IT’S A service steeped in tradition and this year was no exception.
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Hundreds packed the pews of St John’s Anglican Church with many donned in nativity dress for the annual Children’s Christmas service. Vicar Peter Stavert said the Christmas Eve service was immensely popular with younger families.
“It’s just about the biggest service we have,” Vicar Stavert said.
“It’s been a St John’s tradition for many years; it’s very popular with the grandparents ... so we get three generations, sometimes four generations (at the church).”
The service began with John the Baptist before the Christmas story unfolded. Mary and Joseph were in costume, so too the shepherds, and even the angels who popped out of the upstairs gallery.
“The wise men are just splendid: their robes are just so amazing,” Vicar Stavert said.
The vicar’s warden, Anna Rosamond, was responsible for the costumes, making many of them which will be used in productions in years to come.
There were plenty of old favourites sung on the night but no sermon.
“No sermon: the story of Christmas is the sermon,” Vicar Stavert said.
“The Christmas story is so powerful, it doesn’t need any explanation – it needs a response.”