‘The story of the very first Christmas is as simple and special today as it was over two thousand years ago. Since that holy night, Christmas has become the most festive of the Christian holidays. Many of the customs enjoyed at Christmas time began long before the birth of Jesus but as people from all over the world accepted Christianity, they gave their ancient customs new meanings, connecting them to their faith in Christ.

Today, it is hard to imagine Christmas without a Christmas tree to decorate our homes. The custom of decorating an evergreen tree inside a home may be traced to Martin Luther, a German preacher in the 1500’s. On Christmas Eve, it is said, Martin Luther was walking through snow-covered woods and was struck by the beauty of a group of small evergreens. Their branches, dusted with snow, shimmered in the moonlight. When he got home, he set up a little fir tree indoors so he could share this story with his children. He lit the candles and gathered his children around the twinkling tree and told them about the stars that shone above Bethlehem, on the night Jesus was born.’

On a beautiful evening, heralding the start of summer and the holidays to come, the children, staff, families and special guests of Saint Kentigern Girls’ School and Preschool gathered in the sunlit church of Saint Mary’s in the grounds of the Holy Trinity Cathedral for the annual Carol Service.

The high, clear voice of Natalya Trombitas, the Deputy Head Girl, rang out from the back of the church as she opened the service with the first verse of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ before the rest of the congregation joined in. The Very Reverend Jo Kelly-Moore, Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral welcomed the congregation to Saint Mary’s then Principal, Dr Sandra Hastie greeted our families before the Chaplain to the Schools, Reverend Reuben Hardie gave the call to worship.

Year 6 student, Charlotte Carlson opened the readings, setting the theme for a service focussed on the special symbols we come to associate with the festive season and customs such as the giving of gifts. As the service continued to unfold, the girls through their readings, songs and actions gave life to a Christmas tree that started the evening bare. Angels were added to spread the Christmas message, stars came next to represent the star-so-bright that hung over Bethlehem the night Jesus was born. Special gifts to bring pleasure to others were placed under the tree – once again the girls have all contributed to fill special Christmas stockings to bring joy to the children of Dingwall Trust in Papatoetoe. Bells were next; the bells that ring out to remind us of the joys of Christmas and ‘Goodwill to all men.’ Jesus was born to bring peace to the earth and so doves, the symbol of peace, were next to adorn the tree. Garlands followed; joined by a common thread they symbolise joining as one to extend friendship and make the world a better place. And finally there was one thing left to complete the tree. The lights were switched on! ‘The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light. They lived in a land of shadows but now light is shining on them. A child is born to us!’

Reverend Hardie told the girls that in New Zealand, we have our own Christmas tree; the pohutukawas that line the coast and burst into colour at Christmas time. Often clinging to cliffs, it is the harshness of its circumstance that forms its beauty. He said, ‘The pohutakawa can teach us not to be afraid of life’s storms – but to face them – to stand strong and be courageous – and to believe in ourselves. Like the pohutukawa, we are created to live in the light, we are created to be strong and resilient.’

As the Performers’ Choir sang Benedictus, our Year 1 girls came bravely down the aisle in pairs to create an angelic nativity scene at the front of the church. With the service coming to a close, our Year 8 students came forward to receive their Leaver’s Candle, a poignant moment for the girls and their families as their time at the School comes to an end.

We give thanks to: Mrs Janine Bennett, Mrs Judith Dobson, Mrs Nicola Brown, Dr Michael Jenkins and Reverend Reuben Hardie for their work in preparing this service with the girls. 

Readers: Charlotte Carlson, Year 6; Hannah Timmo, Year 6; Rachel Courtney, Year 6; Anna Lowther, Year 8; Caroline Riechenbach, Year 2; Manisha Singh, Year 2; Emilia Radisich, Year 7; Amelie James-Power, Year 4; Rylie Cleaver, Year 5; Rebecca Webster, Year 3; Emerald Bendall, Year 7; Olivia Moorman, Year 8; Natalya Trombitas, Year 8.

View image gallery

Share this