A Christingle service will be held at St Mary's Church in Saffron Walden, after a three-year break because of the pandemic.

The service, which is particularly suitable for children, will be the first of the Christmas services at the church, and takes place at 4pm on Sunday, December 11.

Christingles are made from an orange decorated with red tape, sweets and a candle, which is lit during the service to symbolise Jesus as the light of the world.

The other elements of a Christingle also have a special meaning. The red ribbon, or tape, symbolises the love and blood of Christ and the sweets and dried fruit represent God's creation.

A collection will be taken for the Children's Society, which works with vulnerable children and young people across the country. 

Other festive services at St Mary's Church include a service with bible readings and carols on Sunday, December 18, a Blue Christmas Service on December 22 for anyone who finds the holidays hard, and two Christmas tree lighting services on Christmas Eve.

Holy Communion will take place at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve, and a family service will be held at 10am on Christmas Day.

For more information go to https://www.stmaryssaffronwalden.org/Groups/313925/Christmas_Services_2022.