Archbishop launches online advent calendar

The Archbishop of York has launched an online advent calendar on his website - www.archbishopofyork.org

Dr John Sentamu will offer a different reflection each day in the run-up to Christmas.

On each of the four Sundays in Advent, the Archbishop will offer four specially recorded YouTube messages.

The short messages will be based on the popular Christmas Carols – O Come O Come Emmanuel, Hark The Herald Angels Sing, In The Bleak Midwinter and O Come All Ye Faithful.

The Archbishop said the carols were a way of focussing on the Christmas story in a fresh way.

"It's important we get the good news of Christmas out as widely as possible," he said.

Christmas Carols are a great way of reaching people who wouldn't normally come to church."

He continued: "Join me in sharing the Advent journey together as we travel towards Christmas. Advent is a great time of anticipation and preparation for the big celebration that lies ahead."

The Advent Calendar can be viewed at www.archbishopofyork.org/pages/advent-calendar-2012.html – with a new door opening every day during December.