The light that will not be dimmed
As thousands of churches across the UK unite for Shine Your Light 2025, Dr Jonathan Oloyede calls on Christians to join this initiative that aims to bring unity, revival and evangelism
This Christmas, something powerful is stirring across Britain. Nearly 2,000 churches, networks, and Christian organisations will be taking the Gospel beyond their walls – out into streets, schools, shopping centres, stadiums and city squares. Carol services and Christmas events will no longer be confined to pews and pulpits but will break out into the heart of our communities, declaring that Jesus is still the Reason for the season!
For too long, the vast majority of our nation has celebrated Christmas without Christ. Once the decorations are packed away, the indigestion tablets finished, and the credit card bills begin to bite, millions are left facing another New Year without hope, peace or purpose. But that’s where we come in – the Church of Jesus Christ, called to shine His light in the darkness!
Years ago, the Lord gave me a vision of the British Isles at night, covered in deep shadow, but suddenly illuminated by countless little lights flickering across towns, cities and villages. Each light represented believers and churches shining for Jesus in their neighbourhoods.
By God’s grace, that vision is becoming a reality. Last year, over 1,500 churches united, as 100,000 believers reached more than one million people with the message of hope.
This December, we’re believing for even more: 200,000 believers joining forces with local churches to reach two million souls across the UK and Ireland!
And let me say this with deep gratitude and pride: Black-majority churches (BMCs) have been right at the heart of this move of God. Across London and beyond, Black-led congregations made up nearly half of all Shine Your Light events.
LIGHT IN DARK TIMES
Let’s be honest, 2025 has been a difficult year for many. The war between Russia and Ukraine continues to take lives by the millions; the Israel-Gaza conflict rages on; and persecution against our brothers and sisters in Nigeria and across the world intensifies. Even here at home, our communities are weary – divided by politics, racial tension, and fear for the future.
But we know something the world does not: only the Prince of Peace can heal the nations. Only Jesus can bring reconciliation, meaning and true joy to the human heart. And that is why we must keep shining our light!
A MOVEMENT OF UNITY AND EVANGELISM
Shine Your Light is not a huge corporate machine. We don’t have massive offices or a long payroll. What we do have is a faithful, praying army of volunteers and a small, dedicated team working behind the scenes. This is the Church of Jesus in action – ordinary believers doing extraordinary things together.
Most local events are simple: a few churches joining to sing carols in a shopping arcade, handing out invitations, or praying for passers-by. Yet in those moments, denominational walls come down. Friendships are formed. Pastors begin to pray together. The Spirit of God knits hearts and purposes.
As we gather and go, our faith is reignited. The Holy Spirit emboldens believers to speak about Jesus – some for the very first time. Hundreds of thousands are stepping out in love, shining their light in ways that only heaven can measure.
NEW STREAMS OF IMPACT
This year, Shine Your Light has expanded in three exciting directions: Youth, the Workplace, and Social Media.
Our youth team has launched creative, high-energy videos that are going viral, reaching hundreds of thousands of teens – many of whom, according to the Bible Society’s Quiet Revival report, are surprisingly open to faith.
We’re also partnering with ministries that help Christians shine in their workplaces – in offices, GP surgeries, schools, construction sites and beyond. Our social media reach has exploded too, bringing the message of hope to people who may never set foot in a church.
And because Jesus’ heart beats for those on the margins, we’re taking the light to prisons and homeless centres this Christmas. A special Shine Your Light broadcast, recorded in Westminster, will beam into over 100 prisons and 100 homeless shelters, reaching tens of thousands who are often forgotten. We want them to know that Christ offers a new beginning, a fresh start, and the power to walk with God – no matter what life brings.
JOIN THE MOVE OF GOD
God is using this simple vision – ordinary believers shining the light of Jesus – transform communities and lives.
If you’ve already registered your church, thank you! You are part of a growing wave of light sweeping across the UK.
If you haven’t yet joined, it’s not too late. Access free resources, training and inspiration for your church today.
Visit www.shineyourlight.org.uk and register now.
Together, let’s light up the nation. Let’s proclaim Jesus in the streets, on the airwaves, in our workplaces, and in our schools.
This Christmas, let your light shine – and keep shining – until the whole land is ablaze with the glory of God!
DR JONATHAN OLOYEDE
Pastor, Founder and Convener of Shine Your Light
