We celebrated Christmas Eve at St John's Presbyterian Church in Rotorua. It was a simple family service, very welcoming.
Retelling of the Christmas story -
We began with hymns, mostly familiar, but also including Te Harinui - a Christmas song specially written for NZ
- Not on a snowy night
By star or candlelight
Nor by an angel band
There came to our dear landTe Harinui
Te Harinui
Te Hari-nu-i
Glad tid-ings of great joy - But on a summer day
Within a quiet bay
The Maori people heard
The great and glorious word - The people gathered round
Upon the grassy ground
And heard the preacher say
I bring to you this day - Now in this blessed land
United heart and hand
We praise the glorious birth
And sing to all the earth
The message was an enactment of the Christmas story with volunteers from the audience. Each actor was given one phrase to repeat as indicated while a narrator told the story.
Here the fat Inn Keeper sympathizes with Mary before sending her to the stable.
Joseph's phrase was " Oka-lee doka-lee". The congregation got to say "Hurrah" at various points. Very funny!
Scott, one of the three wise persons, welcomes Jesus.
Delaney and Sophia make us beautifully decorated Christmas cookies.
Santa does find us all the way around the world.
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