Speaking to Church groups about Christmas over the last few years and asking them to reflect on what they enjoy and what they dislike about our celebrations, most groups reference the same things.

People love the chance to spend time with family and friends, and enjoy the Christmas carols at church.

But there is frustration at the over-commercialisation of Christmas, as shops begin selling Christmas to us before the pumpkins are out of the shops, and we are constantly peddled the idea of a 'perfect' Christmas.

ALTERnativity exists to challenge people to think about their Christmas celebrations, to engage with the Holy Family as real people rather than merely nativity characters and to challenge us as Christians as to how we celebrate well in the face of a climate emergency and in a world where too many of our sisters and brothers are starving.

As the shops fill with tinsel, crackers and more plastic than anyone needs, let's take some time to think back to the first Christmas.

To download a copy of the 2019 Advent material please click here