“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom He is pleased.” (Luke 2:14)
In view of the recent social situations and challenges faced by our community, St. Mary’s marked Christmas this year not with a celebration, but with a Christmas Prayer Meeting, inviting the whole school community to pause, reflect, and pray together. Through this prayerful gathering, we were reminded that the true spirit of Christmas lies in loving service, care for others, and hope amid uncertainty and suffering.
On 19th December the Prayer Meeting began with a Christmas play entitled “Embracing the Light of Jesus”, prepared by the Student Council. Through the Nativity story, the play gently recalled how Mary and Joseph faced uncertainty with trust, and how the birth of Jesus brought light and hope into a dark and humble place. Following the play, the Word of God was proclaimed, and the Christ Candle—the fifth and central candle of the Advent wreath—was lit, symbolising the presence of Christ among us. With the lighting of this candle, we recalled that the long season of waiting had reached its fulfilment: Jesus, the true Light and our Hope, has come into the world.
A meaningful highlight of the Prayer Meeting was the offering of wishes and messages. In the days leading up to Christmas, students and staff had written their wishes and blessings for the school during the Christmas Fair. These were prayerfully offered to God during the meeting. Representing the unity of the school community, the School Parent Manager Mrs. Alice Lam, PTA Chairperson Ms. Teresa Li, PSA Chairperson Ms. Justina Law, PSA Vice-Chairperson Ms. Susanna SS Chung, Principal Ms. Janet Wong, and Student Council Chairlady Annabelle Chan placed their wishes and blessings on the large star at the top of the tree. The star symbolised how students, parents, and educators come together as one community, offering our hopes, prayers, and intentions to God.
The Prayer Meeting concluded with the whole school singing “Let There Be Peace on Earth”, echoing our heartfelt wish that true peace and lasting hope may come into the world through the birth of Jesus—especially for those who are suffering, waiting, or in need of comfort. Our sincere thanks go to the Concert Band, the Intermediate Choir, the Junior Choir, and all others who contributed to making this Prayer Meeting possible. Through this Christmas Prayer Meeting, St. Marians were reminded once again that Christmas is not only a time of joy, but also a call to remain hopeful in difficulties, to serve with love, and to be bearers of Christ’s light to others.