There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
-Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Just before 12:30, Bob Parker, the mayor of Christchurch introduced a previously unreleased video that showed the extent of the damage caused by this horrible quake three and a half weeks prior. Click here to watch the video.
After this solemn video, many people, myself included, sat in awe of the destruction that had ripped through our city as the ceremony began with the sounding of the Pūtātara (conch shell) and a Mihi Whakatau (a Maori [the first people in New Zealand] welcome). This welcome was followed by the voices of the crowd singing “God Save the Queen.”
As the voices cleared the air once more, Reverend Peter Beck, Dean of Christchurch Cathedral, addressed the crowd and then at 12:51, led two minutes of silence. Although I was not in the ceremony, it was a very eerie feeling as the entire nation went silent, all sounds disintegrating in a black hole except the rustling of leaves as a gentle breeze continued on its way, unaware of Rev. Becks word, “Let us be still”.
When the two minutes of silence were over, the mayor again addressed the nation about the destruction and the hope for Christchurch before introducing His Royal Highness, Prince William of Wales. The Prince, appearing on behalf of the Queen conveyed the royal families deepest sympathies to the nation that was hurting so much and passed along her words that “grief is the price we pay for love.” (You can watch the entire speech by Prince William HERE )
After a short reading, John Key, the Prime Minister of New Zealand addressed the crowd, recounting the destruction that “left scars that will never be erased from our land and our hearts” and urging those who are suffering to unite with the families in over twenty countries that had lost love ones in the quake. He went on to assure these families that their loved ones would not be forgotten because they were not kiwis, but that they had become part of the New Zealand family and part of the story of our city. The Prime Minister also reached out to those in Japan who were suffering from the double hit of an earthquake and a tsunami. John Key then addressed the hope for Christchurch that has been fed by the undying love for others that has spread throughout the country and around the world while thanking those that have rushed to help us in one of our darkest days. Even in our darkest days however, he reminded us “this city will rise again.” (Click HERE to watch John Key’s speech )
Following the PM’s speech,Dave Dobbyn performed the song Loyal, and the Leader of the Opposition, Phil Goff, addressed the crowd about not letting this be just a time to grieve but also a time be grateful for the work of the rescue teams and for the “kiwi community spirit”. (Full speech is available HERE ) Then, the leader of the Christchurch Search and rescue team read Psalms 23, The Lord is My Shepherd.
The emotions continued to build as Dame Malvina Major sang “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and then two of the student volunteer army leaders lit the flame, symbolizing the presence of God. After that, the whole crowd joined in the singing of “How great Thou art”. This beautiful rendition was sang first in Maori and then in English, and brought many to tears.
After several other addresses and reading from community members that were affected by the quake, I heard the most beautiful performance of “Amazing Grace” by New Zealand’s own Hayley Westenra. It brought me to tears as I sat there listening to her angelic voice in the commons area of my hall back at the Uni, but I was not the only one. As they panned across the crowd, you could tell that this song, perfectly performed by Miss Westenra, had tugged at the heart strings of many people throughout the lawn. (This is a must see video! So Beautiful! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLVTdyZaUQs )
This performance was then followed by a reading of one of my most beloved passages, John 14:1-3, 27. The stage was then opened up to a part of the ceremony that was called “The Prayers of Many Faiths.” This was an amazing section to me because it showed how people could coexist as representatives of the Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Hindu and Bahá'i faiths each offered their prayers for Christchurch and its people; It was beautiful.
After the prayers, Malvina Major and Patrick Manning sang “Pie Jesu”, followed by a blessing from leaders from various denominations.
Then, the Choir of Christchurch Cathedral sang! In their right red robes, it was not only a beautiful song but also an amazing display of how Christchurch is going to rise from these ashes like the boys and men who stood upon the stage singing to God while there Cathedral lay in ruins in the central business district. To continue in this uplifting spirit, a video that showed the “birth of our hope” was then played on the screen. It showed people jumping on the opportunity to help others, people giving of their own resources to feed and clothe others, student volunteers taking to the streets, children helping to raise funds for victims and tractors clearing liquefaction from the streets. ( Click here to watch the video! )
As the ceremony closed and thousands of people rose to sing “God Defend New Zealand,” I cried once more. It was beautiful to see the people join together and sing out their deepest wish, the hope that their home would be protected.
God of nations, at thy feet,
in the bonds of love we meet;
hear our voices we entreat,
God defend our free land!
Guard Pacific’s triple star
from the shafts of strife and war,
make her praises heard afar;
God defend New Zealand!
Please continue to pray for this battered nation as they look for the strength and support to rebuild.
Kia Kaha Christchurch; Be Strong Christchurch. <3
Liza, you write very well indeed. I hope you love it and use the ability all through your life. It's a very special gift. Thank you for sharing... your talent and this particular experience in NZ.
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