As we approach Christmas, the familiar story of the Nativity feels especially resonant for me this year. With the anticipation of our own child’s arrival in the New Year, I’ve been reflecting on Mary and Joseph’s journey—their uncertainty, their courage, and the overwhelming joy of welcoming a fragile newborn. In the face of my own unknowns of parenthood, I find comfort in the reminder that humanity has been bringing new life into this complex and messy world for millennia.
Yet the extraordinary truth of the Nativity lies in its ordinariness: a young couple preparing for the birth of a child amidst the chaos of their time. It reminds us of the profound reality that God deemed our lives—and the messiness of them—worthy of His presence, whether we are ready for Him or not.
This year, the Church of England invites us all to pause and rediscover the message of Christmas under the theme Calm and Bright. In the busyness and challenges of life, this theme feels more vital than ever. At Bradford Cathedral, we are proud to have been selected to participate in the national video campaign, encouraging millions of people to take this season to experience the peace and light that the Christmas brings (see the videos below).
We’ll be offering many opportunities to experience moments of Calm and Brightness amid the holiday rush. One such moment is on Friday 20th December, when Philippa and I will be joining musicians Rachel Chaplin and Evi Dobner for an Advent Meditation. This lunchtime concert of music and poetry is designed to still hearts and open them to God’s presence. Throughout the season, all our Christmas services and events will provide space to reflect, rejoice, and rediscover the Light of the World and we hope these will help you find a calm centre amidst the noise and a renewed sense of hope in Christ.
But we’re also looking ahead to Bradford being UK City of Culture in 2025. So I invite us all to consider how we, as a cathedral and a community, can carry the light of Christ into our city’s cultural life next year. Like that first Christmas, where shepherds and magi brought their unique gifts to the manger, we too are invited to share our diverse stories and talents, weaving them into something beautiful. This season of light and hope encourages us to carry Christ’s peace and joy into all we do, shining His love for all to see.
This Christmas, may you find moments of calm and experience the brightness of God’s great gifts of hope and joy, knowing He meets you where you are, as you are. I look forward to welcoming many of you to our services as we celebrate the good news that Christ has come—and is coming still.
With every blessing for a calm and bright Christmas,
The Revd Canon Ned Lunn
Canon for Intercultural Mission and the Arts