Christmas is one of the great feasts of the Christian year. All are welcome to the Cathedral as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, with hope and joy. As our Dean, the Very Reverend Gerwyn Huw Capon, writes, “It is the meaning of the Christmas story that compels us to come and adore the new-born King, to bring him our worship and praise, to offer our gratitude for the love that has come into our world and embraced it. Christmas is about the profoundest truth of who God is, and who we are, and what ultimately matters most in life, and where the destiny of the world lies.”
A variety of services offer the opportunity to explore the meaning of Christmas, from quiet reflection to lively celebration.
A Service of Light
Sunday 17 December, 5.30pm
An interactive service for children on the theme of light, with carols and readings.
Organ Recital – La Nativite du Seigneur
Wednesday 20 December, 6.30pm
Messiaen’s La Nativité du Seigneur (The Birth of the Saviour) is arguably one of the most important organ works of the twentieth century. Its devotional nature is remarkably direct, for Messiaen possessed a deep-rooted faith and theological insight which gave a strongly spiritual dimension to all his work. The music will be interspersed with biblical readings, making this a special opportunity to experience the Christmas story in an atmospheric setting through words and wonderful music. The organ will be played by the Cathedral’s Director of Music, Stephen Moore.
Christmas Eve – Holy Eucharist
Sunday 24 December, 8am
Begin Christmas Eve with a quiet and reflective Eucharist service.
Christmas Eve – Parish Eucharist
Sunday 24 December, 10am
The Parish Eucharist is celebrated in the Cathedral’s main body and using the Nave Altar. It is a lively act of collective worship, particularly suitable for families with young children.
Christmas Eve – A Service of Nine Lessons & Carols
Sunday 24 December, 3.30pm
Our ever popular Nine Lessons and Carols Service features much-loved carols, as the Christmas story is re-told through Bible readings.
Christmas Eve – The First Eucharist of Christmas
Sunday 24 December, 9.30pm
Celebrate the birth of Jesus in a beautiful Choral Eucharist. The service includes music by Haydn, Rutter and Ledger.
Christmas Day – Holy Eucharist
Monday 25 December, 8am
Begin Christmas Day with a quiet and reflective Eucharist service.
Christmas Day – Parish Eucharist
Monday 25 December, 9am
The Parish Eucharist is celebrated in the Cathedral’s main body and using the Nave Altar. It is a lively act of collective worship, particularly suitable for families with young children.
Christmas Day – Choral Eucharist
Monday 25 December, 11am
The Eucharist is offered and celebrated within a Choral setting. It is a solemn celebration where the High Altar is used and where the splendour of the liturgy is enhanced not only by the music, but also by the use of incense.
First Sunday of Christmas – Holy Eucharist
Sunday 31 December, 8am
Begin the last day of the year with a quiet and reflective Eucharist service.
First Sunday of Christmas – Sung Eucharist
Sunday 31 December, 10am
The Sung Eucharist is celebrated in the Nave.
First Sunday of Christmas – Evening Prayer
Sunday 31 December, 3.30pm
A short service of Evening Prayer, to end both the day and the year.
