Designed particularly with young adults in mind, this year’s English-language Advent calendar invites readers to pause, reflect and journey towards Christmas together with author and journalist Karin Erlandsson. The Advent Calendar is published by the the Evangelical Lutheran Parishes in the Helsinki Metropolitan area.

Stars and angels are closer than you might think. Author and journalist Karin Erlandsson takes us on a journey across the starry sky and towards Christmas.

“What has always fascinated me most about the Nativity story is the three wise men, who had such faith that they were willing to follow a star. Both Mary and the shepherds encountered angels, and I imagine it's easier to believe in them when they appear before you. But following a star takes trust. Perhaps, I thought, stars and angels might have similar messages. Perhaps stars, too, can help us,” says Karin Erlandsson. 

The Church Advent calendar attracts considerable interest every year. Unlike many other Advent calendars, the texts are written primarily to invite adults to pause and reflect on the message of Christmas. Although the calendar is aimed primarily at adults, it is also suitable for the whole family.

The Church Advent calendar is a much-anticipated gift 

‍The Church Advent calendar is a gift for the church members in the Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen Evangelical Lutheran Parishes. Around 370,000 Advent calendars will be mailed to Finnish-speaking church members in Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen at the end of November.

The English-language version, translated by Mike Garner, will be available to be collected from the churches and chapels in Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen Evangelical Lutheran Parishes in the last weeks of November.

The calendar has a new writer and illustrator every year, allowing its content to resonate with different people.

This year the calendar is illustrated by Jonna Jylhä from Vantaa, and the cover features a traditional set of angel chimes. The English version is based on Erlandsson’s texts, which have been translated from Swedish. The Finnish-language calendar’s texts are written by the Helsinki-based duo Pilven piirtäjät, consisting of Kaisa Korhonen and Axel Ehnström. 

In addition to the texts, each day reveals a new illustration.

“In the illustrations revealed behind each door, I wanted to bring together something old and something new, with the idea that Christmas comes to everyone”, says Jonna Jylhä.

The Church’s Advent calendar evokes a wide range of emotions. It has been praised for its unexpectedness, its message of grace and hope, its warm and accessible language, and its joy and humour. The calendar also brings people together. Doors are opened together with friends and family, over video calls, in care homes and on social media.