The nativity painting theme from previous years was broken in 1964 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first Christmas service in New Zealand. In December 1814, Anglican missionary Samuel Marsden arrived from New South Wales and settled at Rangihoua Bay in The Bay of Islands. He preached the first Christian sermon on Christmas Day.

L C Mitchell was commissioned to produce an original painting from written descriptions of the ceremony. The painting and stamp depict Reverend Samuel Marsden taking the first service in New Zealand.