LAST week I found myself dressed as a giant orange at our Christingle service.
Christingle is an old tradition that involves using an orange, adorned with a red band, sweets and a candle, to share the story of Jesus, light of (and in) the world.
I’m sure whoever invented it could not have imagined a human Christingle, but they, like me, would have been pleased to remind people that amidst the darkness of winter, throughout the challenges of life, the baby born in the manger brought light into the world. Our world can feel uncertain, dark even, which can lead us to feel afraid – and fear can sometimes mean we make decisions that do not fully reflect our shared, God-given humanity.
Jesus, light of the world, grew up to take light into the darkest places, to cast out fear, to remind us all who we really are – people whose lives are precious and valuable, who are loved, and who have the ability to love each other.
This Christmas, may you too know that you are loved.
Rev Claire Turner
Vicar of St Chad’s Rubery
