THE BBC has promised a “rich and reflective” array of religious programming this Christmas, including its usual offering of live worship and the return of some festive favourites.
This year’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. “A lively family service” will include “a dynamic performance of the Christmas Gospel story by the Revd Canon Ned Lunn, Canon for Intercultural Mission and the Arts, and a reflection on the power of cross-cultural encounters, by the Dean of Bradford, the Very Revd Andy Bowerman”.
On Radio 4, the early morning Christmas Day service will be broadcast live from Leeds Roman Catholic Cathedral at 7 a.m.
On Christmas Eve, Carols from King’s, pre-recorded in the candlelit Chapel of King’s College, Cambridge, and led by the Dean, the Very Revd Dr Stephen Cherry, will be broadcast on BBC1, in addition to the live broadcast of A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols which goes out at 3 p.m. on Radio 4.
The live broadcast of Midnight Mass is to come from Cambridge, from the Roman Catholic Our Lady of the Assumption and the English Martyrs. On radio, Midnight Mass will 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 carry out their traditions. And on Boxing Day, on Radio 4, the Bishop of Washington, the Rt Revd Mariann Budde, is to deliver a Christmas meditation on the theme of trust, reflecting on the events of the past year, including her own sermon at the inauguration of President Trump.
The Archbishop of Canterbury’s New Year message is back on the programme after a hiatus last year in the wake of Justin Welby’s resignation. This year, it will be delivered by the Archbishop-designate, the Rt Revd Sarah Mullally, who is due to be installed in the Chair of St Augustine in March, on the Feast of the Annunciation.
After the success of the blockbuster film Conclave, released before the death of Pope Francis and election of Pope Leo XIV earlier this year, 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 cast their vote.
Other TV highlights include the final episode of BBC1’s Prayer and Reflection series, which explores “sacred spaces across all four nations”, will focus on 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 former Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley.
Returning for its fourth year is My Life at Christmas, the three-part interview series presented by Anita Rani. This year, she asks Sir Rod Stewart and his wife, the broadcaster Penny Lancaster; children’s TV presenter and children’s rights advocate, Baroness Floella Benjamin; and Paralympian and broadcaster Ade Adepitan about the festive memories that reflect their lives, careers, and faith.
And the East End community of religious 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 relax with a mince pie and revel in the festive treats.”
Other highlights on the airwaves this year include seasonal episodes of Sunday Worship, exploring both the music of Sir John Rutter and the 500th anniversary of the publication of the Tyndale New Testament.
This Sunday, Radio 3 starts Advent with Carols Across the Country, from 6.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m., including the usual service at St John’s College, Cambridge. The Daily Service Carol concert will 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.
The broadcaster and historian Tom Holland, Salisbury Cathedral’s newly appointed Canon Historian, has been announced as among the guest editors of Today on Radio 4 during the Christmas period. On 30 December, he will explore 800 years of worship in Salisbury Cathedral, in conversation with the Dean, the Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos.
Tim Pemberton, Head of Religion and Ethics for BBC Radio, said: “This Christmas, BBC Radio offers a rich and reflective selection of religious programming designed to entertain, uplift, and inspire. Through thoughtful explorations of faith, music, and reflection, we hope to bring listeners moments of peace, warmth and wonder throughout the festive season.”