Christingle at St Paul’s

Excitement was in the air at St Paul’s on Christmas Eve when 180 grown-ups and little ones arrived at church.

The candles were lit to create a warm, magical glow symbolising the light of Christ and bringing hope to people living in darkness. Everyone was presented with their own Christingle as they entered.  The Venerable Penny Driver welcomed everyone to the service during which the Christmas story was revealed, and the baby Jesus brought to the manger in the stable under the altar as the lights were turned out and we sang ‘Away in a manger’.

The Christingle service was devised in Moravia, and encourages donations for The Children’s Society for its work among disadvantaged young people.

A special invited guest this year who made a surprise appearance was Pudsey Bear.  He had been invited along to help build a gigantic Christingle as Penny explained the symbolism behind it.  The children were enthralled!

It was a special service!