AFTER months of preparation and prayer, the UK’s largest united evangelistic campaign is now underway—72 hours of Christian witness taking place across all four nations.
Starting at midnight this morning, Christians began praying for the good news of Christmas to be shared in their local communities and across all four nations.
From 12 to 14 December, more than 1,700 events will take place in this year’s Shine Your Light mission, taking carol services, Christmas services, and other events from church buildings onto the streets, market squares, shopping centers—anywhere people are gathering in the lead-up to Christmas.
Events are taking place in every major UK city and in rural villages alike. For the first time, a specially recorded Christmas service will be broadcast into UK prisons over Christmas Eve/Day, reaching up to 88,000 inmates [1], as well as homeless shelters. Now in its third year, Shine Your Light brings together over 60 denominations, networks, and prayer groups.
This year’s campaign includes a clear focus on engaging young people through social media and encouraging Christians to witness in their workplaces – in offices, factories, schools and beyond.
This Sunday, BBC Songs of Praise will highlight how Shine Your Light partners churches in Bedford works together throughout the year, and especially this weekend, to share the Christian message. The programme airs at 1.15pm on BBC One.
Pastor Jonathan Oloyede, Founder and Convenor of Shine Your Light, said: “Shine Your Light this weekend is fuelled by 72 hours of continuous prayer across the four nations, as believers from many churches and networks unite with one heart.
“This Christmas, in a season of political and cultural tension, the Church is stepping out – into high streets, shopping centres, marketplaces and even sports grounds – to lift the name of Jesus. Though we come from different denominations and streams, we are one in Christ, serving our communities with His love. Everyone is welcome because Jesus came for all and gave His life for all.
“This year’s outreach comes after a year saturated in prayer: daily online gatherings, extended vigils, and local united intercession. We believe the Spirit has been shaping us for His mission.
“This weekend, through carols, Scripture, and powerful testimonies, we are declaring the peace of Christ over our land, believing for salvation, healing and fresh hope as we seek God’s Kingdom over the Church and over the whole of the UK and Ireland.”
Support for this year’s mission continues to grow. Organisers have received a note of encouragement, for a second year, from Buckingham Palace after informing the King of the initiative. In recent years, Shine Your Light has also received backing from No. 10, political leaders across the main parties, and a range of sports and entertainment figures.
BAFTA award-winning comedian Tim Vine sent a video message this week to all participating churches.
Gavin Calver, CEO of the Evangelical Alliance, gave his continued backing after speaking at a Shine Your Light event. He said: “It was such a joy to preach at a town-wide carol service in Warrington on Wednesday evening, at the rugby league stadium. An amazing privilege to share the gospel in this environment, and it’s always wonderful when churches work together so powerfully.”
Participating churches have accessed a wide range of free resources to help them reach their communities, including professionally printed carol sheets, programme ideas, music backing tracks, downloadable carols, and follow-up materials for new contacts.
Promotion for the weekend has been building since September across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and the Shine Your Light YouTube channel.
Further information about this weekend’s events is available at www.shineyourlight.org.uk
ENDS
For further information/interviews:
Adam May – 07736 949869 – adam@ndopw.com
Director of Communications and Engagement for NDOPW
Revd Paul Eddy – 07923 653781 – paul@pauleddy.uk
PR Consultant to Shine Your Light/NDOPW
Editor Notes:
[1] Prison Population: Offender management statistics quarterly: April to June 2025 –
GOV.UK