What is a ‘Christingle Service’?

Imagine a darkened church gradually coming alive with the warm glow of candlelight, each flame representing the light of Christ in the world. This is the magic of a Christingle service, a beautiful Christmas tradition that combines meaningful symbolism with hands-on participation for people of all ages.

At the heart of this service is the Christingle itself – a simple yet profound symbol made from an orange, a candle, a red ribbon, and some dried fruits. Each element tells part of the Christmas story: the orange represents our world, the candle stands for Jesus as the light of the world, and the red ribbon symbolizes Christ’s love encircling the globe. It’s a tangible way to connect with the deeper meaning of the season, especially meaningful for children but equally moving for adults.

The article provides a complete guide to organizing and conducting a Christingle service, from detailed instructions on making the Christingles to a full liturgy that weaves together traditional carols, prayers, and the telling of the Christmas story. Based on years of experience at All Saints Episcopal Church in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, this guide offers practical insights on how to create an inclusive, meaningful celebration that brings the congregation together in a unique way. Whether you’re looking to start a new holiday tradition or enhance your existing Christmas services, this comprehensive resource shows you how to bring the light of Christ to your community in a memorable and engaging way.

Read the full article.

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