On the last day of term Year 4 to Year 8 of the Junior School and parents gathered in Rochester Cathedral for their Service of Christmas Readings and Music. It was an afternoon structured around the foundational truths of the Christmas story.
The service began with the Chaplain, the Reverend Stephen Padfield, leading the Bidding Prayer, which addressed the world’s needs and the special fellowship within the Cathedral.
The journey commenced with the Processional Hymn, Once in Royal David’s City, building from the Soloist to the full Congregation. The readings, delivered by pupils from Year 4 through Year 8 and staff, charted the Christmas story from the prophecy of Isaiah to the Nativity as told by St Luke.
Music was central to the service, featuring each year group: Year 4 Christmas is a time to love, Year 7 The Holly and The Ivy, Year 6 ‘This Little Babe’ and Year 8 Balulalow.
The account of the Wise Men, read by House Captains, led to the beautiful simplicity of the Year 5 Silent Night and the congregational hymn, O Little Town of Bethlehem.
The culmination was the Eighth Reading – St John’s profound words: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Following the Final Blessing the entire congregation rose to sing the glorious Recessional Hymn, Hark The Herald Angels Sing in a rousing conclusion to the service.
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