone! Enjoy family-friendly activities that encourage creativity, conversation, and shared moments of faith.
- Video content from Compassion UK: We are making use of some excellent videos from Compassion UK, a Christian child-sponsorship charity, to include authentic retellings of the Christmas story from communities around the world. These stories remind us that the joy of Jesus’ birth is truly global.
In a world that often feels divided, Advent calls us to unity and hope. These calendars help children and young people see that the story of Jesus is not confined to one place or culture; it’s a story that brings joy to every corner of the earth. By exploring these perspectives, we nurture empathy, understanding, and a sense of belonging to a worldwide family of faith.
We invite you to share this resource widely, with your school, parish, or family, and make this season meaningful for all. Together, let’s celebrate the joy of Jesus’ birth and the hope that unites us across cultures and continents.
How to Access
The calendars will be available online from 1 December. Schools, churches and families can access it via our website. Teachers and church leaders can also find overviews and instructions on using the Advent calendars on our website.