Presiding over the happy scene was the Rev Dr Kerry Enright, who gently coaxed and chided each member of the congregation into assuming a part.
More than 110 people gathered around the baby Jesus, and the group posed for a ''family photo''.
Other churches reported strong attendances.
St Joseph's Cathedral parish priest Monsignor Fr John Harrison said the Christmas Masses attracted large congregations, the numbers similar to other years.
Up to 500 people attended midnight Mass, and about 400 people attended two Masses yesterday morning.
The papacy of Pope Francis was a ''breath of fresh air'' bringing a ''different feeling'' into the Roman Catholic Church.
''He's certainly an inspirational person.''
Pope Francis was trying to bring the church closer to the people, attempting a ''quantum shift'' in the workings of the church's governing body, the curia.
The Roman Catholic Bishop of Dunedin, the Most Rev Colin Campbell, presided over midnight Mass, and his sermon drew on the Pope's message of ''spreading the joy of the Gospel'', Msgr Harrison said.
The Dean of St Paul's Cathedral, the Very Rev Dr Trevor James, said more than 350 people attended midnight Mass, and about 250 attended the Christmas morning service.
Dr James said the year's attendances were similar to other years.
''People do respond well to Christmas, it touches some of the deepest parts of human nature.''
