We opened the New Year at Axmouth with a Christingle Service, a candle-lit celebration named after the Christingles that are lit as the service proceeds. Christingles are made from an orange decorated with red ribbon, sweets and a candle. They have been part of our history for the last 50 years. Those who celebrate Christingle normally hold a collection in aid of the Children’s Society to support children and young people in the darkest situations imaginable.
Each element of a Christingle has a special meaning and helps to tell the Christian story:
- The orange represents the world
- The red ribbon symbolises the love and blood of Christ
- The sweets and dried fruit represent all of God’s creations
- The lit candle represents the light of Jesus in the world, bringing hope to people living in darkness.
Lesley led the service and Hilary spoke on Matthew 5:14-15 …
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house.