Methodist churches in Oxfordshire want to use the blockbuster film based on the first of the Narnia chronicles as inspiration for their Christmas services this year.

Ministers are being urged to draw on the film based on Oxford author CS Lewis' novel, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, which is due to be released in the UK next month.

They will be invited to use images from the film and use the novel as a starting point for a number of discussions and activities.

Members of the congregation will be encouraged to enact scenes from the book, such as sharing a Turkish delight or a hot drink.

Children will explore what it would be like if the world, like Narnia, was a place where it was always winter but never Christmas.

The Rev Martin Wellings, minister at the Kidlington Methodist Church in Oxford Road, welcomed the plan. He said: "I think it's an excellent idea. It's good to make use of the publicity surrounding the film and to draw on the Christian background to Narnia.

"CS Lewis is a great Oxford character and has remained in vogue for half a century as a writer.

"The message behind the stories will resonate with children."

Despite support from Christian groups, CS Lewis has attracted criticism from some quarters.

Oxford author Philip Pullman has said that the Narnia books contain "a peevish blend of racist, misogynistic and reactionary prejudice; but of love, of Christian charity, not a trace". Doug Swanney, children's work development officer for the Methodist Church, said: "Christmas is a time associated with presents and giving and this service aims to highlight Jesus as the great gift of God for our salvation.

"But it's not just for Christmas. It's ideal for inclusive worship at any time of the year and the format is so flexible that it can easily be adapted to suit different congregations and styles of worship."

Lewis, the biggest-selling Christian author of all time, wrote the seven Chronicles of Narnia between 1950 and 1956.

To tie in with the release of the film on December 9, 170 Lewis-related books are to be re-published in more than 60 countries.