On Thursday 12 December we held our traditional Advent and Christmas Carol Service which, for the first time, was held in Q Hall. This event was attended by the whole school as well as parents, guardians and governors. Entitled ‘The Gift of Christmas’, the service included the singing of Christmas carols, musical interludes including one from the Staff Choir, Bible readings and a sermon and prayer from Reverend Kate.

All of the school’s musical groups were represented and there are some special soloists to mention individually:

• Aanya S (9S) who sang the first verse of Once in Royal David’s City a cappella
• Charlotte K (7S), Hermione R (7H), Iona W (7W) and Miri R (7W who sang solos in O Holy Night which was sung by the Year 7 Choir and Staff Choir.
• Camilla T (11W) who sang solo with The Wind Band who played Jingle Bell Rock.

Readers who deserve a special mention are:

• Violet K (7N)
• Maya L (8N)
• Nayia D-C (9N)
• Constantina M-K (10S) and Kayley N (10S)
• Sophie F (11H)
• Amy H (12S)
• Head Girl, Lisa O (13S)

Also worth a special mention are the Head Girl Team who acted as Crucifer and Acolytes carrying a Processional Cross and Candles borrowed for the occasion from Reverend Kate’s ‘sending’ church, St Etheldreda’s, in Old Hatfield.

In her sermon, Reverend Kate told us that before her ordination, she was asked to think of an image symbolising her ministry as a priest and that, in response, she pictured a beautifully wrapped gift box with a golden bow; this image reflects her belief that ordination is a gift from God filled with other gifts she is called to share. Reverend Kate explained that throughout this term, she has shared these gifts in Chapel and, through her sermons, has revealed something of her own journey of faith. Reverend Kate reminded us that the gifts shared have been Love, Forgiveness, Healing, Hope, and Joy which she calls ‘Pillars of Grace’ to reflect that these gifts are, for her, the foundational elements of Christian life which guide her heart and actions to align with God’s will and purpose and shape her as a Priest.

Reverend Kate told us that she shared this story with us today because in this Christmas season, a time of giving and receiving, she wondered if we might give someone the gift of love, forgiveness, healing, hope or joy? Reverend Kate reminded us that these gifts are not found online, in a shop, or at any cost, but are freely given by God who wants us to share them generously. Inspired by the Christmas story, Reverend Kate told us how we might share these gifts this Christmas. Here are her words:

The Christmas story begins with love. As the Gospel of John tells us: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son” (John 3:16). God’s love is unconditional and everlasting, not earned by our actions but given because of who God is. This love was born in a stable, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger. It is a love that means we are seen, heard and understood; as such, it is a love that transforms us, enabling us to love ourselves and others. So, this Christmas, consider giving the gift of love, perhaps by offering a kind word, lending a listening ear, or letting someone know they matter.

God’s love is accompanied by forgiveness. Jesus’ earthly journey began in a wooden manger but it ultimately led to a wooden cross, where He bore the cost of our sins. God’s forgiveness is liberating, releasing us from burdens, giving us peace in our heart and a new beginning. When we forgive, we make liberation possible for others and reflect God’s grace. So, this Christmas, consider giving the gift of forgiveness, perhaps by letting go of a grudge, reaching out to a friend who hurt you or seeking reconciliation.
Christmas is a story of healing. Jesus came to mend the broken-hearted, restore relationships, and make us whole. We all carry wounds—some visible, others hidden—but God’s healing releases us from what holds us back and enables us to draw closer to God and to one another and to live a life of purpose and fullness. So, this Christmas, why not offer the gift of healing, perhaps by showing compassion, extending kindness or letting someone know they are valued.

Advent is a season of waiting and reminds us of the hope Jesus brings. The people of Israel waited for the Messiah, and Christians believe their hope was fulfilled on that first Christmas night. Hope is powerful; hope assures us that even in the darkest times, God is at work for our benefit. As the Gospel of John tells us, Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it (John 1:5). So, this Christmas, perhaps you could share the gift of hope by encouraging someone outside your usual circle, volunteering for a cause close to your heart or spending time with someone who is alone.

Finally, Christmas is a celebration of Joy. The Angel told the shepherds: “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10). This joy doesn’t depend on circumstances but on the truth that God is with us and for us. Joy is contagious and spreads to others when we live in it. So, this Christmas, perhaps you can share the gift of joy by celebrating with laughter, acts of kindness, and moments of connection that brighten someone’s day.

As we celebrate Christmas, let’s remember that God freely gives us the gifts of Love, Forgiveness, Healing, Hope, and Joy and that in receiving these gifts we are no longer defined by others actions or our past choices or mistakes; instead, we are shaped by the present and so empowered to be the people God calls us to be.

So, this Christmas, let’s receive these gifts and give them freely to everyone we meet in every word we speak and every action we take; and in so doing, may we become living reflections of God’s grace and bring light into a world in need.

Amen.

After her sermon, Reverend Kate prayed for God’s grace:

Loving God,
We thank you for the gifts of love, forgiveness, healing, hope, and joy.
As we celebrate Jesus’ birth, help us to share these gifts with others.
May our words and actions reflect your love,
our hearts forgive as you forgive,
and our lives bring healing, hope and joy.
This Christmas, inspire us to be vessels of your grace,
So that through us, your love may shine brightly in the world.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

In closing our Advent and Christmas Carol Service, Reverend Kate shared God’s blessing:

May the love and obedience of Mary be your example.
May the peace of Christ rule in your hearts and homes.
May you be filled with the joy of the Spirit and the gifts of your eternal home.
Amen.