Join us at the Embrace Bethlehem Carol Service
Travel with us in heart and spirit to Bethlehem this Christmas
Join Embrace for an evening of traditional Christmas carols, Middle Eastern music and reflection as we celebrate the birth of Jesus and connect with the place where the Christmas story began.
JOURNEY THROUGH THE SERVICE
From beloved carols to inspiring reflections, this year’s Bethlehem Carol Service will take you on a journey through the Christmas story and the place where it began.
His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos OBE
Jamie Eyre
The service opens with Isaiah’s vision of peace and hope, paired with poetry from Malcolm Guite.
We then journey to Bethlehem through readings, and the much-loved carol O Little Town of Bethlehem.
From the angel’s message to Mary to the events of that first Christmas night.
This section brings the nativity story to life through Scripture, poetry by John Betjeman, and traditional carols including Away in a Manger.
Featuring Luke’s account of the shepherds, poetry by Madeleine L’Engle, and music including The Shepherds’ Farewell, this part of the service captures the awe and wonder of the first Christmas night.
We’ll journey alongside the shepherds and wise men as they are drawn to Bethlehem to encounter the newborn Christ.
Hear the powerful opening words of John’s Gospel and reflect on the profound message at the heart of Christmas: God with us.
This section culminates in congregational carols celebrating Christ as a light for the world.
Hear a Christmas address from His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos OBE.
We will then join in prayers for peace, hope and justice in the Middle East and around the world
A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE MIDDLE EAST
As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, hear a reflection from Archbishop Bashar Warda on hope, peace and the enduring message of Bethlehem.
CONNECT WITH THE HOLY LAND THIS CHRISTMAS
The Christmas story began in this part of the world. This Christmas, twin your Christmas tree with a Palestinian olive tree and stand in solidarity with farming families who continue to live and work in the Holy Land.
From £40, you can support Palestinian olive farmers in protecting their land and livelihoods. You’ll receive a personalised twinning certificate, followed by a tree planting certificate the summer after your tree is planted.
Shop The Embrace Christmas Collection
Christmas is an opportunity to reflect, celebrate and share hope with others. Discover gifts, cards and resources inspired by the Middle East that can help make this season more meaningful for you, your family, church or community.
Many of the products in our collection are created by artisans, producers and partner organisations across the Middle East, helping to support livelihoods and sustain local communities. By choosing these gifts and resources, you’re not only celebrating Christmas but also standing alongside the people and places that continue to shape the story of the region today.
BRING THE STORY OF BETHLEHEM TO YOUR CHURCH
For over 70 years, churches, schools and communities have used the Bethlehem Carol Sheet to bring the story of Christmas to life while supporting the people of the Middle East.
Now in its 61st edition, the Bethlehem Carol Sheet combines favourite carols with reflections, prayers and stories from across the region, helping congregations connect more deeply with the place where the Christmas story began.
To book your place, visit the Bethlehem Carol Service event page. We look forward to welcoming you!
Frequently Asked Questions
An evening of traditional Christmas carols, Middle Eastern music, and reflection as we celebrate the birth of Jesus and connect with Bethlehem, the place where the Christmas story began.
Yes, the Bethlehem Carol Service is free of charge, but booking is required.
The service will be held at 7pm, Thursday 10 December at St Pancras Church, Euston Road, London, NW1 2BA. The service will be followed with mulled wine and Middle Eastern sweets until 9pm.
Please contact us if you have any accessibility requirements, and we’ll be happy to help.
The service is open to anyone who would like to celebrate Christmas, sing carols and reflect on the message of hope that comes from Bethlehem.
