Christmas at Christ Church Cathedral

As our parishes prepare for Christmas services, Dean of Newcastle Katherine Bowyer highlights what is happening at Christ Church Cathedral and explains why the festive season is so special.

Q. What are some of the Christmas services on offer at the Cathedral?

A. From a family-friendly interactive service at 5pm on Christmas Eve, through to the traditional beauty of the Nine Lessons and Carols Service, and the late-night service on Christmas Eve (10.30pm), which finishes around midnight.

On Christmas Day, there is a service at 7am for excited early risers or people travelling to be with family, and then a wonderful Orchestral Communion Service at 9am –the perfect way to prepare for a day with family and friends or making new friends volunteering at the Samaritans lunch.

Q. Why is Christmas such an important time of the year?

A. Christmas means lots of things for different people but, in the end, it’s all about love. For Christians, it’s the celebration of the birth of Jesus – God’s love incarnate.

Christmas also means gathering and celebration, and love is at the heart of that. I believe that when we love, and experience love, then we catch a glimpse of the enormity of God’s unconditional love for us.

At the first Christmas, it was the most everyday of people who were the first to come to the manger. Everyone is welcome.

Q. What is so special about the Christmas services?

A. For me, the most special thing about the Christmas services is celebrating that God loves us so much that God sent God’s son into the world so that we can know that God’s love for us most fully. In a world that can seem pretty grim at times, this is a good news message that definitely sparks joy!

Q. Why would you encourage people to come to the Cathedral at Christmas?

A. One of the blessings of the Cathedral is that we aim to be a place for everyone to find a home. Whether you’re looking for a quiet, reflective service, something grand, or something with lots of action, we are able to provide a place for everyone. We’re a place for the community to gather, and Christmas is a time for gathering.