In her Christmas Day sermon at Gloucester Cathedral, The Rt Revd Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester, explores two profound themes: certainty and mystery.
Amid the global turbulence and anxiety that surround us, she speaks to a deep human longing for both assurance and the unknown. Drawing on the angels’ message, “Do not be afraid,” Bishop Rachel reminds us that God’s incarnation in Jesus Christ reveals the certainty of unchanging love, hope, and mercy. Even when darkness appears overwhelming, a single flicker of light shines brighter.
She encourages us to lift our eyes, listen for the angels’ song, and embrace their language of peace and unity.
READ MORE: M50 Motorway Crowned Safest in England and Wales
READ MORE: Woman Seeks Long-Lost Friend Who Sends Her Annual Christmas Card
Bishop Rachel reflects that this year, as she listened to voices across her diocese—from children and young people to those in Westminster and in prisons—there was a shared yearning for certainty amid ongoing crises. Alongside this, there was a reaching out toward mystery—a desire to connect with something beyond the visible and the immediate. Evidence of this curiosity can be found everywhere: from mystical films and games to festive decorations featuring angels.
Angels have become a familiar image during the season—appearing on cards, streetlights, and in children’s costumes. However, truly encountering angels requires more than noticing their images; it calls for lifting our eyes beyond the surface and listening deeply for their message.
The Bishop observes that hearing the angels’ song is challenging in a world filled with noise—the clamor of media, politics, protests, conflict, and internal anxieties. Yet, just like the Christmas story over two millennia ago, when Mary and Joseph faced uncertainty and fear, the angels appeared with a timeless message: “Do not be afraid.” These mysterious beings bring certainty—the unchanging glory of God and the promise revealed in Jesus Christ.
Recently visiting Bethlehem, Bishop Rachel witnessed the poignant expressions of fear and hope among Palestinian children and families. Despite the external silence due to fewer visitors, the internal noise of anxiety is profound. Still, moments of love and commitment resonate, echoing the angels’ ancient message.
Jesus’ birth embodies the unity of mystery and certainty—God with us, revealing love, hope, justice, and mercy. No matter the darkness or division in our world, the smallest light endures. The angels’ song continues, even when unheard.
Bishop Rachel cites Botticelli’s 16th-century painting “Mystical Nativity,” which captures angels dancing with certainty amid political upheaval, driving away darkness. Like those angels, we are called to embrace joy and hope. Their message, “Do not be afraid,” reminds us that the light and love of God in Christ overcome even death and will ultimately renew all things.
As we celebrate, the Bishop urges us to learn the angels’ language—a language of inclusion, peace, and glory that transcends human divisions. She recalls a joyful moment at Hempsted church, where people of all abilities danced in worship, an example of the inclusive community the angels invite us to be part of.
This Christmas, despite personal or global turmoil, let us heed the mysterious yet certain message of the angels. Amidst the noise and brokenness, may we find peace in their timeless song.
Happy Christmas!