Leading up to Christmas the making of Christingles is a traditional activity that reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world. This year's Diocesan Christingle Service and Christmas Party was a real hit for all who took part.

On a warm but cloudy Sunday afternoon, 60 people (about half being under the age of 18yrs) gathered at St. Peter's Church in Caversham, led by our Child, Youth, and Family Educator Fr. John Graveston, to sing, worship God, create their own Christingle, and enjoy the Christmas party afterward (with lots of food, and games). 

This intergenerational event started with a Christingle service led by Fr. John, Rev. Natalie, Bishop Steven, and the children in the congregation. The service started with the lighting of the advent wreath, which reminds us of God's promise, Light, and Hope. It then continued on to the creation of the Christingle with Christmas hymns such as "Not on a snowy night/Te Hari Nui", "Hark, the herald-angels sing" and "Joy to the World" spread throughout the service. And ended with a blessing from the Bishop;

May the smile of God warm you, may the light of Jesus lead you, may the Holy Spirit blaze in your lives and fill you with love. Kia whakapaingia koutou a te Atua Kaha Rawa, a te Matua, a te Tama, a te Wairua Tapu. Amine

After the service, everybody gathered in the parish hall where Christmas Party food had been laid out, and after a bite to eat the children were led in playing pass the parcel (made up of 17 layers of wrapping paper and three cardboard boxes), rob the nest (with baubles) and bauble and spoon races. Overall a great event for all that came.

The following testimony was sent to the office following the event:

“THANKYOU very much for the great party on Sunday. The service was beautiful, the food was lavish, and the games were fun. My 3 kids really loved it. They said St Peters is now their 2nd favourite church. We sang all the way home, and we are looking forward to next year! I appreciate the enormous amount of organisation which went into making it happen. Well done.”

A big thank you to all those that helped make the event a success.

Why do this?

During the weeks leading up to Christmas, many people from around the world make Christingles with their families. Making Christingles is a great way of learning about Jesus' reason for coming to earth in a fun and family-friendly way.

Christingles started in a church in Germany in 1747 when the Priest gave each child an orange and a candle wrapped in a red ribbon. Since then it has moved around the world and has become a big part of Christmas.

A Christingle service is a traditional service leading up to Christmas where we celebrate Jesus Christ as the Light of the World using oranges, sweets, and candles.