A Christingle is a symbolic object made up of an orange - representing the world, a red ribbon (or tape) - indicating the blood/ love of Christ, a lighted candle - symbolising Jesus, the Light of the World, and four cocktail sticks bearing dried fruit or sweets - signifying the four seasons and the fruits of the earth and God's good gifts. 
Christingle was established by the Moravian Church in 1747 as a symbol of Christ's light and love. The Children's Society introduced it to the Church of England in 1968 and it has since become a popular family and community event. Over 6,000 Christingle Celebrations now take place each year in the UK raising in the region of £1.2 million, making it The Children's Society’s largest fundraising appeal. 
The children sang Christmas carols and gave short presentations about the meaning of the Christingle service.
Reverend Hillary, our parish leader in Glinton, also came to address the group. She brought various items and asked the children what they were for... soccer ball, scientific beakers, etc. The idea was to get the children to identify different tools that various professionals would use (though I can't remember ultimately what her point was...) My favourite part was when she pulled out some latex gloves and asked "who might use these?" to which the man behind us replied "a customs official?" Rev. Hillary became a bit exasperated.
Anyway, it was a great night and we enjoyed learning adopting a new English Christmas tradition to our repertoire.
Click here to learn more about the history of Christingle.
Christingle was established by the Moravian Church in 1747 as a symbol of Christ's light and love. The Children's Society introduced it to the Church of England in 1968 and it has since become a popular family and community event. Over 6,000 Christingle Celebrations now take place each year in the UK raising in the region of £1.2 million, making it The Children's Society’s largest fundraising appeal. The children sang Christmas carols and gave short presentations about the meaning of the Christingle service.Reverend Hillary, our parish leader in Glinton, also came to address the group. She brought various items and asked the children what they were for... soccer ball, scientific beakers, etc. The idea was to get the children to identify different tools that various professionals would use (though I can't remember ultimately what her point was...) My favourite part was when she pulled out some latex gloves and asked "who might use these?" to which the man behind us replied "a customs official?" Rev. Hillary became a bit exasperated.
Anyway, it was a great night and we enjoyed learning adopting a new English Christmas tradition to our repertoire.
Click here to learn more about the history of Christingle.
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