Here at St. John the Evangelist, Topsail, our rector, the Rev’d Jotie Noel, encourages us to celebrate each red letter day on the Church calendar, as we participate in an event to compliment that particular service.
On February 12th, as our congregation assembled at our place of worship, we were gladdened to be introduced to, and be a part of, this Christingle service a service, symbolizing God’s gift of Jesus to us as the Light of the World. And as an aftermath to the winding down of Advent, Christingle serves as a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.
Rev’d Jotie used the analogy of an orange as a motif to demonstrate the “Best Gift of All,” which represents the concept of a circle—round like the world.
A candle protruding from the top represents God’s light. A red ribbon encircling the orange signifies the blood of Christ, and also the love of God that goes all around the world. Toothpicks surrounding the orange are a sign of God’s love pointing in all directions. And the candy in each pick is representative of the sweetness of God’s love all over the world.
Five year old Faye Hillier, the youngest member of our congregation, accompanied Rev’d Jotie at the foot of the altar as he prepared the Christingle.
She digested each of the five steps in the demonstration with such enthusiasm that later, at home, she succeeded in manufacturing an almost perfect replica.
The accompanying photograph is of Faye, displaying her masterpiece.
After the conclusion of the service, everyone was invited downstairs for fellowship and food, prepared and served by the ACW.
A blessed day was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
“Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
