Peace on Earth
Peace on Earth
November 27, 2018 at 4:52 PM
The Carol Service is a highlight of the Girls’ School calendar; a time when family and friends come together and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas; an evening that many look forward to. This year, the girls’ service focused on the theme, ‘Peace on Earth.’
In her opening address, Principal, Ms Juliet Small thanked everyone for attending the special evening and made a special mention of the Preschool who were excited to also be taking part in the service.
Reverend Reuben Hardie gave the call for worship before Year 7 student, Jamie Chandler gave the first reading, setting the tone with, ‘Christmas is not a time or a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill is to have the real Spirit of Christmas. If we consider these things… over us will shine a star sending its gleam of hope to the world.’ This led to the congregation joining the Girls’ School Performers’ Choir to sing, ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing.’
The preschoolers made their way to the front to perform, ‘The World is One on Christmas Morning’ and the girls progressed through their readings and songs, including the ‘Peace to the World’ performance by the whole school.
As the choir sang, ‘Carol of the Children’ and ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem,’ junior students made their way down the aisle in pairs to create a nativity scene at the front of the church. As the ‘Three Wise Men’ presented their gifts to the ‘New Born King’, the whole school sang, ‘Let There Be Peace’ and ‘Away in a Manger.’
The girls had prepared gifts for the Dingwall Trust that were presented as the choir performed, ‘Peace Song,’ before. Head Girl, Katherine Thibaud and her mother, Mrs Maddie Thibaud gave their blessings and the whole school sang, ‘Midnight.’
Reverend Hardie addressed the congregation saying when the stress of Christmas starts to build, we must remember to ‘keep the peace and keep it simple’. He reminded us that God chose a simple stable and a very simple town for Jesus to be born. ‘If we want to keep the peace this Christmas, we must keep it simple, just like he did.’
Reverend Hardie explained how his family go camping at Christmas to ‘keep it simple’. He brought a tent, some sleeping bags, camping chairs and a barbeque with sausages, bread and tomato sauce to the front to demonstrate just how simple Christmas can be.
Deputy Head Girl, Miabella Robertshaw offered a prayer and thanked the teachers and her friends and family for her years at the Girls’ School. As the choir sang, ‘Saint Kentigern Girls’ School Blessing,’ and the Year 8 students came forward to receive their leavers’ candles from Ms Small and Mrs Wahlstrom.
This was a touching moment for the girls and their families as their time at the School has come to an end. To finish the evening, the congregation sang, ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ as the girls processed out of the Cathedral ahead of our guests.
