As Advent starts, we light the first candle and begin our preparation for Christmas in the age-old way with traditional carols and readings; reflecting on the season to come and seeking calm amid the chaos.
Do you love the carols but, because we only sing them once a year, find you don't remember the tune until the last verse?
Here they are - have a listen to the less familiar ones. Jog your memory then you can enjoy the music all the way this year!

Hymn 45 O come, O come, Emmanuel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xtpJ4Q_Q-4
or Kings College:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcIIZpnZPgo

Hymn 815 Thy kingdom come! on bended knee
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFzbxnMnxZc

Hymn 39 Hills of the North, rejoice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T9Uhg2Mobo
or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufsfurSpPmM

Hymn 85 The Angel Gabriel from heaven came
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UibY8twQTOQ
or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzC9dxwRddc

Hymn 46 On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIr21lLgFpg
or Norwich Cathedral
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-n_iUv9NII

Hymn 41 Lo, he comes with clouds descending
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w98-VuKi-4Q

Hymn 54 Wake, O wake! With tidings thrilling
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyykY_8Dt4g

Start the Christmas season early with The Little Moreton Singers in the historic setting of Biddulph Old Hall – music, mulled wine & mince pies
4:00pm, Sunday 7 December 2025
Tickets £25 inclusive; all proceeds to St Mary’s Church Astbury.
Email Jane Sharman at [email protected]

Why not start your celebrations this year with the true meaning of Christmas? Join us for Astbury’s Live Nativity, a much-loved community event, looked forward to each year as the highlight of the season.
Book online now to be sure of your place on the adventure!
Our journey begins at the farm where we are greeted by the Centurion who orders us to go to Bethlehem.
We follow the star through the village in the footsteps of Mary, Joseph and their faithful donkey so that we too become part of the story of the first Christmas. We are guided on the way by some smelly shepherds and angels encourage us to keep going. A grumpy inn-keeper tells us there is no room at the inn. Don’t let him put you off … Bethlehem is in sight! We sing carols to keep our spirits up and anticipate with excitement who we shall find at the end of our journey. The stable scene in church awaits us and we watch the arrival of the three Kings as they bring their gifts. Once again, the age-old story is complete and we raise our voices together to welcome the Christ-child. As we refresh ourselves with hot chocolate or mulled wine and a mince pie, we can rest assured that we have remembered and celebrated the real reason for the season.
We meet at Glebe Farm at 6pm, ready to move off at 6.30.
Pre-booking is essential for this event. Tickets are available online using the QR codes or by using the links below to the online booking page.
For 15th December - https://tickets.myiknowchurch.co.uk/gb/NTU5OS0xMA/t
For 16th December - https://tickets.myiknowchurch.co.uk/gb/NTU5OS0xMQ/t
Booking opens 1st November 2025
Adult tickets are £6 each, under16’s tickets are £3 each
A Family ticket for two adults and two children is £15
Small booking fees apply
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable
If you are unable to book online, tickets may be ordered at church after any 11am Sunday service.

Holy Night...Calm and Bright...Sleep in heavenly peace
December 21st at 6.30pm... join in retelling the story of Christ's birth with favourite carols and readings.
What better way to begin Christmas week?

For children and everyone still young at heart..
Amid all the excitement of Christmas Eve, we pause to tell the story of Christmas. Come and be part of St Mary's own nativity scene.
Bring a figure from your own crib set. Dress up as one of the animals in the stable ... or a shepherd… a king… an angel. Whoever you may be, you are welcome in Christ's story.

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS with us the minute it is here. As the clock strikes twelve, we’ll share the First Communion of Christmas together—and the joy of Christ’s birth.
The service starts at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve.

Celebrate on Christmas morning with us at 10am.
Astbury, Smallwood and Somerford join together for a child-friendly service for all ages ………… and home in time to cook Christmas lunch!