Celebrating the meaning of Christmas
04 Dec 2025
Christianity, Christ, and carols!
For the Christian faith, Christmas is more than a season of lights, gifts, and festive gatherings. It is a time to pause and reflect on the deeper meaning of hope, peace, and compassion - celebrating the birth of Christ as a reminder of God’s love entering the world.
From this perspective, the run up to the 25 December is a great opportunity to look beyond the busyness and reconnect with one another through kindness, generosity, and celebration. Join our wider university community over the coming weeks and get involved with our festivities:
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Join us for this beautiful and traditional service which journeys through the story of Christmas through carols and readings, followed by a sumptuous festive wine, mince pie and cocoa receptions.
- Monday 8 December, 7.30pm, St Anselm Hall (M14 5BX)
- Please contact joshua.gaskell@manchester.ac.uk to sign up
Christmas Carols by Candlelight
Readings of the Christmas story, music from our two choirs, and carols accompanied by the organ for everyone to join in, with guest preacher Jamie MacKenzie (Lead Anglican Chaplain at the university). The image you see above is from last year's beautiful carol service - attendees are invited to hold a lighted candle throughout the service to help brighten the darkness of this time of year. A collection will be made for the Olympias Music Foundation which helps young people facing challenges learn how to play musical instruments.
- Wednesday 10 December, 7.00pm, Holy Name Church (M13 9PG)
- No need to sign-up (but join early to guarantee a seat!)
New blog: Christmas as a season for everyone
Our Christian chaplain and Lecturer Omolade Allen shares her blog piece about how Christmas carries meanings far beyond Christianity alone, and why this is a good time for everybody to slow down and reflect on how we treat each other and ourselves.
More information
- Our multifaith chaplains will be available over the Christmas period to offer support to colleagues and students of all faith or none. Get in touch here.
- Our chaplains also offer monthly drop-in sessions to discuss all things faith, life and spirituality. Check our multifaith pages for updates on the next one.