Church of England coat of arms

ThisIsChurch.com

What does it mean . . .?

 Methodist Logo

Christingle - description in the page text Christingle

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
    		•

    You can see a copy of our Christingle service by clicking here.

     

    Top of Page Return to Meanings index

    -->