A new initiative is encouraging Christians to tell the story of the birth of Jesus through social media this Christmas.

Premier Christian Media and Church from Scratch will be telling the Christmas story ‘as it happens’ through messages from the main characters of the story posted to Facebook and Twitter, or sent via text or email.

They hope to bring the real meaning of Advent into the heart of communities, reaching people wherever they are, be that in the office, at the bus stop or doing the big shop in the supermarket.

Peter Kerridge, chief executive of Premier Christian Media, said: “Text will be the only way some people will learn about the nativity story this Christmas.

“The majority of people these days have a mobile phone, connection to the internet and a Facebook or Twitter account. People are immersed in technology – how many immerse themselves in the Bible like that?

“We need to meet them where they, with a new and innovative conversation if we’re going to take up the opportunity to tell them about Christ.”

The messages will be sent out three times a day to anyone who signs up for the Christmas experience online.

The first messages will be sent out on December 18 and will end on January 1.

Peter Dominey, of Church from Scratch said, “We loved the way The Passion Experience gave people such a memorable experience - Jesus' amazing story sent to their phone, wherever they were. This Christmas we give the idea a fresh twist.”

To sign up, go to christmasstarts.com/experience or text STORY to 60777