Durham University’s Christian Union doubled their carol service capacity this year. For several years the CU needed to close the doors to Durham Cathedral early as their carol services were full. This year, the Cathedral gave them double the time to use the building, so the CU doubled the capacity with two back-to-back carol services.
The Cathedral venue adds a draw for students, particularly at Christmas time, with an almost magical atmosphere. Across the two services, 2,500 students crammed in to sing carols and hear from God’s word. Director of Christians in Sport, Graham Daniels, captured the audience as he spoke from the beginning of Luke’s Gospel, unpacking the passage verse-by-verse with great dynamic enthusiasm.
Throughout both services there was a great display of unity, as well as a wonderful diversity of students leading intercessional prayers and readings. With CU students from a wide variety of church backgrounds and ethnicities leading each part of the service, each student attending felt included.
