Church plugs ‘true’ Christmas spirit

THE first advertising campaign to advertise the “true meaning” of Christmas is to be launched by a church, it emerged yesterday.

The Scottish Episcopal Church will use the latest marketing techniques to encourage the public to attend church and focus on the religious aspect of Christmas.

Hundreds of advertising posters are to be put on display at railway stations across the country in the run-up to December 25.

Church officials also plan to put up huge roadside banners and record radio adverts to remind shoppers of the “real meaning” of Christmas.

The church is launching the initiative in partnership with the Britain-wide media group, the Churches Advertising Network (CAN).

The Very Rev Gerald Stranraer-Mull, chair of the Scottish Episcopal Church’s communications board, said: “As the Christmas rush starts to take hold, this new campaign asks people whether they are losing the plot and missing the real meaning of Christmas.

“Whilst the world careers frantically towards a 24-hour-a-day, 365 days a year shopping opportunity, we point out the need for rest, reflection, wonder and worship.”

He said the light-hearted poster featured one of the three kings presenting a gift to the baby Jesus.

The king is shown looking down in horror at a price tag still left on his gift of gold. The poster reads: “At this point the first king realised he’d left the price tag on.”

A second line adds: “Losing the plot? Give yourself a break at church this Christmas.”

CAN is made up of Christian media professionals who commit time to finding ways of better marketing the church in the modern era.

The posters will also appear outside churches.