CHRISTINGLES — the symbol of Christ’s light coming into the world – were the centrepiece at a meeting of the Thursday Friendship Group at Holsworthy Methodist Church (pictured).  

The hands-on session involved combining the elements of a Christingle to create a glowing sign of hope.

Michelle Hogarth, Bude and Holsworthy Methodist Circuit lay worker, explained that the Christingle tradition started with the Moravian Church in Germany in the 1700s and it has since grown in popularity around the world.

Each part has a special meaning and helps to tell the Christian story at Advent: the orange represents the world; the red ribbon symbolises the love and blood of Christ; the sweets and dried fruit threaded on to sticks represent all of God’s Creation, and the lit candle stands for Jesus’ light in the world, bringing hope to those living in darkness.  As the candles were lit, the Christingle song was sung to the tune of The Holly and the Ivy. The Thursday Friendship Group meets in the Bodmin Street Chapel Hall on Thursday afternoons from 2pm to 3.30pm, with regular guest speakers, games, quizzes, hot drinks and cakes.  All are welcome — there is no admission, but donations towards costs are gratefully accepted.