A child-friendly church service will take place in Wymondham Abbey at 3:30 pm on Saturday 17th December, purely to celebrate Christingle.

Christingle dates back to 1747 and was established by the Moravian Church as a symbol of Christ’s light and love. The Church of England Children’s Society introduced it into the Church of England in 1968. Most Christingle celebrations take the form of a church service but they can also take place in schools or other community venues.

The Christingle itself is made up of a lighted candle (symbolising Jesus as the Light of the World) mounted on an orange (representing the world) and a red ribbon around the middle of the orange, (symbolising the blood of Christ.) Four cocktail sticks bearing dried fruit and sweets (symbols of God’s creation) are also stuck in the orange to signify the four seasons and the fruits of the earth.

During the service, each child is given an orange with a ribbon around the middle and the rest of the components to build their own orange when they come into the church.

A welcome, a carol and a prayer then the Celebrant gives a short and simple explanation as to the significance of Christingle and then guides the children as to how they build their oranges, their candles are lit and the children parade around the church in semi darkness whilst the congregation sing a carol. It is an atmospheric sight. A collection is taken which goes to support the work of The Children’s Society.

This magical event is open to everyone, not just regular church attendees.