If you’ve ever spent any time with me, you’ll know that I’m not a big fan of Clifton Cathedral — the building. But Clifton Cathedral, the community of people, is a truly lovely bunch. They put on some really welcoming and beautiful events throughout the year, and Christmas is no exception.
This year’s Advent Service of Light for children was particularly special. The children were invited to take part in whatever way felt comfortable to them: reading, dressing up as nativity characters or simply being themselves. The service took place in the small chapel, which has a real sense of holiness, especially when it’s softly lit and the rest of the Cathedral fades into darkness as the day draws to a close. These aren’t words I ever expected to say about the Cathedral, but there we are.
It was a brief service (always a plus where kids are concerned), with the obligatory playtime afterwards. We sang child-friendly hymns, and the children confidently stepped forward to play their parts. Considering there was no rehearsal at all, it was a masterful production and absolutely worth attending. There is a children’s Crib Service on Saturday 20th December, and if the Service of Light is anything to go by, it will be well worth a visit.
St Gerard Majella’s Christingle Service
I do love a good carol, and one of the best services we went to last year was St Gerard Majella’s Christingle Service. St Gerard’s is possibly the most beautiful church in Bristol – and I’m including St Mary Redcliffe in that assessment, so this is high praise. It’s a perfect setting for beautiful music, and St Gerard’s is blessed with some very talented musicians. Even my classical-music-loving husband was impressed by the playlist and the way the music was played – accessible, joyful and beautifully done.
The carols were wonderful, and plus – and this is a really big plus – if you’ve never had a Christingle before (or even if you have!), they give you sweets! A Christingle is an orange with a candle placed in the top, a red ribbon tied around it, and sweets on cocktail sticks pressed into the skin. It smells wonderful, looks gloriously Christmassy, and comes with a small snack. What’s not to like?
If you’re like me, you may never have heard of a Christingle before, or only vaguely heard of it. It’s not something that’s hugely celebrated in the Catholic churches I’ve been to, but it’s been something that the Church of England and other denominations have been doing since the mid 20th century. They are a wonderful and joyful way to involve children in learning about the Christmas story. In a spirit of ecumenicalism, Christmas cheer and (let’s face it) bribing children to sit through carols, I’m very happy to join in something new – especially when sweets are involved.
Here’s the science (or theological) bit: the Christingle is full of symbolism. The orange represents the world, the candle represents Jesus Christ as the Light of the World, the red ribbon symbolises the Blood of Christ, and the sweets or cloves represent the fruits of the earth and the four seasons. It’s beautifully Christmassy, ecological, devout – and delicious!
St Gerard’s Christingle & Carols Service is happening again this year on Saturday 20th December, and I thoroughly recommend it.
There are so many wonderful Christmas services taking place around Bristol this year, each with its own unique atmosphere and charm. Take a look at what’s on offer, pick a few that appeal to you, and go along to enjoy the music, the community and the festive spirit in person – you might just be pleasantly surprised.