Twelve Days of Christmas

Over the festive period we have been sharing reflections from our Twelve Days of Christmas series, which you may have noticed on our social media channels in the past few weeks.

Each video features a message from a member of clergy or a layperson from across our diocese, and these reflections conclude with the Feast of the Epiphany. Thank you for watching, and a thank you also to each of our brilliant contributors! You can catch up on the reflections below.

25th December

Bishop David shared his Christmas message of hope and light in these challenging times. His message reminds us that just as Christ’s light shone into a dark world over 2000 years ago, that same light continues to shine today.

Bishop David encourages us to reflect His light and also celebrate the light we see reflected in one another – in acts of kindness, in shared worship, and in the love and service that binds our communities together.

26th December

As we celebrated St Stephen’s Day, we shared a reflection from Dominic Budhi-Thornton, who worships at Manchester Cathedral and works at Urban Outreach in Bolton. Dominic reminds us of the charitable roots of Boxing Day and explains how Urban Outreach works to ensure that those who might otherwise go without at Christmas receive ‘Christmas Dinner on Jesus’.

Incredibly, this year, 1200 ‘Christmas Dinner on Jesus’ boxes were delivered to local families and individuals thanks to the generosity of local churches and the dedication of Urban Outreach.

27th December

Dean Rogers Govender reflected on St John the Evangelist and his unique telling of the Christmas story. He explores how John’s Gospel reveals the profound mystery of the Word made flesh, inviting us to encounter Christ as the light that shines in the darkness.

28th December

The Revd Michaila Roberts, Hulme Lecturer at Bolton Parish Church and Village Church Chaplain, shared a reflection on The Holy Innocents.

29th December

Nia Edwards, Sing my Soul Choral Scholar, shared her favourite Christmas song and why it means so much to her.

30th December

Bishop David shared a message of thanks to all who contribute to the mission and ministry of our diocese.

 31st December

On New Year’s Eve, Canon Grace Thomas fondly recalled the best New Year celebration she’s ever experienced. Reflecting on the kindness of her neighbours, Grace invites us to consider our call to Love Thy Neighbour as we mark the close of 2025.

1st January

As we welcomed the first day of 2026, Kim Morgan-Jones, Head of Lay Development, reflected on what the year ahead might hold. It promises to be a hope-filled year for our diocese, filled with opportunities to deepen our involvement in its mission. Kim invites us to consider all that this new year will bring and how we can walk closely with God through every step.

2nd January

Celebrating Christmas is as much about giving as it is about receiving. Revd Hannah Rudd reflected on our call to love our neighbours – gathering as communities to serve and be served. Hannah reminds us how Jesus embodied this, showing us how to live among one another with grace and compassion.

3rd January

James Cowley, Lay Chair for Salford and Leigh Deanery, reflected on Christ’s presence in our everyday lives, meeting us in the ordinary moments. He reminds us that God is with us, and that the light of His presence continues to bless our communities and our diocese.

4th January

As schools start to reopen again after the Christmas holidays, Ni-Cola Scott, Shades Lead, encourages us to take a prayerful attitude to our work and make space for quiet moments with God.

5th January

As we look ahead to a new term of study in the schools, colleges and universities in our diocese, we caught up with Jamie Mackenzie, Lead Anglican Chaplain for Central Manchester Universities, to find out what inspires hope within him.

6th January

As we conclude our Christmas Reflections series, Lucie Reilly – Reader at Holy Trinity, Waterhead and Executive Assistant to Bishop David – shares her thoughts on the Feast of the Epiphany.