Anglican churches in the Peasedown St John and Wellow area have announced dates for two upcoming Christingles services to kick-off the Christmas season.

The Christingle, representing the earth and Jesus as the light of the world, was first introduced into the Church of England by the Children's Society over fifty years ago. It is now used in school plays and children's nativities all over the world.

Church leader Revd Matthew Street believes the Christingle has a message not just for children but for everyone. He said:

"The orange represents the world, the red ribbon symbolising the blood of Christ, the four cocktail sticks with sweets and fruit illustrate God's gifts and the four seasons, and the candle represents Jesus as the light of the world.

The Christingle, quite simply, represents the core message of Christianity – that Jesus Christ, all year round, is the light and saviour of the world.

This historic truth is not just something for children or the young at heart – but it is for everyone that chooses to believe it."

The Christingle Services will be held at:

St Julian's Church, Wellow on Sunday 5th December at 6.30pm

All are welcome to attend either service.

For more information about Christmas events at either church visit the St J's Group website: www.stjsgroup.org, which also includes details of future events, the church's work in the community, activities going on during the week and live recordings of Sunday sermons.