Adoration of the Shepherds - Gerard van Honthurst (1622) Photo: Public Domain
This service of Christmas readings, reflections and prayers is presented by clergy from some of Wellington’s central city churches:
The Very Reverend Katie Lawrence, Dean of Wellington Cathedral of St Paul;
Father Barry Scannell, parish priest, St Mary of the Angels;
Rev Dr Fei Taule’ale’ausumai, minister, St Andrew’s on The Terrace;
Allister Lane, minister, St John’s-in-the-City;
Rev Stephen King, St Peter’s on Willis;
and Elliot Rice, pastor, Wellington Central Baptist Church.
From left: Barry Scannell, Stephen King, Fei Taule’ale’ausumai, Allister Lane, Katie Lawrence, Elliot Rice. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
You’ll also hear carols sung by Pacific Connection. The Porirua-based choir is directed by Henrietta Hunkin-Tagaloa.
Pacific Connection Choir Photo: Supplied / Pacific Connection
Welcome
Elliot Rice
Carol
O come, all ye faithful (Latin text translated Frederick Oakeley / attrib F J Wade)
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant!
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come and behold him, born the King of angels;
Refrain:
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
sing, all ye citizens of heaven above:
“Glory to God, in the highest!”
Refrain:
Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning
Jesu, to thee be glory given
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;
Refrain:
Karakia / Opening Prayer
Elliot Rice
Let us pray - kia īnoi tātou
E te Tama a te Atua,
te rama e tīaho nei i te pō,
te tamaiti o te hari koa, o te rangimārie,
āwhinatia mātou ki te haere atu ki a koe
kia whānau hōu ai i tēnei pō tapu.
Whakarongo ki tēnei īnoi i runga i tōu ake aroha.
Āmine.
Son of God,
light that shines in the dark,
child of joy and peace,
help us to come to you
and be born anew this holy night.
Hear this prayer for your love’s sake.
Amen.
Reading
Barry Scannell
A reading from the Book of Isaiah, Chapter 52, verses 7-10
How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of the messenger who announces peace,
who brings good news,
who announces salvation,
who says to Zion, "Your God reigns."
Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices,
together they sing for joy;
for in plain sight they see
the return of the Lord to Zion.
Break forth together into singing,
you ruins of Jerusalem;
for the Lord has comforted his people,
he has redeemed Jerusalem.
The Lord has bared his holy arm
before the eyes of all the nations;
and all the ends of the earth shall see
the salvation of our God.
Angel Musicians (left panel) - Hans Memling Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Psalm
Fei Taule’ale’ausumai
Psalm 98
1 Sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvellous things.
2 With his right hand and his holy arm
has he won for himself the victory.
3 The Lord has made known his victory;
his righteousness has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.
4 He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to the house of Israel,
and all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
5 Shout with joy to the Lord, all you lands;
lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.
6 Sing to the Lord with the harp,
with the harp and the voice of song.
7 With trumpets and the sound of the horn
shout with joy before the King, the Lord.
8 Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it,
the lands and those who dwell therein.
9 Let the rivers clap their hands,
and let the hills ring out with joy before the Lord,
when he comes to judge the earth.
10 In righteousness shall he judge the world
and the peoples with equity.
Carol
O Holy Night (Placide Cappeau trans John Sullivan Dwight / Adolphe Adam)
Soloist – Julian Wright
O, holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night divine, O night, O night divine!
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother,
And in His Name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name!
(Samoan)
Ifo atu ia, fa’alogo i Agelu
Le po pa’ia na fanau ai o Iesu
Le po pa’ia le po
Le po pa’ia
(Tokelauan)
Ifo atu ia, fakalogo ki Agelu
Te po pa’ia, na fanau ai o Iesu
Te po pa’ia, te po
Te po pa’ia
O night divine, O night
O night divine
Detail of Mary and Joseph, from The Census at Bethlehem (Pieter Brueghel the Elder, 1566) Photo: Public domain
Gospel Reading
A reading from the Book of Luke, Chapter 2, verses 1-20
Allister Lane, Stephen King, Katie Lawrence
Today’s reading from the Gospel according to Luke tells the story of the birth of Jesus. It’s read in three sections, with each reader reflecting on what it means.
Gospel Reading and Reflection (1)
Allister Lane
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered.
Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. Joseph went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.
While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Gospel Reading and Reflection (2)
Stephen King
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see--I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger."
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!"
Detail from the Ghent Altarpiece, by Jan van Eyck Photo: CC BY 2.0 / carulmare
Carol
Hark! the herald angels sing (Charles Wesley / Felix Mendelssohn)
Jane Esera, Sina Esera, Solomon Esera, Helmy Esera
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King:
peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
join the triumph of the skies;
with th'angelic hosts proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Refrain:
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King"
Christ, by highest heaven adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
late in time behold him come,
offspring of the Virgin's womb:
veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
hail th'incarnate Deity,
pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus, our Immanuel.
Refrain:
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.
Refrain:
Gospel Reading and Reflection (3)
Katie Lawrence
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us."
So the shepherds went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.
The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Instrumental music
Ave Maria (JS Bach / Gounod) - Yo-Yo Ma (cello), Kathryn Stott (piano)
Prayers for the world
Written by Adrienne Thompson
Barry Scannell
Let us pray for our world. Kia īnoi tātou.
Our God, this Christmas day we remember the baby in Bethlehem,
And we pray for all newborn babies and their families, here in Aotearoa and around the world.
May there be room for them, and shelter,
Loving hands to hold them
Wise people to teach them
Safe places for them to play and grow and thrive.
Our God, our shelter and home,
This Christmas Day hear our prayer
Our God, this Christmas Day we remember the shepherds listening to a promise of peace
And we pray for all who long to hear that promise
in places where drones circle and bombs fall,
where homes and hospitals and schools are being destroyed.
We pray for ourselves and those we know
when we are estranged from each other and hostile to our neighbours.
Bring peace to our families and communities and the nations.
Our God, our shelter and home,
This Christmas Day hear our prayer.
Our God, this Christmas Day we remember that wise people brought gifts.
We pray that we may recognise wisdom in ourselves and in each other.
As we perhaps feel despair or anger and fear for our children and grandchildren.
Some people are shouting out boldly, with courage
some people are working with passion and skill.
Help each of us to be willing and determined
to think and act and to work to care for each other and all creation.
Our God, our shelter and home,
This Christmas Day hear our prayer.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our friend and brother.
Amen.
Nativity - Giotto. Lower Church, Assisi (1310) Photo: Public Domain
Carol
Silent Night (Joseph Mohr / Franz Gruber)
Jane Esera, Sina Esera, Solomon Esera, Helmy Esera, Adah Setefano, Jillian Tupuse
Silent night, holy night:
all is calm, all is bright.
Round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy infant so tender and mild;
sleep in heavenly peace,
sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar,
heav'nly hosts sing, “Alleluia!
Christ the Saviour is born!
Christ the Saviour is born!”
The Lord’s Prayer
Fei Taule’ale’ausumai
The Lord’s Prayer is first read in Samoan, then in English.
Lo matou Tamä e, oi le lagi,
ia paia lou suafa.
Ia o'o mai lou malo.
Ia faia lou finagalo, i le lalolagi e pei ona faia i le lagi.
Ia e foa'i mai ia te'i matou i le aso nei a matou mea'ai e tatau ma le aso.
Ia e fa'amagalo ia te'i matou ia matou agasala,
e pei ona matou fo'i ona matou fa'amagaloina atu
i e ua agaleaga mai ia te'i matou.
Aua fo'i e te ta'ita'iina i matou i le fa'aosoosoga,
a ia e lavea'i ia i matou ai le leaga.
Auä e ou le malo,
ma le mana, atoa ma le viiga,
e faavavau lava,
Amene.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.
Passing the peace
Elliot Rice
Many traditions have a custom of passing the peace as part of their worship. On Christmas Day it’s fitting to pass joy as well.
Here’s a piece of music called ‘Dona Nobis Pacem’ which means ‘give us peace’. As it’s played, wherever you are today, look around at the people you’re with and offer them peace and joy.
Remember people who are absent and hold them too in peace. And think of places and people where you long to see peace and joy.
ANON: Dona Nobis Pacem – Yo-yo Ma (cello)
Ko Ihu Karaiti te maramatanga, te mātāpuna o te ora.
Christ is our light, the joy of our salvation.
Benediction
Elliot Rice
Thank you for sharing this Christmas Day service with us.
May the love that breathes life into all of creation be born in you today.
May the love that brings healing be born in you today.
May the love that overcomes hatred be born in you today.
May the love that forgives and renews be born in you today.
May the love that brings the blessing of peace be born in you today and every day. Amen.
Pohutukawa flower. Photo: Image by Avenue, Creative Commons
Carol
Let there be peace on earth / This is my wish
This is my wish
My wish for the world
That peace would find its way
To every boy and girl
This is the time
The time for harmony
Let love be the song
That everybody sings
Fill the air with joyful noise
Bring the bells and raise your voice
Let there be peace on earth
Let there be peace on earth
Lift your life and let it shine
Let it shine, shine, shine
Let every voice be heard
Let there be peace on earth
I hear the sweetest sound
The sound of hope to come
Together we could bring
Goodwill to everyone
Let it start with you
Let it start with me
Let every nation rise
And sing this melody
Fill the air with joyful noise
Bring the bells and raise your voice
Let there be peace on earth
Let there be peace on earth
Lift your life and let it shine
Let it shine, shine
Let every voice be heard
Let there be peace on earth
Let every voice be heard
Let there be peace on earth
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let there be peace on earth
A peace that was meant to be
With God as our Father
Brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony
Fill the air with joyful noise
Bring the bells and raise your voice
Let there be peace on earth
Let there be peace on earth
Lift your life and let it shine
Let it shine, shine, shine
Shine, shine, shine
Let it shine, shine, shine
And every voice be heard
Let there be peace
Let there be peace
On earth
And let it begin
With me.
Pacific Connection Choir at the recording of RNZ's Christmas Service 2025. Photo: Supplied / Pacific Connection
This service could not have been made without the help of Pacific Connection Choir and Henrietta Hunkin-Talagoa, and clergy from Wellington central city churches:
Katie Lawrence (Wellington Cathedral of St Paul), Barry Scannell (St Mary of the Angels), Fei Taule’ale’ausumai (St Andrew’s on The Terrace), Allister Lane (St John’s-in-the-City), Stephen King (St Peter’s on Willis), and Elliot Rice (Wellington Central Baptist Church).
RNZ is very grateful for the support of all those involved.
The service was recorded and engineered by Marc Chesterman, and produced by Robyn Jaquiery for RNZ.
