What is a Christingle?
image: jimmiehomeschoolmom
A Christingle is a service held in churches and schools around Christmas time during which Christingle oranges are given to children and members of the congregation.
The services are usually held as fundraisers with donations being given to charity. The Children's Society is the main charity associated with Christingle, but Depaul UK also promotes Christingle services. Sometimes churches hold independent services and donate the proceeds to charities or causes of their own choice.
In the service, which consists of seasonal hymns, prayers and often a small talk, members of the congregation are invited to come and accept a christingle which will either have already been lit, or will be lit when they return to their seats. Often at this time a Christingle hymn or song is sung, as the candlelight flickers. Some churches dim the lights as well, which really does add to the wonderful atmosphere.
image: jimmiehomeschoolmom
The Christingle itself consists of an orange, with a candle in the top, a red ribbon wrapped around the middle and four cocktail sticks with sweets, nuts or raisins stuck on them. All of these are symbolic. The orange representing the world, the candle - Jesus the light of the world, the ribbon - Jesus' blood, the cocktail sticks and treats - the four seasons bearing fruit.
After the service, the congregation are encouraged to take their christingles home to bring light to their communities.
As a fundraiser, christingle services are a highly effective, seasonal way to increase charity income and also an event that people of all ages love attending.
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