Church leaders have taken to the airwaves to promote Christmas values, launching a series of tongue-in-cheek radio adverts to spread the message of peace and good will.
The Church of England has joined The Salvation Army, Methodists and a host of other Christian denominations to fund the series of amusing festive adverts.
The lighthearted ads are designed to show the traditional Christmas story in a new and amusing way.
One advert, a mock music chart show, includes at number 9, "Joseph" with his hit "Is it Mine" and "Kill Baby Kill", by "Herod" at number 5, while "Baby Jesus" tops the chart with "Everything's Gonna be OK".
A spokesperson for the Diocese of Liverpool said: "Churches nationwide are coming together to reach out to people in a new way.
"Research done this year revealed that 85 per cent of people agree with the statement that 'Christmas should be called Christmas because we are still a Christian country.'
"However, research also shows that only 12 per cent of adults know the Christmas story in any detail and the figure drops to just 7 per cent among 18-24 year olds.
"The figures are absolutely astounding, and we hope trying a new way of communicating with people will help to change that.
"One advert takes the form of a Christmas chart rundown, using song titles to share the Christmas story, while the other parodies a commentary on a police car chase.
"We're hoping to see a great response from people, who might catch the adverts on their way home from work or doing the housework.
"We've got to do everything we can to get the Christmas message to the next generation."
Phil Jump, from the Free Church Council who are working in partnership with the Church of England said: "The humour and fun of the adverts emphasise that the true message of Christmas does not need to stand in opposition to a season of joy and celebration but provides a solid reason for it to be so."
The adverts have started being aired on radio stations and will continue until Christmas Day.
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