Bible Society has launched a Christmas initiative to educate people on the true meaning of Christmas - the nativity story.

This Christmas up to a million envelopes will carry an encouragement to read the Bible's story of the nativity with a link to a website where they can do so.

Bible Society has distributed a million colourful stickers for supporters to add to their Christmas card envelopes. Against a traditional nativity scene the stickers carry the invitation to 'read the Christmas story for yourself'.

Michael Pfunder, Bible Society's Development Officer said, "At a time when even the Post Office has removed the Christmas story from its stamps we want to encourage people to read the Bible's account of this great event."

He added, "We have had a massive response from our supporters. They have been phoning to request more stickers for themselves, their friends and their church."

Due to the widespread demand, Bible Society is making the Real Story Christmas stamps freely available at no cost. They can be ordered by calling 01793418222.

In addition, the Christmas story can be read from www.therealstory.co.uk

Bible Society is working hard in other ways to make the Bible's message central this Christmas. This includes collaboration with the Swindon Town Centre Management to provide an innovative installation of angels as the theme for the town's lights. In 2005 the theme was Harry Potter.