The Christingle

I  must confess that where I used to live, in the Isle of Man, we did not have a Christingle service. If you are in the same case, let me explain what it is about. The tradition of making Christingles comes to us from Moravia, where the first Christingle service was held on Christmas Eve, 1747. A Christingle comprises of
· an orange - This represents the world in which we live that God created.
· a red ribbon - This is tied around the orange and represents the blood which Jesus shed for us.
· four cocktail sticks - These are placed around the orange and represent the four seasons.
· nuts, fruit or sweets - These are placed on the ends of the 4 cocktail sticks and represent the fruits of the earth which God provides.
· a lighted candle - This is placed in the centre of the orange and represents Jesus Christ the Light of the World.
During the service, the candles are lit and the following is read:
In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
In him was life,
and the life was the light of all people.
The true light, which gives light to everyone,
came into the world. (John 1:5)
Glory to the newborn king.
Jesus, the light of the world.
God is light,
in him there is no darkness at all.
Although darkness covered the earth
and the people lived in thick darkness,
God's glory appeared over us
Preparing the Christingles takes a bit of time!

Blessings to all of you!