Each year, in the days leading up to Christmas, the churches of Buckden come together at St Mary’s for a Christingle Service—a simple, joyful, and deeply symbolic celebration that brings the community together.
Organised by Buckden Churches Together, the service is especially welcoming to families and children, offering a gentle and engaging way to reflect on the meaning of Christmas.
🕯️ A service full of meaning
At the heart of the service is the Christingle itself—an orange decorated with a candle, ribbon, and sweets—each element carrying a meaning:
- the orange represents the world
- the candle the light of Christ
- the red ribbon the love of God
- the sweets and fruits the gifts of creation
During the service, Christingles are lit, gradually filling the church with a warm and beautiful glow—creating a moment that is both memorable and moving.
🎶 A celebration for all
The service typically includes:
- well-known carols and music
- a short, accessible reflection
- the lighting of the Christingles
- a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere for all ages
It is designed to be inclusive and accessible, whether you are a regular churchgoer or simply looking for a meaningful way to prepare for Christmas.
🌟 An invitation
All are warmly invited to join this special gathering at St Mary’s.
It is a chance to:
- come together as a community
- experience a moment of stillness and light
- and share in a tradition that continues to bring people together year after year
✨ A moment of light
In the quiet glow of the Christingles, the message of Christmas is expressed in a simple and powerful way: light in the darkness, shared with all.