Rev Samuel Marsden preaches the first sermon in NZ on Christmas Day 1814, at Oihi Bay, Bay of Islands’

as Ngapuhi Chief Ruatara translates.

A reconstruction by Russell Clark

to commemorate

the 150th anniversary of

Marsden’s sermon

for the NZ Church

Missionary Society in 1964.

Luke 2 At that time Emperor Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 2 When this first census took place, Quirinius was the governor of Syria. 3 Everyone, then, went to register himself, each to his own hometown.4 Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to the town of Bethlehem in Judea, the birthplace of King David. Joseph went there because he was a descendant of David.5 He went to register with Mary, who was promised in marriage to him. She was pregnant, 6 and while they were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have her baby. 7 She gave birth to her first son, wrapped him in cloths and laid him in a manger - there was no room for them to stay in the inn.

8 There were some shepherds in that part of the country who were spending the night in the fields, taking care of their flocks. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone over them. They were terribly afraid, 10 but the angel said to them, “Don't be afraid! I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people. 11 This very day in David's town your Saviour was born - Christ the Lord!” (GNB)

Te Harinui – glad/good tidings of great/big joyTe Haranui – big mistake or sin!

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all

people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,

which is Christ the Lord. (KJV)10 But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring

you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Saviour has been

born to you; he is the Messiah/Christ, the Lord. (NIV)

“I have laid a foundation of aroha (love) and rangimarie (peace) from God. Do thou

likewise!”- Te Peti Te Awe Awe

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