THE BBC has promised a “wealthy and reflective” array of non secular programming this Christmas, including its usual offering of live worship and the return of some festive favourites.
This yr’s Christmas morning service on BBC1 is to be broadcast live from Bradford Cathedral, “reflecting Bradford’s status as UK City of Culture 2025”, a BBC press release says. It guarantees “a vigorous family service” including “a dynamic performance of the Christmas Gospel story by the Revd Canon Ned Lunn, Canon for Intercultural Mission and the Arts, and a mirrored image on the ability of cross-cultural encounters, by the Dean of Bradford, the Very Revd Andy Bowerman”.
On Radio 4, the early morning Christmas Day service might be broadcast live from Leeds Roman Catholic Cathedral at 7 a.m.
On Christmas Eve, Carols from King’s, pre-recorded within the candlelit Chapel of King’s College, Cambridge, and led by the Dean, the Very Revd Dr Stephen Cherry, might be broadcast on BBC1, along with the live broadcast of A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols which works out at 3 p.m. on Radio 4.
The live broadcast of Midnight Mass is to come back from Cambridge, from the Roman Catholic Our Lady of the Assumption and the English Martyrs. On radio, Midnight Mass might be broadcast live from Liverpool Cathedral, led by the Dean, the Very Revd Dr Sue Jones, with a sermon from the Interim Bishop, the Rt Revd Ruth Worsley.
On Christmas morning, the Revd Kate Bottley returns to her Radio 2 slot to present Good Morning Christmas (8 a.m. to 10 a.m.), with “reflection and celebration” as audiences perform their traditions. And on Boxing Day, on Radio 4, the Bishop of Washington, the Most Revd Mariann Budde, is to deliver a Christmas meditation on the theme of trust, reflecting on the events of the past yr, including her own sermon on the inauguration of President Trump.
The Archbishop of Canterbury’s New Year message is back on the programme after a hiatus last yr within the wake of Justin Welby’s resignation. This yr, it’s going to be delivered by the Archbishop-designate, the Rt Revd Sarah Mullally, who’s on account of be installed within the Chair of St Augustine in March, on Ascension Day.
After the success of the blockbuster film Conclave, released before the death of Pope Francis and election of Pope Leo XIV earlier this yr, the BBC has commissioned the hour-long documentary Secrets of the Conclave, to be broadcast on BBC2 in December. It is billed “a rare glimpse into this ancient ritual” with exclusive footage from the Vatican and interviews with cardinals who attended to forged their vote.
Other TV highlights include the ultimate episode of BBC1’s Prayer and Reflection series, which explores “sacred spaces across all 4 nations”, will deal with a “traditional Christmas service” from St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh, including hymns and carols, scripture, and a sermon the Revd Dr Scott Rennie.
The annual festive edition of Songs of Praise returns with A Christmas Celebration From Victoria Hall, Bolton, presented by Aled Jones, who will sing “Silent Night”. Other performances include the Christmas classic “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” by the previous Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley.
Returning for its fourth yr is My Life at Christmas, the three-part interview series presented by Anita Rani. This yr, she asks Sir Rod Stewart and his wife, the broadcaster Penny Lancaster; children’s TV presenter and kids’s rights advocate, Baroness Floella Benjamin; and Paralympian and broadcaster Ade Adepitan concerning the festive memories that reflect their lives, careers, and faith.
And the East End community of non secular sisters and midwives return for a two-part Christmas special of Call the Midwife.
The Head of Commissioning, Religion and Ethics for BBC Television, Daisy Scalchi, said this week: “There is such an array of joyful, uplifting and thought-provoking programming this Christmas. I hope viewers will loosen up with a mince pie and experience the festive treats.”
Other highlights on the airwaves this yr include seasonal episodes of Sunday Worship, exploring each the music of Sir John Rutter and the five hundredth anniversary of the publication of the Tyndale New Testament.
The Daily Service Carol concert might be broadcast at 9.45 a.m. during Christmas week, and on the Friday before Christmas, Radio 3 presents a Gospel Christmas special at Watford Colosseum.
Tim Pemberton, Head of Religion and Ethics for BBC Radio, said: “This Christmas, BBC Radio offers a wealthy and reflective choice of religious programming designed to entertain, uplift, and encourage. Through thoughtful explorations of religion, music, and reflection, we hope to bring listeners moments of peace, warmth and wonder throughout the festive season.”
