The Salvation Army Ushers in the Christmas Season with Shine Your Light Campaign
(Photo: The Salvation Army)
In a vibrant start to the festive season, the Salvation Army launched its Shine Your Light 2025 campaign with a grand carol concert at the Royal Albert Hall. Attended by over 5,000 guests, the event was a key highlight in the organization’s outreach initiatives for Christmas.
The evening was adorned with performances by dancers and choirs, alongside the Salvation Army’s International Staff Band’s rendition of ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful.’ This event was not only about music but also about spreading the Christmas message to communities.
Commissioner Paul Main, UK Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army, expressed enthusiasm for this year’s campaign, stating, “We were delighted to welcome the leadership of Shine Your Light, along with ecumenical and civic guests, to the Royal Albert Hall for our ‘Celebrate Christmas’ carol service. It was a wonderful way to begin Advent in worship centred on the Christmas story, and to encourage everyone to shine the light and love of Jesus into their community.”
The Shine Your Light 2025 campaign comprises various evangelistic events across the UK, aiming to spread the message of Jesus through community engagement. Over 60 church denominations, Christian networks, and charities are participating this year.
One of the major events includes a carol service by Spring Harvest at Westminster Chapel in London on December 10. This service will be recorded and broadcasted in prisons and homeless shelters across the UK. It will also be accessible on the Spring Harvest YouTube channel from December 19, offering free resources for participating churches.
Jo Moir, Head of Spring Harvest, remarked, “This celebration is more than a single gathering in one location – we believe it will echo with hope and joy across the Isles.” The collaboration with The Prison Fellowship ensures that the carol service reaches approximately 57,000 prisoners on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The campaign is further supported by Green Pastures, a homeless charity, which will facilitate viewings in numerous accommodation centres throughout the UK.
Around 2,000 churches are expected to join the Shine Your Light initiative, with a focus on engaging young people and sharing the Gospel at workplaces. The campaign will be featured on BBC Songs of Praise on December 14, including street carol performances in Bedford and an interview with Pastor Jonathan Oloyede, the founder of Shine Your Light.
Bishop Mike Royal, General Secretary of Churches Together in England (CTE), urged widespread church participation, saying, “Christmas is a unique opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Shine Your Light encourages churches to make the most of this moment to share Christ’s message of joy, peace, and hope.”
For more information, registration, and free resources visit www.shineyourlight.org.uk
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
