The XVth Anniversary Celebrations of the Thomian Carol Service, heralds the Advent Season in Sydney

The congregation, comprised of alumni and community members, gathered with eager enthusiasm. The Thomian Carol Service is not a mere performance but an interactive expression of joy and celebration. The energy and warmth radiating from the audience contributed to the communal spirit of the event, turning it into a shared celebration of the Christmas season. In the magical tapestry of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols organized by the Alumni association, each element played a crucial role in creating an unforgettable Christmas experience.

The success of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols for the 15th consecutive year was a testament to the dedication and unwavering organizational skill of the Alumni association.

Their commitment to preserving and sharing the cherished tradition of “Nine Lessons and Carols” has solidified the event as one of the highlights of the Advent season for the community in Sydney.

Kumar Rasiah in delivering his well-researched introduction & welcome made connections of the traditional ‘Nine Lessons and Carols’ at S.Thomas’ College Mt L, to its beginnings where a long and strong tradition of Choral music, originated by Canon Roy Bowyer-Yin who serendipitously was mentored by Milner-White at Cambridge, was the Chaplain of S.Thomas’ College, Chapel of the Transfiguration. Canon Bowyer-Yin in turn groomed Rev LGB Fernando and Mr Bartholomeusz, whose proteges were David Sansoni and Vasantha Weerakoon, our leading exponents of Choral Music in Sydney. Amazingly, the new Director of Music at Westminster Abbey who directed the music for the Coronation of the new King Charles III, Andrew Nethsingha, is the son of Lucien Nethsingha who was trained at S. Thomas’ College in that era.

That segue did well in introducing The Most Reverend Kanishka Raffel, The Archbishop of Sydney. Born to Sri-Lankan parents in London, Kanishka was raised a Buddhist and converted to Christianity in his twenties. He subsequently migrated to Australia with his parents when he was seven. His father died soon after and the family moved to Sri Lanka for a couple of years, returning to Australia when he was nine. During this time Kanishka attended S. Thomas’ College Mt Lavinia from mid 1973 to mid 1974, a short but significant part of his secondary education of his school life that Kanishka has not forgotten. Kanishka has held his allegiance to his Alma mater in supporting STCOBA, earlier in his capacity as the Dean of Sydney and now as the Archbishop of Sydney. We are honoured and privileged to have Kanishka gracing the Fifteenth Anniversary celebration accompanied by his wife Cailey.

That said it was Choir Master Vasantha, standing in for David, unfortunately pulling out on medical advice, to begin the Carol service with the traditional processional carol “Once in Royal David’s city, first verse, a solo sung beautifully by Nemeka Ramanayake. This years’ carols were carefully selected with some new carols introduced by David Sansoni. The selection included ‘The Nobel Stem of Jesse’ (‘Es ist ein Ros entsprungen’ Melody harmonized by Michael Praetorius 1609) and the very popular carol “Glorious Light” (Keith & Kristy Getty)

Thus, it continued, the Thomian Choir giving a remarkable and soulful performance, delivering each Carol with a judicious mix of power, devotion, and reverence. It was a beautiful rendition of carols sung in unison and harmony that reflected the long hours and persistent training that began in earnest in September. This is a group of voluntary singers blessed with exceptional voices. Combining the voices, organ and piano accompaniment was a carefully orchestrated task handled by David Sansoni ably assisted by Godelieve Ghavalas.

The service continued unannounced with the Nine Lessons read by representative of schools closely associated with S.Thomas’ College, most coming under the board of governance of CMS. The Bible Lessons were read by Isaiah Buultjens (traditionally read by a junior student of the lower school), Kishani Gunawardhana – Bishops College, Angali Wirasinha – Ladies College Colombo, Antoinette Vander Straaten – St Paul’s Milagiriya, Godwin S. Balasanthiran – St Johns College Jaffna, Selvan David – Royal College Colombo, Premilla Samuels – Chundikuli Girls College Jaffna, Sanjiv Vivekanandan – S. Thomas’ College Mt Lavinia and President of STCOBANSW/ACT.

In his poignant and stirring Christmas message, Archbishop Kanishka posed the question,

‘Why did Jesus leave the splendour of heaven, for earth? “ in reference to John 1 vs 3 “through whom all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made”.

Then he expounded with deep meaning saying “The essence of the Christmas story lies in a series of significant journeys undertaken by various individuals. Mary embarks on a journey to visit Elizabeth, and later, with Joseph, travels to Bethlehem. The shepherds and wise men embark on their own journeys to witness the arrival of baby Jesus. Yet, the most profound journey of all is that of Jesus himself, descending from the splendour of heaven to the earthly realm. This prompts a crucial question: Why would he, the creator of all things, willingly leave the divine realm for the earthly one?

There are two compelling reasons behind this extraordinary journey, as illuminated in the Gospel of John. First, Jesus comes to make God known to mankind (John 1:18). This divine revelation is not a grandiose spectacle but a humble and unintrusive unveiling of God’s nature. In choosing to experience human life, feeling every emotion, hardship, and the inevitability of death, Jesus provides a relatable and comprehensible understanding of God. This approach aligns with the only type of relationship humans can truly grasp—the intimate connection with another human being.

Secondly, Jesus undertakes the journey to grant humanity the privilege of becoming children of God (John 1:16). This transformative gift is achieved through his sacrificial act on the cross, replacing the unattainable demands of the law with the liberating power of grace (John 1:16-17). However, accepting this profound gift proves challenging for humanity. The struggle to fully acknowledge that God has indeed extended this grace is evident in the reluctance and doubt expressed (John 1:5, 10, 11).

The simplicity and ordinariness of Jesus’ entry into the world stand in stark contrast to expectations of a grand revelation (John 1:10). The paradox lies in the divine choosing an unassuming pathway to connect with humanity. This humble approach challenges preconceived notions about how God would reveal himself.

To truly become children of God, one must confront their own need and helplessness, acknowledging their vulnerability. The act of ‘receiving’ God’s offer requires overcoming human pride—an arduous task. The innate reluctance to admit shortcomings often leads individuals to prefer giving rather than receiving. However, the essence of becoming children of God lies in embracing a posture of humility, recognizing our limitations, and accepting the transformative grace extended to us.”

Ending yet another memorable Thomian Carol service Reverend Owen Goddard, the Rector of All Saints Church Parramatta, blessed the congregation before the Choir and congregation sang exuberantly the traditional receding carol “O Come All Ye Faithful”

All were invited to a time of fellowship that most guests look forward to, gathered in the adjoining Ministry Hall for a relaxed time of connecting and a ‘chit chat’ over refreshments. We hope the congregation were filled with a memorable night, being restored, and reminded of the true meaning and the spirit of Christmas, heralded by a service of worship that inspires.

The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, 2023, the XVth year celebration could be summed up in essence; The Thomian Carol Service in emulating the format of the King’s College Cambridge Carol Service, we not only pay homage to a cherished tradition but also create a sacred space for our congregation to connect with the true essence of Christmas. Through the harmonious blend of music, scripture, and community, the Thomian Carol Service transport worshippers into a realm where the timeless story of Christ’s birth comes alive, offering solace, joy, and a profound sense of reverence. As the candles flicker and voices unite in song, the church carol service becomes a transcendent celebration, inviting all to join in the spirit of the season and embrace the hope and wonder of Christmas.

The Thomian Carol Service 2024, the XVIth , will be held on Saturday 30th November 2024.