Norwich Nativity Mass marks start of Christmas 

Over 1000 people packed into St John the Baptist Cathedral in Norwich on Christmas Eve for the Nativity of the Lord Family Mass.

Popular with families, it is the Mass when the baby Jesus is taken and placed in the crib in the Cathedral’s St Joseph’s Chapel.

Cathedral Dean Fr Alan Hodgson called all the children to come forward and then to follow himself and the Baby Jesus to the crib.

In his homily, Fr Alan talked about his favourite Christmas things, which included mince pies and Christmas pudding. But his most favourite thing is that is it about the birth of Jesus.

“It is so important that we remember what Christmas is all about in the busyness and excitement of Christmas,” said Fr Alan.

“It is also important that we all gather together as one big community tonight, before Christmas actually starts to celebrate the birth of Lord Saviour Jesus Christ.”

Click here or see below for a full picture gallery of the Nativity Mass.