Family Natters

This Christingle lesson plan is suitable for both KS1 and KS2 children and provides a natural link to RE and our local community.  It includes how to make a Christingle and the Christingle story.

Aim: to know the meaning of Christingle

•  Tell the story of Christingle, that in 1747 the German Pastor John was one evening trying to think how to explain to children what Christmas means.  Ask the children for their ideas, perhap using response partners.  Then explain Pastor John hit on the idea of giving each child a lighted candle wrapped in a red ribbon, and then saying the prayer:”Lord Jesus, kindle a flame in these dear children’s hearts”.  This custom was so successful that it has spread to more and more churches each year.
• Demonstrate how to make a Christingle while at the same time asking the children what they think the various parts might symbolise.  You will need an orange and candle for each child, a reel of narrow, plain red ribbon, cocktail sticks and a bag of dolly mixtures. 
• Explain the red ribbon represents the blood of Jesus and his sacrifice, the orange and dolly mixtures) symbolise the fruits of the earth and the four seasons while the lighted candle is Christ, the light of the world.
• in pairs have the children make their own Christingle.  Obviously smaller children will need help and cautions regarding not eating the sweets and the dangers of the cocktail sticks.
• ask for volunteers to show their Christingles and explain what the parts mean
• if possible attend a candlelit service in the local community, or alternatively turn the lights off and recite the above prayer, making sure the children are first aware of the rules with regard lighted candles and the behaviour you expect during a service