Christmas. The busiest time of year for a vicar, and Adam's full of ideas for his first Advent in London. However, he soon discovers that Christmas at St Saviour's is quite different to his sleepy Suffolk parish. He's under pressure from the Archdeacon to maximise seasonal profits, the diary's packed with unusual events and he's up at the crack of dawn every morning to cook breakfast at the homeless shelter. Exhausted, with a permanent hangover and Midnight Mass looming, he's in no mood for a house guest - least of all Alex's cantankerous father Martin

Ambition's in the air. Pedantic Lay Reader Nigel has always believed he'd be a far better priest than Adam and finally gets the chance to prove it - or not. The Archdeacon also has lofty ambitions for career advancement, but a surprise encounter throws a rather different light on things, and even Colin has got a new job. Meanwhile, Adam faces questions about his own future and has a big decision to make.

There is a hole in the church accounts and the archdeacon is ready to pounce. Salvation appears to come in the form of a wealthy City banker who arrives at St Saviour's to join Alcoholics Anonymous. However, Adam's mind is not on balancing the books - serial blagger Mick has arrived on the vicarage doorstep with a much bigger ask than the usual twenty quid, and Adam takes a huge risk.

The church school is up for religious inspection and headteacher Ellie's confident they'll pass with flying colours, thanks to inspiring new teacher Mr Feld. The only problem is, he's an atheist. Adam clashes with Ellie, but has another battle on his hands - he's signed up for an interfaith football tournament and the St Saviour's congregation rather lacks young, fit athletes.

A heatwave hits London and Adam can't sleep. He is not the only one plagued by nightmares; elderly parishioner Joan (Sylvia Syms) has just moved into a nursing home and is convinced her new room is haunted. Adam is called on to justify believing in the Holy Ghost but not spooks. And there are demands at home too; Alex and Adam have a pint-sized house guest in the form of Adam's difficult goddaughter Enid.

Abi Johnston, a talented young curate, comes to train at St Saviour's. Lay reader Nigel is green with envy, and even Adam's initial enthusiasm at the prospect of someone to cover weekends off soon gives way to doubt in his own abilities as a priest when he realizes just how brilliant she is. When Colin decides his vicar needs cheering up, Adam inadvertently gets the chance to experience religious versus chemical ecstasy.

The Reverend Adam Smallbone's life in his London parish hasn't got any easier; his flock are just as demanding and his wife Alex has reached breaking point. When Adam unwittingly thwarts a mugging, he's tempted to bask in the novelty of being hailed a super vicar instead of the usual clergy-baiting, and enjoy Alex's renewed attraction to her hero husband. But as the lie spirals out of control, Adam draws attention from on high...