Bishop Sarah, and the Society For Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK), yesterday launched a new app for Advent, A Good Advent.

The new app, available for iOS and Android, includes an introduction to Advent written by Bishop Sarah, who was installed as the 133rd Bishop of London at St Paul’s Cathedral on 12th May.

Bishop Sarah writes that:

“During St Paul’s Cathedral’s dramatic Advent service, a procession moves from darkness to light, mirrored by music and words, reflecting hope and despair. To appreciate the light and hope, you need to wait in the darkness. Advent is a time to be still in the midst of our busy lives. We should make space in the darkness to appreciate the light, and to find time to focus on hope.”

The app also includes a short daily Advent meditation, suitable for Christians or people on the edges of faith who wish to make the most of the season. SPCK’s most recent app, for Thy Kingdom Come 2018, was recently selected as App of the Year at the Premier Digital Awards 2018.

SPCK yesterday released research from ComRes showing that 92% of British adults are aware of Advent, and 39% expect to do something to celebrate it. Out of the options tested, the new survey showed that Advent calendars are the most popular way of marking Advent, with 30% of adults (37% of women and 22% of men) expecting to use one. 12% of respondents expect to attend a church service or Carol service during Advent, 7% expect to pray, 2% expect to read an Advent book, and 3% expect to mark Advent in some other way.

Sam Richardson, CEO of SPCK, said:

“We are delighted to be partnering with Bishop Sarah and the Diocese of London to launch this innovative new app. As this new research shows, the idea of Advent resonates with people of all faith and none, and we hope the app will encourage people to find deeper meaning even during this busy time of the year.”

Details of how to download the app can be found on www.aGoodAdvent.co.uk . The Bishop’s chapter is also available in print and ebook form.