Christmas Religious Programming on the BBC

• Television
• Radio
• Local Radio
• Scotland
• Northern Ireland
• Wales

During advent, new series, Heaven Made at Christmas, on BBC One shines a light on communities of monks and nuns across the country who share not only the craftmanship and skill used to create beautiful handmade products, but also the true meaning of Christmas.

Christmas worship on BBC One will begin with a joyful and atmospheric celebration of Midnight Mass live from the stunning setting of St Chad's Cathedral in Birmingham. This year's Christmas Day Eucharist, broadcast on BBC One and all 39 Local BBC Radio stations comes from the spectacular setting of Coventry Cathedral, introduced by the Dean, the Very Rev. John Witcombe.

The much-loved Christmas tradition, Carols from King's on BBC Two, will bring viewers a feast of music and spoken word from the magical, candlelit Chapel of King's College, Cambridge, directed by Daniel Hyde.

Songs of Praise, which celebrated its 60th anniversary this year, marks the festive season with special programmes including Katherine Jenkins hosting a celebration of Christmas from Westminster Abbey; national treasure Daniel O'Donnell in conversation with Claire McCollum about his faith and music; the Rev Kate Bottley at Lincoln's famous Christmas market; and the BBC Young Chorister of the Year Final from Salisbury Cathedral.

In Mica's Gospel Christmas on Radio 2, Soul diva Mica Paris brings a joyous playlist of incredible vocal performances from the biggest stars and choirs that raise the roof. The Radio 3 Breakfast Christmas Carol Competition returns in 2021, asking music lovers and amateur composers to write a tune setting the words of Victorian poet Christina Rossetti's Love Came Down At Christmas. Radio 4's A Festival Of Nine Lessons And Carols presents a service of carols, hymns, and readings live from the candlelit Chapel of King's College, Cambridge. The Christmas Service this year is recorded by Christians in Bethlehem especially for Radio 4, led by the Rev'd. Dr. Jack Sara, President of Bethlehem Bible College and a leader of the Jerusalem Alliance Church, who was born and raised in the Old City of Jerusalem.

BBC News' religion team will provide coverage of the Christmas services from Canterbury Cathedral, Westminster Cathedral and the Vatican. There will be coverage of Christmas messages from Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Pope Francis on television, radio and online news.

In addition, there will be special programming across BBC Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and on local radio.

Daisy Scalchi, Commissioning Editor, Religion and Ethics says: "We have a brilliant mix of traditional carols, festive music, spiritual contemplation and live worship to mark this Christmas. After another very challenging year, I hope our content will provide an opportunity to come together to reflect as well as be inspired as we mark this special time of year."

Tim Pemberton, Head of Content Production, Religion and Ethics says: "It has been another year of perseverance as we have dealt with the Covid-19 pandemic, but Christmas offers us an opportunity to reflect on the things that really matter, connect with loved ones and celebrate the good things in life. The BBC's Religious programmes over the season are a mixture of all these things and I hope will offer people some cheer as we review the past and welcome in a new year."

EDA

Television

Heaven Made At Christmas

When it comes to Christmas, there is nothing more special than giving or receiving a handmade gift. But when that gift has been handcrafted by monks and nuns dedicated to the work and worship of God, those gifts can take on a whole new meaning. Paying homage to the ancient and holy production lines that are still thriving in convents and monasteries around the UK and Ireland today, as well as the local communities who are moulded by these spiritual traditions, this beautiful three-part festive series explores how Benedictine nuns and monks are not only still sharing their custom-made creations, but the true meaning of Christmas with the world.

From Kylemore Abbey in West Ireland, where the Benedictine nuns call in local volunteers to help them make honey and Christmas themed chocolates; to the monks at St Augustine's Abbey in Chilworth, Surrey who make beauty products,and the monks of Quarr Abbey on the Isle of Wight who produce their very own ale. Across three episodes, we uncover the beautiful crafts, fascinating process, engaging personalities and incredible stories behind the experts whose skills combine traditional crafting with an exploration of faith and spirituality at this special time in the Christian calendar.

Heaven Made at Christmas, 3x60' for BBC One, is made by Purple Productions, part of Objective Media Group. It was commissioned by Channel Controller and Head of Genre Commissioning., Carla-Maria Lawson. The Commissioning Editor is Daisy Scalchi and the Executive Producers are Dympna Jackson and Pam Cavannagh.

Carols From King's

BBC Two, Friday 24 December

The candlelit, fan-vaulted Chapel of King's College, Cambridge is the stunning setting for this much anticipated annual celebration of the Christmas story. The service of music, readings and prayer begins in the time-honoured way as a solo boy chorister sings the first verse of Once in Royal David's City. The world-famous Choir, directed by Daniel Hyde, sings carols old and new, including Silent Night (arr. John Rutter), The Holly and the Ivy (arr. June Nixon), In the Stillness (Sally Beamish) and the Sussex Carol (arr. Philip Ledger).

The choir leads the congregation in popular carols, including O Come All Ye Faithful, While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night and Hark! the Herald Angels Sing and the service will be introduced by the Dean, the Revd Dr Stephen Cherry. The story of the Nativity is read by members of King's College in the words of the King James Bible and in poems by Charles Causley and Theresa Lola.

First broadcast over 65 years ago, Carols from King's was inspired by and complements BBC Radio 4's A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. The television programme gives viewers an opportunity to enjoy the stunning architecture of the chapel along with the exquisite singing of the choir.

• Producer: James Whitbourn
• Director: Pamela Hossick
• Executive Producer: Ben Mitchell

Midnight Mass

BBC One, Friday 24 December

Celebrate the traditional first mass of Christmas with a joyful service live from St Chad's Cathedral in the heart of Birmingham. The Dean of St Chad's, Monsignor Timothy Menezes, will welcome us with a message of hope, and the prayers will be led by young people from the congregation. The celebrant and preacher will be the Archbishop of Birmingham, the Most Revd Bernard Longley. Music will include the well-loved carols 'O Come, All Ye Faithful', 'Silent Night' and 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.' Music Director David Saint will lead the cathedral choir in compositions spanning 500 years, from the Christmas motet Tui sunt caeli by 16th composer Orlando Lassus, to Richard Causton's haunting 21st century Cradle Song.

• Director: Matthew Woodward
• Producer: Andrew Graystone
• Executive Producer: Steve Hocking

Christmas Day Service From Coventry Cathedral

BBC One, Saturday 25 December

A joyful service of hope, peace and goodwill, live from the spectacular setting of Coventry Cathedral, introduced by the Dean, the Very Revd John Witcombe, who will also preach. The Bishop of Coventry, the Rt Revd Dr Christopher Cocksworth, will preside and Coventry Cathedral Choir, made up of girls, boys and adult singers, will lead the congregation in familiar carols, including O Come All Ye Faithful, See, Amid the Winter's Snow and Hark! the Herald Angels Sing. The Mass Setting is Missa brevis Capella Regalis (Anthony Caesar) and the organist is Luke Fitzgerald.

• Series Producer: Pamela Hossick
• Executive Producer: Chris Loughlin

On Christmas Night

BBC One, Saturday 25 December

As Christmas Day draws to a close, a well-known celebrity narrates the story of the first Christmas from Luke's Gospel, when angels appeared to shepherds to proclaim the news of Jesus's birth. The reading is followed by a familiar carol, performed by a solo singer or choir.

• Producer/Director: Garry Boon
• Executive Producer: Ben Mitchell

The Archbishop Of Canterbury's New Year Message

BBC One, Saturday 1 January

Signed repeat later same day on BBC Two (details TBC)

The Most Revd Justin Welby visits the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, where he reflects on our relationship with the natural world and the impact of climate change.

• Producer/Director: Garry Boon
• Executive Producer: Ben Mitchell

Songs Of Praise

BBC Young Chorister of the Year Final

Aled Jones hosts the festive final of the competition from Salisbury Cathedral as the 6 best young choristers who made it through from the semi-finals compete to win the coveted title. Each finalist will sing a carol or Christmas song of their choice before the celebrity judges, composer Howard Goodall, opera star Lesley Garratt and vocal coach David Grant decide the winner.

Festive Joy

The Rev. Kate Bottley gets in the mood to be jolly at Lincoln's famous Christmas Market in the shadow of the city's magnificent medieval cathedral which dates back almost a thousand years! Kate speaks to Christian stall holders on what it's like to be back after so many months following the pandemic. With carols from the cathedral and around the country.

Christmas at Westminster Abbey

Katherine Jenkins hosts a celebration of Christmas from the one of the most famous buildings in the world. Favourite carols, with a congregation led by the world class Abbey choir, include Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and O Come All Ye Faithful. Katherine joins the Dean of Westminster to explore the beauty and fascinating history of this amazing building.

Daniel O'Donnell's Faith Journey

For Boxing Day Claire McCollum meets national treasure Daniel O'Donnell in County Donegal to talk about the importance of Christmas time, his faith and his music. Celebrating his 60th birthday this year Daniel explains how his Catholic faith shaped him from an early age and continues to be such a strong driving force in his life. With hymns and carols chosen by Daniel including How Great Thou Art, Silent Night and The First Noel.

Radio

Mica's Gospel Christmas

BBC Radio 2, Saturday 25 December 2021, 6am-8am

Prepare to have your soul stirred and heart lifted as Radio 2 takes you to church. Join Mica Paris for the perfect start to Christmas morning, with the gospel… according to music!

Soul diva Mica brings a joyous playlist of incredible vocal performances from the biggest stars and choirs that raise the roof. She fell in love with music through the gospel records played at home by her family and the songs she heard in church, where her singing talent was first discovered.

Mica released her first gospel album in 2020 and since then has rediscovered more of the music that first brought her joy. In this programme she shares her Christmas favourites and uncovers new gems from a constantly evolving and influential genre.

With powerful performances powered by faith, soul and a love of music, we'll hear from Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, Mahalia Jackson, Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson and many more. Plus, there's a brand new live festive performance from one of our brightest contemporary gospel choirs.

• Produced by Rebecca Maxted
• A BBC Audio production.

Good Morning Christmas 2021

BBC Radio 2, Saturday 25 December 2021 8am-10am

Reverend Kate Bottley brings the cheer on Christmas morning with carol singing, listeners' Christmas greetings and a joyful pause for thought from the Archbishop of Canterbury.

With a specially curated mix of your favourite festive songs and sing-a-long carols Kate delivers the perfect soundtrack for Christmas morning, whether you're peeling the spuds, opening gifts or hitting the road to visit family and friends.

She'll be hearing from some of those special helpers who make this special day go smoothly - our Christmas Champions - and to complete the magic, the twinkly stars at top of the tree are some joyous carols specially recorded with a choir for today's programme.

• Produced by Jenny Smith.
• A BBC Audio production.

BBC Radio 3 Breakfast Christmas Carol Competition 2021

BBC Radio 3

Wednesday 15 December - announcement of 6 shortlisted pieces on Breakfast - voting opens

Tuesday 21 December - voting closes

Wednesday 22 December - Carol Competition 2021 Winner announced on Breakfast

The Radio 3 Breakfast Christmas Carol Competition returns in 2021, asking music lovers and amateur composers to write a tune setting the words of Victorian poet Christina Rossetti's Love Came Down At Christmas.

The competition encourages submissions in all musical styles, from gospel to pop; jazz to folk; and beyond - delivered as notated scores or mobile phone-generated voice recordings. This year's judging panel is chaired by organist, conductor and broadcaster Anna Lapwood, and includes The Kingdom Choir founder, conductor and workshop leader Karen Gibson; Church of England parish priest, musician, journalist, and radio presenter Reverend Richard Coles; jazz singer and broadcaster Jumoké Fashola; and BBC Sport commentator and choral music lover Alison Mitchell. Six entries will be shortlisted to go through to the second phase of the competition, when the successful entrants will have the chance to work with composer and choral director Ken Burton to turn the initial tunes into fully-arranged carols. These six arranged carols will then be performed live by the BBC Singers on BBC Radio 3 Breakfast on Wednesday 15 December - opening the public vote. They will be presented across BBC Radio 3 programmes until Tuesday 21 December - when voting closes. The winning carol will be announced in Radio 3's Breakfast show on Wednesday 22 December.

Choral Evensong: A Service for Advent, with Carols

BBC Radio 3, Sunday 28 November, 3pm-4.30pm

A traditional fixture of BBC Radio 3's festive schedules, AService for Advent, with Carols is broadcast live from the Chapel of St John's College, Cambridge.

Introit: Adam lay ybounden (Ledger)

Processional Hymn: O come, O come, Emmanuel (Veni Emmanuel) (descant: Hill)

Bidding Prayer

Carol: Tomorrow shall be my dancing day (Gardner)

I The Message of Advent

Sentence and Collect

Antiphons: O Sapientia and O Adonaï

First lesson: Isaiah 11 vv. 1-5

Carol: Creator of the stars of night (arr. Scott)

Second lesson: 1 Thessalonians 5 vv. 1-11

Carol: Telling (Grime)

II The Word of God

Sentence and Collect

Antiphons: O Radix Jesse and O Clavis David

Third lesson: Micah 4 vv. 1-4

Carol: Nowel - Owt of your slepe aryse and wake (Anon, 15th century)

Fourth lesson: Luke 4 vv. 14-21

An Introduction to: Hark, the glad sound! (Bingham)

Hymn: Hark, the glad sound! (Bristol)

III The Prophetic Call

Sentence and Collect

Antiphons: O Oriens and O Rex Gentium

Carol: Pan fo'r stormydd garwa'n curo (Williams)

Fifth lesson: Malachi 3 vv. 1-7

Carol: Lo! the desert depths are stirr'd (Frances-Hoad)

Sixth lesson: Matthew 3 vv. 1-11

Hymn: On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry (Winchester New) (descant: Robinson)

IV The God-Bearer

Sentence and Collect

Antiphon: O Emmanuel

Carol: There is no rose (Joubert)

Seventh lesson: Luke 1 vv. 39-49

Carol: A spotless rose (Howells)

Magnificat: Service in E (Murrill)

Eighth lesson: John 3 vv. 1-8

Sentence and The Christmas Collect

Carol: Make we joy (Robinson)

Hymn: Lo! He comes with clouds descending (Helmsley) (descant: Robinson)

The College Prayer and The Blessing

Organ Voluntary: Chorale Prelude 'Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland' BWV 661 (J.S. Bach)

Andrew Nethsingha (Director of Music)

George Herbert (Herbert Howells Organ Scholar)

Anne Denholm (Harp)

Ignacio Mañá Mesas (Saxophone)

• Producer: Ben Collingwood
• A BBC Audio production for BBC Radio 3

EBU Christmas Across Europe

BBC Radio 3, Sunday 19 December, 11am - 3pm & 4pm - 10pm

A day-long festival of Christmas music and singing from across Europe and Canada in the European Broadcasting Union's annual Christmas music day. Choirs and ensembles come together to celebrate the wonder of Christmas.

11am: Moscow - the Moscow Synodal Choir sing Russian liturgical music ranging from a 16th-century stichera of Czar Ivan the Terrible in honour of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God to music of the present century.

12pm: Tallinn - live - Vox Clamantis sing music by Arvo Pärt and Cyrillus Kreek.

1pm: Leipzig - the MDR Radio Symphony Orchestra and Chorus perform Christmas music by Rheinberger, Britten and Saint-Saëns' Oratorio de Noël, op. 12.

2pm: Riga - live - Christmas music by Handel and his contemporaries

4pm: Athens - the ERT Chorus sing a selection of traditional Greek Christmas songs.

5pm: Piteå (Sweden) - the Erik Westberg Vocal Ensemble sing Praetorius and traditional Swedish Christmas songs.

6pm: Copenhagen - the Danish National Vocal Ensemble sing Christmas music by Sandström, Nørgård and Nielsen.

7pm: Berlin - The Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Rinaldo Alessandrini, perform Bach cantatas and concertos.

8pm: Stuttgart - The SWR Vocal Ensemble with a programme of Scandinavian Christmas music.

9pm: Vancouver - Early Music Vancouver and Suzie LeBlanc perform Bach's Christmas Oratorio.

10pm: Sofia - Gli Accordati Vocal Ensemble perform music by Lassus, Gesualdo and Jannequin.

The Essay: The Meaning Of Ritual

BBC Radio 3, Monday 20 December-Friday 24 December, 10.45pm-11pm

The writer and journalist Madeleine Bunting explores the decline and re-birth of ritual.

Madeleine Bunting was eight years old when her godmother took her final vows as a nun, and her fascination with ritual started at that point. In this series of Essays, she asks why ritual is such a pervasive feature of human societies and explores why so much ritual appears to have been lost or discarded within a generation or two.

Broadcast in the week leading up to Christmas, the Essays also explore public and private Christmas and midwinter rituals and ask what the Covid pandemic has taught us about their significance.

Monday 20 December: The End of Ritual?

All around the world, cultures of the past used to go to enormous lengths to conduct elaborate rituals. Yet today, many perceive ritual as empty, devoid of meaning and tiresome. Traditional life cycle rituals are discarded or transformed beyond recognition. Will the 21st century mark the end of ritual? Or, Madeleine asks, are we witnessing its renaissance, with rituals which are adapted, borrowed and invented to create something which is both personal and meaningful?

Tuesday 21 December: Structuring Time

One of the important functions of religious ritual used to be to structure time in a cyclical way. It marked times of work and times of rest, punctuated the changing of the seasons and placed the individual in a far wider chronological context. With the decline of religious practice, Madeleine says, that structure is gone. Madeleine explores the significance of new rituals that have taken the place of Sunday worship: in her case, pond swimming, which, she argues, still has some of the hallmarks of ritual.

Wednesday 22 December: Rituals of State

Rituals such as the State Opening of Parliament or Royal weddings have survived the decline of ritual in other areas of life relatively unscathed. Madeleine ponders what is the meaning of these rituals which have made it through centuries, whether they involve assuaging guilt and forgetting or honouring the dead and remembering.

Thursday 23 December: Rituals and the Life Cycle

Rituals related to the life cycle, such as weddings and funerals, have lost much of their uniform character in recent decades. Where rituals still play a role, families are far more likely to create their own tailor-made ones. But some, such as rituals marking the beginning of life or the transition into adulthood, are disappearing altogether. Drawing in a West African perspective, Madeleine explores what we have lost by no longer celebrating such life events with ritual.

Friday 24 December: The Reinvention of Ritual

In her final Essay, Madeleine explores the work of the Korean-born philosopher Byung Chul-Han, who passionately argues that the decline of traditional ritual has potentially disastrous consequences. Ritual, he believes, creates a sense of belonging. The rituals of Christmas make this very obvious: it is a time when even hardened sceptics feel able to enjoy ritual again, from the familiar pattern of Nine Lessons and Carols to family rituals over what you eat and when, or in what order you unwrap your presents. So, asks Madeleine, is it time we gave up on scornful attitudes towards ritual and started valuing it again?

• Producer: Kristine Pommert
• A CTVC production for BBC Radio 3

Afternoon Concert: Contemporary Christmas Carols

BBC Radio 3, Wednesday 22 December, 2pm-4pm

The BBC Singers perform live from Temple Church with a festive afternoon of contemporary Christmas carols, conducted by Owain Park.

Lord of the Dance (Ashley Grote)

Rocking (John Tavener)

Dormi, Jesu! (Richard Allain)

The Holly and the Ivy (Matthew Owens)

Balulalow (Francis Pott)

Tu Creati Domine (Judith Bingham)

Variations sur un vieux Noël (Marcel Dupré)

Lisa's Carol (Jamie W. Hall)

No Small Wonder (Paul Edwards)

Peace on Earth (Errollyn Wallen)

Quittez, pasteurs (Tim Sutton)

Christ Was Born on Christmas Day (Hafliði Hallgrímsson)

Twas in the Year that King Uzziah Died (Michael Nicholas)

Les anges dans nos campagnes (Tobias Frank)

I Saw Three Ships (Traditional arr. Stuart Nicholson)

Owain Park conductor

Ashley Grote organ

Choral Evensong: Croydon Minster

BBC Radio 3, Wednesday 22 December, 4pm-5pm

Live from Croydon Minster, featuring music anticipating Christmas by Poston, Noble, and Wood.

Ronny Krippner (Director of Music); Simon Hogan (Organist)

• A BBC Audio production for BBC Radio 3

Choral Evensong: Merton College, Oxford

BBC Radio 3, Sunday 26 December, 3pm-4pm

From the Chapel of Merton College, Oxford, on the Feast of St Stephen.

Introit: Welcome Yule! (Parry)

Responses: Radcliffe

Office hymn: Jesu, the father's only Son (Christe Redemptor omnium)

Psalms 57, 86 (Hine, Battishill, Lord Mornington)

First Lesson: Genesis 4 vv.1-10

Canticles: Dyson in D

Second Lesson: Acts 7 vv.51-60

Anthem: And I saw a new heaven (Bainton)

Hymn: It came upon the midnight clear (Noel)

Voluntary: Cantata No 29, BWV.29 (Wir danken dir, Gott, wir danken dir) (Sinfonia) (Bach, arr. Guilmant)

Benjamin Nicholas (Director of Music)

Alex Little & Tom Fetherstonhaugh (Organists)

• Producer: Ben Collingwood
• A BBC Audio production for BBC Radio 3

Choral Evensong: Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick

BBC Radio 3, Wednesday 29 December, 4pm-5pm

This episode of Choral Evensong was recorded in 21 September 2021 at the Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick.

Introit: Gaudete! (Trad., arr. Luke Fitzgerald)

Responses: Rose

Office hymn: Of the Father's heart begotten (Divinum Mysterium, arr.Willcocks)

Psalms 131, 132 (Lloyd, Edwards)

First Lesson: Isaiah 57 vv.15-21

Magnificat octavi toni (Bevan)

Second Lesson: John 1 vv.1-18

Nunc dimittis (Holst)

Anthem: A babe is born (Mathias)

Hymn: O come, all ye faithful (Adeste fideles)

Voluntary: Fantaisie No 1 in E flat major (Saint-Saëns)

Oliver Hancock (Director of Music)

Mark Swinton (Assistant Director of Music)

• Producer: Ben Collingwood
• A BBC Audio production for BBC Radio 3

Choral Evensong: Winchester College

BBC Radio 3, Wednesday 5 January, 4pm-5pm

This episode of Choral Evensong was recorded in October 2021 at Winchester College, for broadcast on the Eve of the Epiphany.

Introit: The Wise Men and the Star (Oliver Tarney)

Responses: Clucas

Psalms 96, 97 (Ley, Day)

First Lesson: Isaiah 49 vv.1-13

Office hymn: Songs of thankfulness and praise (St Edmund)

Canticles: Wood in E flat No 2

Second Lesson: John 4 vv.7-26

Anthem: There shall a star from Jacob come forth (Mendelssohn)

Hymn: O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness (Was Lebet)

Voluntary: A George Herbert Trliogy No 3 (Church bells beyond the stars) (Cecilia McDowall)

Howard Ionascu (Director of Chapel Music)

Benjamin Cunningham (Assistant Director of Chapel Music)

• A BBC Audio production for BBC Radio 3

Faith in Music series 2

BBC Radio 4, Thursday 16 December, 11.30am- 12pm

In this second series of Faith in Music, Scottish, Catholic composer Sir James MacMillan considers the faith lives of three very different composers: Mozart, Mahler and Vaughan Williams.

Over the centuries, composers have created musical masterpieces that many listeners have come to regard as spiritual touchstones. For example, Mozart's Requiem, Mahler's 2nd Symphony, Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on a theme by Thomas Tallis. But what did these composers actually believe about God, faith, judgement, an afterlife and redemption? And do we need to in any way share these beliefs, in order to have a spiritual experience as listeners to their music? Answers to these questions are complex, fascinating and challenging.

• Produced by Rosie Boulton.
• A Must Try Softer Production.

A Festival Of Nine Lessons And Carols

BBC Radio 4, Friday 24 December, 3pm-4.30pm

Repeated on Radio 3 on Saturday 25 December, 1pm-2.30pm

A service of carols, hymns, and readings live from the candlelit Chapel of King's College, Cambridge.

Once in royal David's City (Irby, arr. Willcocks)

Bidding Prayer (read by the Dean)

In dulci jubilo (Trad. German, arr. Pearsall, Daniel Hyde)

First lesson: Genesis 3 vv. 8-15, 17-19 (read by a Chorister)

Adam lay y bounden (Ord)

The truth from above (Ralph Vaughan Williams, arr. Christopher Robinson)

Second lesson: Genesis 22 vv. 15-19 (read by a Choral Scholar)

God so loved the world (Stainer)

The Holly and the Ivy (Trad. French, arr. June Nixon)

Third lesson: Isaiah 9 vv. 2, 6-7 (read by a representative of the Cambridge churches)

Sussex Carol (Trad. English, arr. Willcocks)

O Little town of Bethlehem (Forest Green)

Fourth lesson: Isaiah 11 vv. 1-4a, 6-9 (read by the Chaplain)

In the stillness (Sally Beamish)

Gabriel's message (Basque Carol, arr. Willcocks)

Fifth lesson: Luke 1 vv. 26-35, 38 (read by a member of College staff)

Make ye merry for him that is come (Imogen Holst)

There is no rose (Cecilia McDowall) - 2021 Commission

Sixth lesson: Luke 2 vv. 1-7 (read by a representative of the City of Cambridge)

Angels from the realms of glory (Old French Tune, arr. Jacques)

Wexford Carol (Trad. Irish, arr. John Rutter)

Seventh lesson: Luke 2 vv. 8-17 (read by the Director of Music)

Silent night (Grüber, arr. John Rutter)

While shepherds watched their flocks by night (Este's Psalter, arr. Nicholas Marston)

Eighth lesson: Matthew 2 vv. 1-12 (read by the Vice-Provost)

Thou who wast rich (Old French carol, arr. Kitson, Daniel Hyde)

I saw three ships (Trad. English, arr. Simon Preston)

Ninth lesson: John 1 vv. 1-14 (read by the Provost)

O come, all ye faithful (Adeste Fideles, arr. Willcocks, Christopher Robinson, David Hill)

Collect and Blessing

Hark! the herald angels sing (Mendelssohn, arr. Willcocks)

Organ voluntaries:

In dulci jubilo, BWV 729 (Bach)

Carillon-Sortie (Mulet)

Daniel Hyde (Director of Music)

Paul Greally (Organ Scholar)

The Revd Dr Stephen Cherry (Dean)

For millions listening on radio and online around the world, A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, live from the candlelit Chapel of King's College, Cambridge, marks the beginning of Christmas. It is based around nine Bible readings which tell the story of the loving purposes of God. They are interspersed with carols old and new, sung by the world-famous chapel choir who also lead the congregation in traditional Christmas hymns.

A new work has been commissioned for the Christmas Eve service every year since 1983; a tradition begun by Sir Stephen Cleobury. For 2021, Cecilia McDowall has chosen to set the text of the famous fifteenth century carol 'There is no rose of such virtue' in order to provide a moment of quiet contemplation and stillness in the service.

A number of pieces by significant twentieth century composers such as Sally Beamish, Imogen Holst, and Boris Ord, sit alongside traditional carols in arrangements by Sir David Willcocks, Christopher Robinson, June Nixon, John Rutter, Simon Preston, and Daniel Hyde.

• Producer: Ben Collingwood

Midnight Mass

BBC Radio 4, Friday 24 December, 11.30pm-Saturday 25 December 12.45am

Live from the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist, Salford - A Midnight Mass for Christmas Eve. Celebrant and Preacher: The Right Reverend John Arnold, Bishop of Salford. After the blessing of the crib, the choir and congregation sings the opening hymn: O Come, all ye faithful. Other music includes the popular Christmas carols: It came upon the midnight clear, and Hark! the herald angels sing; Psalm 95: 1-3,11-13. The Choir sings the Gloria based on a French traditional melody arranged by Thomas Niel (1872-1958); Sanctus and Agnus Dei: 'Missa de Angelis.'

Readings: Isaiah 9: 1-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2: 1-14.

The Choir of Salford Cathedral is conducted by the Cathedral Director of Music, Alex Patterson. Organist: Anthony Hunt.

• Produced by Philip Billson.

Christmas Service

BBC Radio 4, Saturday 25 December, 9am-9.45am

A service recorded by Christians in Bethlehem especially for Radio 4. Leader: The Rev'd. Dr. Jack Sara, President of Bethlehem Bible College and a leader of the Jerusalem Alliance Church, who was born and raised in the Old City of Jerusalem. The life of Jesus comes alive to visitors and residents of the Holy Land alike. Members of the college tell the story of Christmas Day from the sites where they believe the events might well have taken place; the birth in a humble dwelling, the angels on the hillside, the Journey of the Magi. They also speak of the importance of reconciliation in the Holy Land, a major part of the ministry of Bethlehem Bible College. With music from the wonderful array of Christian traditions around the world.

• Produced by Philip Billson

Christmas Meditation with Adrian Chiles

BBC Radio 4, Thursday 26 December 2021, 12.15pm-12.30am

Just after midnight on Boxing Day, broadcaster and journalist, Adrian Chiles reflects on the true meaning of Christmas, looking back at his memories over the past five decades.

For some, Christmas will be a quiet and possibly isolating experience; for others it will be a long day spent entertaining family and friends. In a personal reflection on what it means to Adrian, he'll capture his thoughts and feelings at this festive time of year.

• Presenter: Adrian Chiles
• Producer: Alexa Good for BBC Radio 4

Sunday Worship

BBC Radio 4, Sunday 26 December, 8.10am-8.50am

The Revd Lucy Winkett leads a Christmas Gospel Celebration with Mel Giedroyc reading favourites for Boxing Day, and all those Christmas tunes you love - sung with a Gospel beat by Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir. Producer: Andrew Earis.

• Produced by Philip Billson

Beyond Belief

BBC Radio 4, Monday 27 December, 4.30pm-5pm

Beyond Belief explores the enduring appeal and spiritual meaning of Benjamin Britten's Ceremony of Carols. Ernie Rea will be joined by Anna Lapwood - a harp player and Director of Music at Pembroke College Cambridge - and by the composer Michael Berkeley who was Britten's God son. We'll hear how, in the spring of 1942, Benjamin Britten was inspired during a perilous cargo ship journey across the Atlantic with his partner Peter Pears. On a stopover in Nova Scotia, Britten picked up a book of medieval poems and whilst the ship battled ferocious winds and dodged U boats, he used some of them in the first draft of what was to become A Ceremony of Carols. From the confines of a miserable and airless cabin he created a work of such joy and energy that it has become a Christmas staple for many choirs. Usually performed in a church, this is not a work that invokes images of a cosy Dickensian Christmas. Set for the high clear voices of boy trebles or women's choir and harp, A Ceremony of Carols is the sound of a crisp, invigorating winter's day.

• Presented by Ernie Rea
• Produced by Helen Lee
• Edited by Helen Grady

The Moral Maze New Year Special

BBC Radio 4, Wednesday 29 December, 8pm-8.45pm

Repeated on New Year's Day

The Moral Maze New Year special, chaired by Michael Buerk, includes a star-studded panel of Dr Rowan Williams, Bonnie Greer, Alice Roberts and Will Self.

• Produced by Dan Tierney.

Local Radio

At midnight on Christmas Eve, Keeping Faith At Christmas, will broadcast across Local BBC Radio in England. Presented by Reverend Frances Finn, the special programme features stories of people whose faith is helping them make a difference in their communities; an "in conversation" with the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell; and a selection of Christmas carols.

The Christmas Day service airs at 7am across all 39 Local BBC Radio stations. Coming from Coventry Cathedral it is led by the Dean of Coventry John Witcombe and includes messages from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York.

Scotland

BBC Scotland

Christmas on BBC One Scotland begins in the season of Advent, the four weeks of looking forward to the big day. Eight speakers from several denominations lead a new series of Reflections from the Quay, offering short meditations, culminating on the fourth Sunday with the Moderator of the General Assembly, Rt Hon Jim Wallace, and the Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, Leo Cushley. These are combined with new music recordings giving viewers time to contemplate the words they've heard. The musicians are Celtic Worship, who are building a following for bringing modern Scottish folk style to religious songs and music, international composer and performer Phamie Gow, and Rudi de Groote, principal cellist at the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, accompanied by Lynda Cochrane.

Just before midnight 24 December BBC One Scotland brings a mix of words and music presented by Sally Magnusson to take us from the last moments of Christmas Eve into Christmas morning. The programme comes from Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh, where the first ever worship happened on Christmas Day 1620. Greyfriars is marking the moment now as it was unable to celebrate the 400th anniversary last year because of Covid. A socially distanced small congregation, led by a choir from neighbouring George Heriot's School sing familiar Christmas Carols led by Alba Brass. Other music will be sung by the National Youth Choirs of Scotland Chamber Choir, by internationally renowned Dunedin Consort, and by gospel singer Grace Agbana. Readings are by pupils of George Heriot's, and include newly commissioned poems by Glasgow writer Mary Neal.

Christmas Reflections at the Quay follows the pattern of Reflections at the Quay. Hosted from the foyer of BBC Scotland's Pacific Quay studios, it is led by Canon Michael McMahon and Rev Maggie McTernan, with a poem by Fiona Stewart. David Strachan talks to Oxford Physics Professor Ard Louis about how he reconciles his scientific work with Christian faith in the Christmas story. Familiar carols, recorded in Greyfriars Kirk, are led by a massed choir of alumni of the National Youth Choir of Scotland with four new carols sung by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Junior Choir.

On New Year's Day, Resolutions visits Glensaugh Farm in Aberdeenshire and Invergowrie, West of Dundee. Professors Colin Campbell and Deb Roberts, Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive of the Hutton Institute, show how research can inspire sustainable land and crop management.

BBC Radio Scotland

Christmas Service

24 December, 11.30am and 25 December, 6.03am

Carols and reflection with prayers and readings for Christmas.

Christmas with Cathy Macdonald and Tony Kearney

25 December, 12.05am and 8.04am

Cathy and Tony share their Hebridean island memories of Christmas past, the start of new traditions, and the hope of the light returning after the long, dark nights. With guests and festive music.

New Every Sunday

19 December, 7.32am

With Bishop David Chillingworth of the Scottish Episcopal Church

New Every Sunday

26 December, 7:32am

With Bob Fyffe, former General Secretary of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland

Live at The Music Hall, Aberdeen

From music as bracing and exhilarating as a midnight sleigh-ride, to the comforts of familiar seasonal favourites, the BBC SSO invites you to an evening of Christmas orchestral magic. Scottish tenor Jamie MacDougall is your host for an evening of classics that includes the rousing spirit of Handel's 'Messiah', Yuletide carols, and all those festive songs from the Great American Songbook that everyone knows. Book now, for a concert that's the perfect kick-start to your seasonal celebrations.

Recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland on Christmas Eve and repeated on Christmas morning

Northern Ireland

BBC Northern Ireland

BBC Radio Ulster and Foyle begin celebrating the festive season on Christmas Eve in the company of Kerry and Ralph McLean from 7pm-12.05am, featuring the ATL Carol Service with traditional carols presented in a new way; the Sing Out Christmas Special, and Classical Connections Ulster Orchestra Christmas special.

Then on Christmas Day a specially extended Morning Service from 9-10am reflects and gives thanks for Christmas. Fr Brian D'Arcy shares his Christmas thoughts and music choices from 1-2pm, and there's another chance to hear the Sing Out Christmas Special from 7-8pm.

On Boxing Day, Sunday Sequence presenter Audrey Carville and guests discuss and reflect on the spirit of Christmas from 9-10am. Fr Brian D'Arcy offers more of his own thoughts and music from 12-1pm, and later in the day join Richard Yarr for Sounds Sacred from 5-6pm as he presents a Christmas time selection of music. At the same time on BBC Radio Foyle James McClelland presents a special Christmas edition of Rejoice.

Wales

Radio Cymru

A half hour special on the 22 December celebrating 50 years since the iconic recording of the hymn Pererin Wyf (Amazing Grace) by the California based Welsh singer Iris Williams. The programme will include a new recording of the hymn by Kizzy Crawford.

Also on 22 December and repeated on Christmas Day, a special carol concert featuring BBC National Orchestra of Wales to celebrate Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol's 60th year.

Yr Oedfa on 25 December sees the usual extended Christmas Day service.

Radio Wales

BBC Radio Wales weekly service, Celebration, will have a residency at St Davids Cathedral Pembrokeshire through advent (starting 28 Nov) and Christmas Day including a one-hour special on Christmas morning (8am). Each programme comes from a different location in and around St Davids and hears from a wide range of voices including a message about refugees given from the lifeboat station, a reflection on the birth of Christ given from a cattle stall in discussion with a farmer, and a Bishop on a beach with a beachcomber talking about our responsibility towards the environment. Christmas day is a grand celebration from the cathedral drawing together many of the voices we've met during advent, with contributions from each location.

All Things Considered marks the beginning of advent (28 Nov, 9am) with a programme looking at the "other" figures we might know from traditional Christmas services: Who was Isaiah? Was there actually a donkey? Who or what is a Root of Jesse?

All Things Considered is also in St David's the final Sunday before Christmas (19 Dec, 9am) when from St Non's well (linked to St David's mother) we look at the subject of motherhood and consider the issues faced by Jesus mother, Mary.

The BBC National Orchestra of Wales returns with Carols for Christmas on BBC Radio Wales. Carols and readings with children's choirs and members of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales in a concert. Recorded at St David's Hall in Cardiff. (25 Dec, 4pm)

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