Christingle - What does it mean? - Christian Teaching - thisischurch.com What does it mean . . .? Christingle Christingle service are held in churches, usually between Advent and Candlemas. It is an excellent opportunity for people of all ages to join in, using oranges to create visible symbols of the Christian message. The Christingle has its origins in a Moravian children's service held in a castle in Germany on Christmas Eve in 1747. The bishop conducting the informal service gave each child a lighted candle, tied with a red ribbon, in memory of the Saviour's coming which he said has kindled a flame in each heart which keeps burning "to His joy, and our happiness". Much later, this simple candle was replaced by a more elaborate Christingle which is rich in symbolism.

Our modern Christingle consists of: an orange representing the world a red ribbon, tied round the orange representing the blood of Jesus fruits and sweets, skewered on 4 cocktail sticks which are pushed into the orange representing God's good gifts - the fruits of the earth and the four seasons a lighted candle, pushed into the centre of the orange representing Christ, the light of the world For many years churches all over the world have made Christingles to remind them that Christ is the light who came into the world at Christmas. The Christingle orange represents the world, John reminds us that "Jesus was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognise Him. He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him". (Jn 1 v 10 - 11). The red ribbon of the Christingle represents the blood of Jesus which was shed for us so that our sins may be forgiven. "But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from every sin". (1 Jn 1 v 7).

The fruits and sweets on the four skewers represent God's gifts to us, the fruits of the earth and the four seasons. "As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease". (Gen 8 v 22). The lighted candle, pushed into the centre of the orange, represents Christ, the light of the world. "He [Jesus] said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life"." (John 8 v 12). You can see an example of our Christingle service by clicking here. Promise of his Glory: Christmas C. THE CHRISTINGLE SERVICE INTRODUCTION The Christingle Service is a relatively recent development in Britain of the Moravian custom of distributing lighted candles to children on Christmas Eve. In the Moravian Church the candles are usually surrounded by a white ruff of paper strips. In Britain the distribution of candles has been replaced by the distribution of Christingles. A Christingle 'consists of an orange, in the top of which a small hole has been bored.

A cleansed goose quill, from which the feathered portion has been removed, is wrapped in a white paper frill and inserted in the hole. The protruding end of the quill is cut into half a dozen sharp "points", to which are affixed blanched almonds, raisins and small jellied sweets of different colours. A small Christmas tree candle is pushed down into the heart of the goose quill to complete the Christingle' (J H Foy). In addition, many Christingles have a length of red ribbon tied around the circumference of the orange, and nowadays cocktail sticks usually replace the goose quill. The origin and derivation of the Christingle is uncertain. The word 'Christingle' means 'Christ-Light'. The orange is said to represent the world, the candle Christ as the light of the world, the white frill purity, and the nuts, raisins, and sweets the fruits of the earth, God's good gifts to his children. The red ribbon is a reminder of the incarnation and passion of Jesus, in which all Christians share. In the light of their association in the Moravian Church with Christmas Eve, Christingle services have normally been celebrated in Britain during the period between Advent and Epiphany.

The image of Christ as our light is predominant in the celebration, suggesting the revelation of God, judgement, glory, and Christian witness as appropriate themes for the service. Yet Jesus does not describe himself simply as 'the light' but as 'the light of the world'. For this reason, the needs of the world are also at the forefront of Christingle celebrations, in prayer and in the offering of gifts for the needy. It was The Children's Society who, in 1968, popularized the Christingle service, and many are now held in support of its work. The present service does not preclude this association, but encourages a flexible treatment of its rich traditional imagery. PREPARATION The minister greets the people using these or other appropriate words. Christ has brought us out of darkness: to live in his marvellous light. There follows an INTRODUCTION or BIDDING. The BIDDING may take this form. Brothers and sisters in Christ, welcome to ... today. We have come together in the presence of God our Father to rejoice in the gift of Jesus to us as the light of the world.

In this service we hear and receive the story and message of the coming of Christ, and we offer to God our thanksgiving in prayer and song. The Christingle speaks of the world in which we live, and we pray today for all Christians, that we may be mirrors of the light of Christ in the world; for those who do not know the light of Christ in their lives; for those who bear responsibility in our world for government, education, commerce, and communication; for all children and for young people who lack the basic necessities of food, shelter, and clothing; for those who are in special need, the sick and anxious, the lonely and fearful, and for those who are bereaved. We commend all whom we love, or who have asked for our prayers, to the unfailing love of God, and say together, as Christ taught us Our Father in heaven, or Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your name, hallowed be thy name; your kingdom come, thy kingdom come; your will be done, thy will be done; on earth as in heaven. on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Give us this day our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those as we forgive those who sin against us. who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, For thine is the kingdom, and the glory are yours the power, and the glory, now and for ever. Amen. for ever and ever. Amen. May God our Father grant us the light of Christ, that we may shine with his love, be prompt to serve, and ever eager to follow in his steps, who is the true light and source of life. Amen. A SONG, CAROL, or HYMN may be sung. Suitable Christingle and seasonal hymns of light are listed in the Appendix to this service (p.162) . THANKSGIVING This act of thanksgiving may be used when the distribution of the Christingles (or candles) is to take place at section 11. Section 4 should normally be omitted if the distribution of Christingles (or candles) takes place at section 6. One prominently placed Christingle may be lit.

Alternatively, during Advent, the candles of an Advent wreath may be lit; during Christmastide or Epiphany, another candle may be lit. An act of THANKSGIVlNG may be made, all standing, in one of these forms, or in other suitable words. Gracious God, we give you thanks and praise for Jesus Christ our Lord: for he was the word before all creation. Through him all things come to be, not one thing has its being but through him. Jesus, light of the world, we worship and adore you. His life is the light that shines in the dark, a light that darkness cannot overpower. Jesus, light of the world, we worship and adore you. The Word was the true light coming into the world. He was in the world that had its being through him, and the world did not know him. Jesus, light of the world, we worship and adore you. He came to his own, and they did not accept him. But to all who accept him he gives power to become children of God. Jesus, light of the world, we worship and adore you.

The Word was made flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. Jesus, light of the world, we worship and adore you. To God our creator, born as one of us, be all praise and glory. With all the company of heaven, we worship, saying: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty, who was, and is, and is to come; to him be glory and honour for ever and ever. Amen. Glory to Christ, Son of Mary; born a child, Glory to God in the highest. Glory to Christ, Son of David; born to rule, you receive gifts from the wise: Glory to God in the highest. Glory to Christ, Son of Man; born our Saviour, you are the light of the world: Glory to God in the highest. We celebrate the coming of our God with all the voices of heaven: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

A SONG, CAROL, or HYMN may be sung. THE LIGHTING AND PRESENTATION OF THE CHRISTINGLES, or of CANDLES, may take place here or at section 11. The text is printed at section 11. After the distribution a SONG, CAROL, or HYMN may be sung, and the minister and people may process within or around the church. THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD One or more READINGS follow. Suggested readings are listed in the Appendix to this service. These may be interspersed with one or more SONGS, CAROLS, or HYMNS. At the beginning or end of each reading the reader may say God's word is a lantern to our feet: and a light to our path. SERMON or TALK A SONG, CAROL, or HYMN iS sung, during which Christingle gifts and offerings of money may be collected and presented. Offerings may be presented by groups and by individuals. These words may be used. Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe! From your hands we receive these gifts of your creation.

Bless us who bless your holy name, and grant that we may be used in the service of your kingdom. PRAYERS Prayers are said for the Church, the world, and for those in special need. The prayers may take any suitable form, and may include the response. We pray to the Father in Christ our Lord. and make us one in heart and mind to serve you in Christ our Lord. Amen. For an alternative form of prayer see the Appendix to this service. If it has not been said earlier in the service, THE LORD'S PRAYER may follow. As Christ has taught us, so we pray Our Father in heaven, or Our Fa~her, who art in heaven, hallowed be your name, hallowed be thy name; your kingdom come, thy kingdom come; your will be done, thy will be done; on earth as in heaven. on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those as we forgive those who sin against us. who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, For thine is the kingdom, and the glory are yours the power, and the glory, now and for ever. Amen. for ever and ever. Amen. THE LIGHTING AND PRESENTATION OF THE CHRISTINGLES OR OF CANDLES The Christingles tor candles) are lit and are presented to members of the congregation, if this has not already taken place at section 6. Before or after the distribution, THIS COLLECT may be said by the minister. Father of lights, from whom comes every good and perfect gift: keep us in the light of Christ, to shine in your world, that all may believe in you through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. During the distribution of the Christingles tor candles) A SONG, CAROL, or HYMN may be sung, and/or the following ACCLAMATIONS may be used. By the shedding of Christ's blood we are redeemed: Praise to Christ our Saviour! In Christ's death is our life: Praise to Christ our Saviour! CONCLUSION THE BLESSING may be given.

Christ the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you and make you ready to meet him when he comes in glory; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always. Amen. THE DISMISSAL God shines in your hearts: Praise to Christ our light! Christ is the light of the world! Praise to Christ our light! Go, in the power of the Spirit, to bring light to others: Praise to Christ our light! A SONG, CAROL, or HYMN may be sung, and the minister and people process out of the church. APPENDIX TO CHRISTINGLE SERVICE Christingle - Origins and Meaning Thurstable and Winstree Team Ministry serving the parishes of Tolleshunt Knights with Tiptree, Great Braxted, Copford, Easthorpe, Messing, Inworth, Layer de la Haye, Layer Breton with Birch, and Layer Marney The 'Layer' Parishes Layer de la Haye • Layer Breton with Birch • Layer Marney Christingle This is a joyful all-age service to delight children and 'grown ups'.

The Meaning and Origins of Christingle Every year thousands of churches now hold special Christingle services or celebrations between Advent and Candlemas. Christingle, which means 'Christ Light', is a symbol of the Christian faith. During the service each child is presented with a Christingle - an orange decorated with a candle, red ribbon, fruit and sweets. The orange represents the world, the red ribbon around it the blood of Christ, the fruit symbolises God's creation and the candle Jesus, the Light of the World. The Christingle Story The custom of the Christingle began in the Moravian Church and was first used as part of a Christmas Children's Festival in the Marienborn Congregation in Germany on the 24th December 1747. No one knows for certain when the word "Christingle" was first used or from what it derived, but wherever the Moravians went in the great outreach of missionary evangelism in the 18th and 19th centuries they took with them the custom of the Christingle. The symbolism gradually developed and today in the Moravian Church in Britain, the Christingle consists of an orange representing the World, with the candle inserted in the centre and lit to represent Christ the Light of the World.

The candle used to be held on a goose quill, part of which was split into fronds, on which were impaled nuts, fruits, raisins and sweets. These stood for the created order over which Christ is King, and for the fruits of the earth and the benefits that come to our lives through God's bounty and goodness. Today the fruit is usually slid onto cocktail sticks stuck into the orange, the wood still being part of God's created order. Sometimes red crepe paper is used to form a frill at the base of the candle which is a reminder of Christ's Passion, through which our redemption has come. A white frill often used denotes the purity of Christ's life as an example for us all. The Christingle Service is usually held on the Sunday before Christmas, and is a children's celebration in which we place the child in the midst of all we do, just as the Christ child is the centre of all our lives. At the climax of the service, each child receives a lighted Christingle and in the magical moment of the darkened Church, the visual symbol tells the truth of the Christmas story, - that in the darkness of the world there has shined a great light.

In the darkness, with the lighted Christingle, the children often sing the Traditional Moravian Carol: Morning Star, O Cheering sight. One story told about the origins of Christingle is this: Many years ago, children were asked to take a gift to put beside the crib in church. One family had no money for gifts but were determined to take something. They found an orange which they felt would be okay, but were disappointed to find it was going mouldy at the top. However, they thought they would scoop out the bad bits and put a candle in the top and turn it into a lantern. Thinking that it looked a bit ordinary, one of the girls took a red ribbon from her hair and tied it around the middle. They had difficulty getting it to stay in place, so fastened it with four small sticks, on the ends of which they put a few raisins. They took their lantern to church and were afraid of the reactions of the other children. However, the priest acknowledged their gift and told the congregation how special it was for the following reasons: The orange is round like the world. The candle stands tall and straight and gives light in the dark like the love of God.

The red ribbon goes all around the 'world' and is a symbol of the blood Jesus shed when he died for us. The four sticks point in all directions and symbolise North, South, East and West - they also represent the four seasons. The fruit and nuts (or sometimes sweets!) represent the fruits of the earth, nurtured by the sunshine and the rain. Christingle - A Christmas Craft for Kids | Life As I See It Christingle - A Christmas Craft for Kids Monday, December 7, 2015 Several years ago while enjoying my annual Jackie Lawson Advent Calendar, I was introduced to a lovely little tradition - the Christingle. I thought I'd share the idea with you all today because I think it's a great little activity for the kids and a good reminder of the true reason for the season. Accordian to the Moravian Church website: The idea of the Christingle began in the Moravian congregation of Marienborn, Germany, on 20th December, 1747. At a children’s service, hymns were sung and the minister, John de Watteville, read verses which the children had written to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

He then explained to the children the happiness that had come to people through Jesus, “who has kindled in each little heart a flame which keeps burning to their joy and our happiness”. To make the point even clearer, each child then received a little lighted wax candle, tied round with a red ribbon. No one knows for certain when the word “Christingle” was first used or from what it is derived. Various suggestions have been made. One is that it comes from the old Saxon word “ingle” (fire), meaning “Christ-fire or light”. Another is that it derives from the German “engel” (angel), meaning “Christ-angel”, or it may derive from the German “kindle” (child), meaning “Christ-child”. ( But it wasn't made popular in the UK until 1968 when John Pensom, described in his Church Times obituary as "Mr. Christingle" used it as a fundraising event for the Children's Society charity. Children would bring purses with money and receive an orange pierced with a candle in return. In 1972, the Times noted the increasing popularity of the services.

(Taken from: ) According to Wikipedia - A Christingle is a symbolic object, used in the Advent services of many Christian demoninations. Christingle means "Christ Light' and is used to celebrate Jesus Christ as the "Light of the World". The meaning behind the elements of a Christingle is this: - the orange represents the world - the red ribbon represents the blood of Christ - the toothpicks represent the four parts of the earth - north, south, east & west and the four seasons. - the candies represent the fruits of the earth, God's creations. - the lit candle - Jesus is the Light of the World - if you use foil around the candle - it represents the star that showed the people the way to Bethlehem. Kids will love making Christingles and one or a few will make a beautiful centerpiece on your Christmas table. They don't last long though, so don't make them too far in advance if you want them on your Christmas table. To begin, you'll want nicely shaped, fresh oranges. I suggest slicing a small slice off the bottom of the orange, just enough to help the oranges stay stable and not roll.

If you are using a medium sized candle (those emergency type white candles work great) - you can either use an apple corer to cut a hole for the candle, or you can score the orange with an "X'. Or, you can use a birthday candle with a holder that is sold in the bakery aisle. Wrap a red ribbon around the middle of the orange, securing with double-stick tape or a small straight pin. If you use narrow ribbon, you can even tie the ribbon in a small bow. Add four toothpicks. Then using small candies, gum drops or dried fruit, add a few to each toothpick. And now you have a Christingle! If you aren't familiar with the Jackie Lawson Advent Calendar - it's a beautiful animated calendar featuring a Victorian Village with music and activities sure to delight young and old. Each day features fun little stories as well as several activities kids can do on the computer like decorating a tree, drawing snowflakes, popping ornaments. You can only access the current or previous days, so there's no way the fun will end until Christmas day! My granddaughter loves it and continues to play with it throughout the year, not just during advent.

It's $4 well spent and the more you buy, the cheaper they are. Buy one for all the children in your life! To check it out, use the link below: Christingle: An intergenerational Christmas Eve celebration from the Moravian tradition | Reformed Worship Christingle: An intergenerational Christmas Eve celebration from the Moravian tradition RW 37 The Christingle Service described on these pages is a service of light and ceremony, of song and symbol. Christingle means "Christ light," and the service focuses the congregation's attention on the hope and joy that light brings to a dark world. In the dark of winter, the coming of Christ, the light of the world, is a powerful message of hope. A Christingle is made from an orange, which represents the world that God made, and a candle, which represents Jesus, the light of the world. (See the service for a detailed description of the Christingle symbols.) Christingles can be used in liturgical worship in Advent, as we prepare for the coming of Jesus; at Christmas, when we celebrate Christ's birth; or during Epiphany, when we focus on the revelation of Christ.

The service on these pages is designed for use at Christmas, but with minor adaptations to the hymns, would be equally suitable for Advent or Epiphany. The first candle lit in the service is referred to as the "Christ light." It should be a larger candle, clearly visible to the congregation. Churches that have Advent wreaths may wish to place the Christ light in the middle of the wreath. During the service all the Christingles are lit from the first Christ light as a reminder that we can only shine as lights in the world because Jesus is our light. The strength of a symbol lies in its ability to communicate with people of all ages and backgrounds. For this reason, while enough explanation of the Christingle symbolism is given to point people in the direction of understanding, much is left unsaid to allow people to experience the light in the darkness. Organizing the Christingle Service This Christingle liturgy was developed and used at All Saints Episcopal Church, Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. All Saints is a small church with a congregation drawn from many different social and cultural backgrounds. The liturgy here has been adapted as we have learned by experience what works for us. One of the things we learned is that everyone wants to be involved in the service.

The first year we tried it, we had only the children light the Christingles. But because the adults in our congregation wanted to be more than spectators, we now include them in the Christingle lighting as well. At All Saints the children share the leadership of the service with the minister and another adult, referred to here as "the leader," who guides them through the service. In addition, we have a storyteller, an organist, a pianist, and two guitarists. One thing we know from experience is that large numbers are not necessary. All Saints has only eight children between the ages of four and thirteen and all of them take part in the service. The Christingle prayers could be led either by one child or by up to six different children. Children could also be involved in the service in other ways, such as taking the light to the congregation or singing solo verses of carols. Making the Christingles We begin the service in the Parish Hall, where long tables are set up with all the necessary components for making Christingles. People start at one end with an orange and move along the tables, adding items to their Christingles (there are people at each table who explain what to do).

This is an essential part of the service, bringing everyone together for an enjoyable "hands on" activity that is as much an offering to God as the formal liturgy that follows. We do not explain the meaning of the various parts of the Christingle at this stage; those who have been a part of this service before often remember, but newcomers have to wait for the service to find the answers. (The children love to keep the secret!) At the beginning of the service, the manger and the unlit Christ light are positioned as shown in the diagram (see below). The benches (or kneelers) are in place for the children to sit on with their music and percussion instruments. The manger is filled with sand to hold the Christingles. The essence of the service is simplicity so that the symbol of light can speak for itself. When the service begins, the only light comes from candles along the aisles and the Advent Wreath. Gradually, Christingles are lit, beginning with the Christ light, which is the source of light for all the other candles. Some of the candles are placed together in the manger, serving the double function of producing a concentration of light and relieving the children of their Christingles fairly early in the service.

THE SERVICE Carol: "O Come, All Ye Faithful" PsH 340, PH 41, RL 195, TH 208 (one or two stanzas) [The children, minister, and leader enter during this hymn and gather around the Christ light and the manger.] Greeting and Welcome Christ has brought us out of darkness To live in his marvelous light Brothers and sisters in Christ, welcome to this Christingle service. We are here in God's presence, to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Together we will hear the story of the coming of Jesus, and offer our thanksgiving to God. Carol: "O Come, All Ye Faithful" (stanza 3: "Sing, choirs of angels") Bidding Prayer Once the world was so dark that God could hardly be seen. Then, God sent Jesus. [The minister lights the Christ light] Now, because God sent Jesus, everyone may see God. [Minister children, and leader hold up their Christingles] This is a Christingle. Christingle means "Christ light." Let us pray.

[Each child who is leading a prayer lights his or her Christingle from the Christ light before praying. This works smoothly if each Christingle is lit during the previous prayer.] Christingle Prayers Child 1 The Christingle is round like the world we live in. So tonight we pray for God's round world and all the people who live in it. Amen. We pray that all Christians will shine with the light of Christ in the world. Amen. We pray that everyone will come to know the light of Christ in their lives. Amen. Child 4 We pray that our leaders, teachers, nurses, and doctors will be servants of the light of Christ in this world. Amen. Child 5 We pray that all hungry or homeless children will find comfort in the light of Christ. Amen. Child 6 We pray for all people who are sick or afraid, lonely or sad, that they may be cheered by the light of Christ. Amen. Minister We commend all the people we love and all people in need to God.

We say together the prayer that Christ taught us: Prayer The Lord's Prayer [All remaining children light their Christingles The children go to the congregation and light their Christingles, allowing the congregation to pass the light along the rows Wlien all Christingles are lit and the cluldien are bach in their places, the minister prays.] Minister May God our Father, who sent Jesus to be the light of the world, make us shine with his love, so that we are quick to serve, help, and comfort anyone in need, and ready to follow where Jesus leads us. Amen.

Carol "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light" Hymnbook 1982 490 or "Go, Tell It on the Mountain" PsH 356, PH 29, RL 224, SFL 131, TH 224 or "Arise, Your Light Has Come" PH 411, RL 418 [The children place their Christingles in the manger during this carol.] Litany of Thanksgiving and Lighting of the Christingles [The litany may be spoken by the leader or minister During the litany it may be appropriate to continue, quietly the instrumental music from the previous carol.] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. In him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The true light, which gives light to everyone, came into the world. Glory to the newborn king. Jesus, the light of the world. God is light, in him there is no darkness at all. Although darkness covered the earth and the people lived in thick darkness, God's glory appeared over us. The Lord is our everlasting light.

Glory to the newborn king. Jesus, the light of the world. Jesus came to the people who walked in darkness. He is the light of the world. He came to his own home, and the people did not accept him. But to all who receive him he gives power to become children of God. Glory to the newborn king. Jesus, the light of the world. The Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a Father's only Son, full of grace and truth; To Jesus, light of the world, to God the Creator, who said "Let there be light," to the Holy Spirit, bringing light to our lives, be praise and glory, now and forever. Glory to the newborn king. Jesus, the light of the world. Explanation of the Christingle Symbolism Christingle means "Christ light." The tradition of making Christingles comes to us from Moravia, where the first Christingle service was held on Christmas Eve, 1747. The orange is round, like the world we live in, and reminds us of the world, which God created and loves.

The candle the light of the world who calls us, too, to shine as light in the darkness. Jesus is pure and holy; the white frill reminds us of Jesus' purity. The red ribbon speaks of the blood of Jesus which he shed for the sins of the world; just as the ribbon is wrapped around the orange, so Jesus' love reaches all around the world. The four toothpicks holding fruit, nuts, and candy, represent the four seasons of the year during which God provides for all of our needs, of which food is just one. As we look at our Christingles, let us give thanks for all God's goodness to us. Blessed are you, God of creation. For all your gifts we give you thanks and praise. Carol: "Christingle Carol" (sung by the children) [The lights are turned on and the congregation extinguish their Christingles.] The Story of Jesus' Birth [The children sit around the manger to listen to the story of Jesus' birth.

The story is told by one or more storytellers, sitting on a stool.] The Nativity (from Luke 2:1-7) Once, many, many, many years ago, in the country of Israel, far across the sea, on the other side of the world from us, a very special event took place. It happened when the emperor, Caesar Augustus, ordered that a census, a count of all the people, should be taken throughout the whole world. Everyone had to register all the members of their family, and they had to do this by going to the town where their great, great, great, great, great, great, ever so many great, grandfather lived. There was a couple named Mary and Joseph, who lived in the village of Nazareth. They had to go down south to the town of Bethlehem, where King David had once lived, because he was their great, great, great, great, great, great, ever so many great, grandfather. It probably took Mary and Joseph three or four days to travel to Bethlehem. They took their donkey, which Mary rode with Joseph walking alongside. Mary was pregnant, and their baby was almost due.

Joseph was sorry that Mary had to go on this long journey at this time in her pregnancy, but he couldn't leave her behind. And besides, Mary wanted to have Joseph with her whenever the baby was to be born. So there wasn't anything to do except for both of them to go to Bethlehem. When they got there, the town was absolutely bustling with all the visitors. There were people everywhere and activities going on all over the place because everyone had come for the census. Joseph tried to find somewhere for them to stay, but every hotel and inn in the town was full. Finally, they found one whose kind owner, although he didn't have any room for them inside the inn, made a place for them in the stables. There they had a shelter for the night from the cold weather. After the long days of the Journey, the time came for Mary to have her baby. There in the stable, with the animals in their stalls, her first son was born. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in the manger. Mary and Joseph named him Jesus, as an angel had told them to do.

Carol "The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy" Hymnal: A Worship Book 202 or "Away in a Manger" PsH 348, PH 24, RL 213, SFL 129, TH 204 The Announcement to the Shepherds (from Luke 2:8-14) On the hills just outside of Bethlehem there were some shepherds spending the night with their flocks of sheep. It was dark and quiet on the hillside. Suddenly, there was a great light glistening in the sky, and they saw an angel. The glory of the Lord shone on them. They were so amazed that they were very frightened. Nothing like this had ever happened to them before. But the angel said to them, "Don't be afraid. I bring you good news which will be a great joy to all people. Today, in the town of Bethlehem, a Savior has been born, Christ the Lord.

This will be the sign for you: you will find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was a huge crowd of heaven's angels with the first angel, and they filled the whole sky with their song, "Glory to God in the highest and peace to his people on earth." Carol "The First Nowell" PHS 56, RL 223 or "Angels, We Have Heard on High" PsH 347, PH 23, RL 206,SFL 133, TH 214 or "Angels, from the Realms of Glory" PsH 354, PH 22, RL 229, TH 218 The Visit of the Shepherds (from Luke 2:15-20) When the angels had left and gone back to the heavens, the shepherds said to each other, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that the angels have told us about." So they left their sheep on the hillside and hurried off to Bethlehem.

When they got there, they looked around until they found Mary and Joseph in the stable, with baby Jesus lying in the manger. When they saw them, they told Mary and Joseph all the things that the angels had said about the child. Then the shepherds returned to their flocks, singing and praising God all the way back. It had been just as the angels said it would be. Carol "How Great Our Joy" The Baptist Hymnal 108 or "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks" PsH 215, PH 58, RL 199, TH 222 or "Go, Tell It on the Mountain" PsH 356, PH 29, RL 224, SFL 131, TH 224 The Visit of the Wise Men (from Matthew 2:1-11) When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Herod was king of Israel. He lived in a palace in Jerusalem. Soon after Jesus' birth, some men who studied the stars came from the east to Jerusalem. They had seen a new and special star in the sky, which showed them that a king had been born.

They had traveled a long way to find the new king. They asked people in Jerusalem, "Where is the baby who is born to be king of the Jews?" King Herod heard about this. It made him very upset because he was the king of Israel, and he didn't know anything about any baby who was going to grow up and be king instead of him. So he called the Jewish chief priest and teachers of the law to the palace, and he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. They said, "In Bethlehem, because that's what the prophet Micah said many years ago." So Herod called the wise men who'd come from the east to a secret meeting. He asked them exactly what time the star had appeared. They told him. Then he sent them on to Bethlehem, and he said, "When you get there, search and find the child. Then come and tell me so I can go to Bethlehem and worship him too." Away they went to Bethlehem. The star led them all the way. Eventually it stopped just over the place where Jesus was staying. The wise men were very happy about that. They went inside the house and saw the baby with his mother, Mary. They knelt down and worshiped him.

Then they opened their bags and took out their gifts—gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. Carol "As with Gladness Men of Old" PsH 358, PH 63, RL 228, SFL 143, TH 226 or "What Child Is This" PH 53, RL 217, TH 213 or "Unto Us a Boy Is Born" RL 226 Conclusion God our Father, you give light to this world so that it shines with your glory: lead us to see the beauty of your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Lord Jesus Christ, light of the world, make our lives pure so that we may shine with your light in this world for you. Amen. Holy Spirit, moving across the face of the earth, breathing new life and shedding new light; renew us as we shine with the light of Christ in the world. Amen. "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" PH 38, TH 200 or "Hark!

the Herald Angels Sing" PsH 345, PH 31, RL 196, TH 203 The Benediction The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always. Amen. HOW TO MAKE A CHRISTINGLE To make a Christingle you need â€¢ an orange â€¢ a white candle about 4-6" tall â€¢ a piece of white paper 1.5" x 3" â€¢ a pair of scissors â€¢ a piece of red ribbon about 10" long â€¢ four toothpicks â€¢ a selection of raisins, popcorn, nuts, or candy 1. Score a small cross in the top of the orange with the knife, just deep enough to break through the peel. 2. Make twelve to fifteen cuts about 3/4 of an inch deep along the long side of the piece of paper to create a frill. 3.

Wrap the frill around the base of the candle and push the candle gently into the orange where you made the score marks. 4. Curl the frill away from the candle to make a ruffle at the base of the candle. 5. Tie the ribbon around the circumference of the orange. 6. Slide the raisins, popcorn, nuts, or candy onto the toothpicks, covering about half the length of the pick. Since the popcorn and nuts tend to split, it helps to "grease" the pick by running a raisin up it first. 7. Stick the four toothpicks into the top half of the orange, equally spaced around the orange. 8. Hold the Christingle in the palm of the hand. It is probably wise to rest it on a napkin unless you have candles that will not drip. This article was submitted by Kevin Hackett, a member of the Community of Celebration at Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. The community describes itself this way: "We're a religious order in the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, part of the Society of the Community of Celebration, established in the Anglican Church in England and Scodand.

Our roots stretch back nearly 30 years to Houston's inner-city Church of the Redeemer, and today we have communities in Aliquippa (Pittsburgh) and south London, England." BBC - Tees - Faith - How to make a Christingle You are in: Tees > Faith > Faith Features > How to make a Christingle A Christingle How to make a Christingle A Christingle meaning 'Christ Light' is a symbol of the Christian Faith. The name may not be familiar but you'll certainly recognise the familiar looking fruit and foil decoration. They're great fun to make during the festive period. A growing number of churches hold Christingle services at or around Christmas. The services derive from a Moravian custom of distributing lighted candles to children on Christmas Eve in order to celebrate Christ, the Light of the world. So what is a Christingle? Even if you haven't heard of the word you'll certainly recognise one. A Christingle is made up of an orange representing the world with a red ribbon around it representing the blood of Jesus.

Fruits and sweets (usually dolly mixtures) are skewered on 4 cocktail sticks which are pushed into the orange representing the fruits of the earth and the four seasons.And finally a lighted candle is pushed into the centre of the orange representing Christ, the light of the world Christingle services may be held in Advent, at Christmas, or in Epiphany. Meaning The meaning of the Christingle will vary according to the season. At Advent it represents the hope of light in the darkness. At Christmas it symbolises the birth of Jesus, Light of the world. And at Ephiphany God’s light for all people. But you don't need to attend a service to enjoy a Christingle. Make your own. They're great for getting the children involved in preparing for Christmas. Here's our step by step guide to making your own. Making a Christingle Fasten a piece of red sticky tape or ribbon around the middle of the orange. Cut a small cross in the top of each orange (place it on a tray to catch the juice) and lay a square of silver foil (75mm/3in square) over the cross. Place a candle on top and wedge it firmly into the orange.

The foil will help prevent hot wax running onto a child’s hand. Load four cocktail sticks with raisins, sultanas, cherries or soft sweets and insert them into the orange around the base of the candle. Store the Christingles upright in trays in a cool place. It may be necessary to take off a thin slice to form a flat base. Alternatively use greengrocer’s fruit trays. There you go! Send us photos of your Christingle for our gallery email: tees@bbc.co.uk > last updated: 13/12/2008 at 15:11 created: 05/12/2007 Liturgical Year : Activities : Christingles | Catholic Culture Advent Christingle means Christ-Light. Christingle services take place in many churches at Christmas to celebrate the coming of Christ, the light, into the world. The ceremony is very old, though no one knows just how far back it goes. However, in recent years the service has been revived in Britain by the Church of England Children's Society. At the services children (and adults) exchange a gift of money for a Christingle. The money raised is given to families in need.

Canadians decorate the Christmas tree with 'Chrismons'. A Chrismon gets its name from a combination of two words: Christ and Monogram. The monograms are all symbols which relate in some way to Jesus Christ. Many of them were used by the first Christians to identify themselves to one another - a star, a fish, a lamb, a cross. They are made in colour combinations of white, gold and silver which symbolize the purity and majesty of the Son of God. The evergreen tree they hang on is a reminder of the eternal life which Jesus promises. Chrismons are made out of card or polystyrene, and decorated with paint, beads or glitter. DIRECTIONS 1. Make a hole in the top of an orange. Do not make the hole too large. Place a candle in the hole. 2. Thread fruit (glace cherries, raisins, grapes), nuts (monkey nuts are easy to pierce) and small sweets onto four cocktail sticks. 3. Push the cocktail sticks into the orange to surround the candle. 4. Tie a piece of red ribbon (or flame-proof crepe paper) around the middle of the orange. 5.

Cut a square of aluminum foil (at least 25 cm square) and place the orange in the center. Fold the foil up around the fruit so that it forms a shield to catch any dripping wax. What do the different parts of a Christingle represent? The orange represents the world. The candle represents the light that Jesus brings to the world. The red band represents the blood Christ shed for us. The four cocktail sticks represent the four seasons. The nuts and fruit represent the fruits of the earth. Activity Source: Feasting for Festivals by Jan Wilson, Lion Publishing Corporation, Batavia, Illinois, 1990 Stay in Touch!

Question: Used in church advent services, a Christingle is made using which fruit?
Answer: Orange