|PIC1|Millions of envelopes will carry an encouragement to read the Bible’s story of the nativity this Christmas.

Bible Society is giving away five million stickers for use on Christmas post this year, which will direct readers to the reason behind the festive celebrations.

As part of The Real Story campaign, the stickers carry an invitation to ‘read the Christmas story for yourself’ at ttherealstory.org.uk website.

It comes at a time when the Royal Mail is breaking with a 40-year tradition religious-themed stamps to launch its first ever
Christmas collection inspired by both secular and religious beliefs.

"At the heart of Christmas is the story of the birth of Christ – and we want to make sure this is the message that sticks in people’s minds this December. So if Christians appreciate the story, we want them to stamp it on their post too," said Luke Walton, Bible Society’s Art Development Officer.

"We hope that, as people rush around doing their Christmas shopping and attending parties in the run-up to 25 December, they will also take time to make the connection between the festivities and the amazing Bible story of hope that’s behind it all," he added.

The Royal Mail’s pantomime stamps this year feature "stereotypically burly bullies from Cinderella and the Ugly Sisters", according to its website.

Other characters on the 50p and 81p stamps are Peter Pan's Captain Hook and Snow White's Wicked Queen.

Of the stamps with religious images, the first class stamps will feature Madonna of Humility by Lippo di Dalmasio. William Dyce's Madonna and Child will appear on the second class stamps.


On the web:
Find out more and order stickers at www.therealstory.org.uk