On Saturday the 26th of November, Brisbane Grammar School held their yearly traditional celebration of Christmas based on the centuries-old service from King’s College, in Cambridge. A series of 9 Christmas readings (biblical and contemporary) were interspersed with related feature items from the school choirs, as well as the communal singing of well-known Christmas carols. This year, the event was held in the beautiful St John’s Cathedral which has the most beautiful architecture and a glorious pipe organ. 

The cathedral was full – approximately 600 people turned out to experience the 150 or so student performers from BGS, and their sister school Brisbane Girls Grammar School. The service began and concluded with performances by the massed choir, accompanied by a brass ensemble and pipe organ. It was a grand performance, with beautiful music filling every nook and crevice of the incredibly constructed Cathedral. 

This year, many of the readings and musical selections focused on “Christmas Love” with an emphasis on how we need to have love, charity and concern for those who are struggling this Christmas. One such song was “Let My Love Be Heard” by American composer Jake Runestad. Another was “The Work of Christmas” which outlined how, once Christmas is finished (eg. the angels stop singing, the wise men have returned home, all the presents are opened, and Christmas dinner is cleared away), that’s when the work of Christmas begins. That’s when we can truly begin to share the love. 

The Grammar communities were asked to contribute to Rosies, as a charity that makes a difference to people at Christmas. Together, the community was able to raise $2,242.50. The hope is that this donation will go towards ensuring that people on the street and/or in need, can have an enjoyable Christmas and can feel loved during what can be a tough period for some. 

Thank you to the Brisbane Grammar School and Brisbane Girls Grammar School communities for supporting Rosies this Christmas. This donation will go a long way to supporting our friends on the street at Christmas time. We look forward to whatever the future may bring with Brisbane Grammar School!