THE Archbishop of York has launched a special online Advent calendar, to celebrate the countdown to Christmas.

Dr John Sentamu is posting a message on his website each day from today until December 24, to mark the traditional Christian countdown to Christmas.

He said the messages would include prayer, reflection, music, food, presents and the joy of Christmas.

Dr Sentamu said: “Advent is a time of hope and excitement, as we look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus.

“God so loved the world that he sent his Son to be born as a baby and to live among us. That’s what we’re looking forward to during Advent.

“Love came down at Christmas. And that amazing gift demands a wholehearted response from us. I hope people will join me during Advent to reflect on what Christmas means to us as we approach this very important day”

The archbishop’s online calendar is available at archbishopofyork.org.

The first message, posted today, talks about the beginning of Advent, which officially began last Sunday – the Sunday four weeks before Christmas Day.

The archbishop writes: “I’m someone who loves Christmas. It’s an exciting time. I also love the anticipation of what is going to come.

“So I thought I would set up an online advent calendar on my website, so you can come and spend a couple of minutes each day with me reflecting on the big day that lies ahead – the birthday of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour. Because Jesus was born, we can all be free from the burdens of the past and have hope for the future – wonderful!”