The light of Christ

‘Christmas has begun now’ said a member of the congregation at the end of the first Christingle service, holding the hand of a littlie, who was, in turn, clutching a Christingle orange, suspiciously denuded of its sweets and raisins.

Christingle 2024 featured the creation of a giant Christingle in the pulpit, delivered by ‘Siri’ and ‘Alexa’ direct to the Priory, variously by wheelbarrow, scooter and unicycle. As the orange, the fruit on sticks, the ribbon and finally the candle was delivered, the meaning of each item was shared with the congregation.

The Junior Choristers sang their hearts out in the beautiful setting of ‘Away in a Manger’ by Piers Maxim, before they assembled at the Paschal Candle, each lighting a taper to share throughout the congregation. As the Priory filled with candlelight, so the electric lights were dimmed. Eyes, young and old shined, as they quietly sang ‘Silent Night’ into a church where Christ’s birth has been celebrated since 1085…that’s 939 years. At the end of the carol everyone sat in silence thinking of the real meaning of Christmas.

A final carol, a blessing and a rousing organ voluntary sent both congregations joyfully into the gaslit Priory churchyard…and the stewards gathered the remaining oranges, destined to be transformed into fundraising marmalade and delicious orange juice.

’Sing Christingle it’s the light of Christ’