This Christmas, help us light the way in your community by exploring CUF’s Digital Advent Calendar. Everyday you will discover something new to inspire and uplift you.
Find moments of hope, peace, joy, and love through heartwarming stories, prayers for those in need, reflection videos to help you serve God, and simple acts of kindness to share in your neighbourhood. You’ll also encounter scripture to guide and encourage you as you live out your faith.
Bookmark this page and Join us on this Advent journey as we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming and shine His light in our communities.
This Christmas, help us build stronger and more loving communities
As Irene beautifully said, “The church is a hospital”, a place where we are invited to come as we are and leave transformed by Christ.
Let us pray that the God of hope fill our communities with all joy and peace in believing, so that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. And may we be beacons of hope for those crushed in spirit, offering healing and love in the midst of hardship.
Selah: For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. - Jeremiah 29:11
Tune in tomorrow to discover how your prayers can help bring hope to someone in need.
“Our members are interested in the outside world – we don’t want to be insular, and fundraising helps us engage with big issues like hardship.”
Every Thursday, Christ Church Barnet opens its doors to welcome the community for fellowship - a time to share meals, hear from visiting speakers, enjoy quizzes and bring and buy sales, and join in a short, open act of worship. People from all walks of life come together, finding connection and hope in shared faith and friendship.
Many of these gatherings include opportunities to give back, and CUF has been blessed to receive support through this spirit of generosity.
“I write letters to local councillors, MPs, national and international bodies seeking help for those suffering.” - Jillian
Jillian is one of our inspiring CUF supporters, lighting the way in communities facing real struggles. Her dedication to tackling social challenges is a beautiful reflection of Christ’s heart at work, bringing hope and restoration to those in need.
Thank you, Jillian, for sharing your #StoryofHope.
Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Advent reminds us that hope is not wishful thinking, it’s trusting God’s promises. Let hope light your way this season.
Reflection: Take a quiet moment to ask God how you can place your hope fully in Him today. Listen with an open heart - He loves to speak to those who seek Him.
As Vinyo reminds us, may the fruits of the Spirit - love, peace, gentleness, self-control, and patience - guide us as we serve God’s kingdom and take part in His work - watch video
Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23
Reflection:
How can you encourage others to walk in the Spirit and bear fruit?
how do you invite the Holy Spirit to transform you daily?
What choices or habits in your life might be helping or hindering the Spirit’s work in producing His fruit?
At Christmas, we are reminded that the light of Christ still shines in the darkest places (Isaiah 9:2). Have a look at our suggestions of how to be a light of hope for some who may be struggling to find it.
Pray with someone instead of just saying “I’ll pray for you.”
Send scripture or uplifting messages to those going through challenges.
Donate food or toiletries to a local food bank or shelter.
Let us pray that churches across the country would shine as places of refuge, offering strength and support to those facing life’s struggles. May no one feel they have to walk alone. And may God’s peace, which transcends all understanding, guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Selah: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. - John 14:27
''Hope has kept me alive. Nice to have a warm belly and somewhere to sit. It's my second home.''
Stephen and Jeanette love coming to The Hope Foundation, where food, music, and friendly faces bring the community together. From trying international meals at “Tastes Like Home” to volunteering and reconnecting with friends, they’ve found a place to belong, share, and give back. Their story shows how little moments can make a big difference.
Read the full story here to see how The Hope Foundation is making a difference in Middlesbrough.
“We have our church open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings. We offer tea, coffee and snacks and a listening ear and company for those who may feel isolated.” - Revd Ian
#StoriesofHope
It’s moving to hear how one of our CUF supporters is helping people find peace through the life of the Church. Revd Ian’s compassion and commitment are creating spaces where others feel seen and appreciated; a true expression of God’s love.
Thank you, Revd Ian, for sharing your #StoryofHope.
Who can you help feel a sense of peace and belonging this Christmas?
Isaiah 9:6 - For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
In the busyness of life, Advent points us to the Prince of Peace. Breathe, pause, and let His peace fill your heart.
Reflection: Bring every worry and concern to the feet of Jesus. As you surrender them, allow His peace to wash over you and bring rest to your soul.
Sophie beautifully shares that we are called to pour out peace into the lives of those around us. As we walk in faith, may God’s peace light the way in our homes, our communities, and our world - watch the video
Scripture: Colossians 3:15
Reflection:
What do you do and where do you go to find peace?
How can you reflect God’s peace in your family, workplace or community?
What areas of your life do you need God to bring you peace?
As followers of Christ, we are called to share His light with others (John 1:5). Here are more meaningful and practical acts of kindness you can do to extend God’s peace and love.
Pay for the coffee of the person behind you in the queue.
Call a friend that you haven’t spoken to for a while.
Take a minute to help someone who is lost.
Reach out to your local council member to speak up about issues in your community, and ask how more can be done to protect and uplift those in need.
Are you more of a sweet or savoury person? However you like to cook, share a meal this Christmas with someone who could use a little warmth and friendship. Food nourishes the body, but conversation and kindness feed the soul. Your presence can bring peace to someone who needs to know they are loved.
Let us pray that the God of compassion and community will light the way for those feeling isolated or lonely this Christmas.
May we be the hands and feet of Christ, bringing connection, friendship, and unconditional love to those who need it most. And may the joy of Christ fill every heart that feels forgotten, reminding them they are never alone. – watch prayer video about joy
Selah: May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. – Psalm 126:5
Hope Hut in St Ann’s, Nottingham, has transformed a small garage into a vibrant community hub where kids play safely, families connect, and volunteers of all ages come together. From after-school sports and homework help to summer BBQs, running clubs, and games nights, it’s a place full of laughter, learning, and belonging.
Tricia, who attends the community hub said, “Hope Hut has literally changed my life. It gave me confidence, and now I volunteer to help younger kids believe in themselves too.” Read the full story here to see how Hope Hut is making a real difference in St Ann’s.
A simple act of kindness can bring joy to someone who feels alone.
A simple act of kindness can bring joy to someone who feels alone.
“When I retired I started a friendship group for older people to help build bridges into the local community from the church ; it is well attended and has helped to connect people together and dispel loneliness.” - Sheila
#StoriesofHope
Sheila reminds us how a simple act of kindness can bring joy to someone who feels alone. Her warmth and care are creating spaces where friendships grow and people feel they matter. In doing so, she reflects the light of Christ to those walking through darkness.
Thank you, Sheila, for sharing your #StoryofHope.
Could you be that friend to someone in need this Christmas?
Luke 2:10 - But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
Joy comes in unexpected moments. This Advent, celebrate the good news that changes everything.
Reflection: Pause and look back on God’s goodness in your life. Let gratitude fill your heart and think of someone you can share this joy with, so they too are reminded of His unchanging faithfulness.
May your heart be lifted in joy and love, knowing that you too are God’s handiwork - fearfully and wonderfully made. What a gift it is to be His creation - watch video
Scripture: Ephesians 2:10
Reflection:
How does recognising your identity in Christ transform how you view yourself and interact with the world?
How can you encourage others to discover who they are in Christ?
What changes when you live from love, rather than for love?
Christ’s coming fills our world with joy and reminds us that we are deeply loved (John 1:9-10). Take a look at more ways you can share joy this Christmas.
Make someone laugh today.
Smile and say hello to people you may pass every day.
Let the light of Christ fill your home with joy this Christmas. Our free Christmas activities include colouring pages and paper chain crafts. They’re perfect for families, small groups, or anyone wanting to spread joy this season.
Psalm 23 reminds us of God's faithful love and goodness, even in the darkest valleys. Let us pray that Jesus, our Good Shepherd, would guide His people to extend His love to those in need, offering comfort, mercy and hope. – watch prayer video about love
Selah: Psalm 23
A space where everyone could feel seen and valued.
A space where everyone could feel seen and valued.
When Cheb felt called by God to serve her community, she began the CUF-supported Place of Welcome at St Barnabas Soup Kitchen. Guided by love and compassion, she created a space where everyone could feel seen and valued.
It was here that David, who had been struggling, found friendship and belonging. What began as a meal shared became something deeper, a community that felt like family and a place where his life began to change.
Shine as a beacon of light for those who are struggling.
“My parish works with many people who have desperately sad histories of abuse and suffer from deep trauma. We're trying to be a community where they can heal and flourish. It's massively challenging but God is here.'' - Revd Lindsey
#StoriesofHope Through her ministry, Revd Lindsey gives us a glimpse of Jesus’ heart - a life poured out in love and service. Her church is living out His call to care deeply and shine as a beacon of light for those who are struggling.
Thank you, Revd Lindsey, for sharing your #StoryofHope. How might you share the love of Christ with someone in need today?
