Sell out crowds flocked to Aston Villa soccer stadium in the Midlands in England this week, for a Christmas outreach event.
It was just one of at least 1,000 Shine Your Light Christian events taking place this month across the UK to share the real meaning of Christmas with the goal of reaching two million people with the message of Christ.
VIDEO SCRIPT
Aston Villa Football Club was the unique venue for a carol service this week, which was just one of at least 1,000 outreach events taking place across the UK this month as part of the nationwide Shine Your Light campaign, which aims to share the message of Christ this Christmas into communities up and down the nation.
The evening started indoors in the stadium with crowds of around 640 people enjoying carols led by the Birmingham Gospel Choir.
And the Bishop of Aston Esther Prior shared a Gospel message.
The event was hosted by Aston Villa Chaplain Jon Grant
I’m hoping that will be a great opportunity for people of faith, people of no faith and lots of people who are searching tonight to be able to leave feeling hope-filled, feeling a sense of God being in the room and God meeting them where they’re at today. And it’s accepting and valuing them where they are.
It was also in partnership with both Birmingham and Aston Churches together and these local Christian leaders shared their thoughts on gathering at this iconic venue.
Steve Botham – Time4Brum
I’m so encouraged. Of course everything at Aston Villa is a sell out at the moment, so we want to just follow that with a good Christian event that is so well publicized and people want to come. They want to hear the Gospel which is good news.
Steve Whittington – Pastor Christ Church Birmingham
It’s grea to be in actually one of the places where worship happens quite regularly. But it’s a different style of worship as we worship king Jesus at Christmas time. It’s great.
Rev Canon Esther Prior – Bishop of Aston
We want to call them to unite around Jesus Christ and it feels really sacred to be doing that at the place where gather for another common thing that they share. So really excited.
Mike Royal – Churches Together in England
We want to take this opportunity to celebrate Christ, who is the reason for the season.
I just love it that we’re able to be in the heart of Aston
Then the service concluded outside with carols and prayers taking place on the Holte End stand.
And it’s hoped the Shine Your Light campaign will mobilise 200,000 Christians to reach at least 2 million people with the true message of Christmas this year.
Peter Wooding reporting for the Global News Alliance.
People Interviewed and their Titles
Jon Grant – Aston Villa Chaplain|
Steve Botham – Time4Brum
Steve Whittington – Pastor Christ Church Birmingham
Rev Canon Esther Prior – Bishop of Aston
Mike Royal – Churches Together in England
Recording Location
Birmingham, England
Organization featured in this Story
Shine Your Light – www.shineyourlight.org.uk
Reporter/Producer for the story
Peter Wooding
EN 
ES