Christmas

Christmas is a special time of year for Christians, and at St Peters we celebrate with a range of traditional and family-friendly services.

Christingle: Sunday 3rd December, 4PM

Christmas kicks off with a Christingle Service at 4pm on the first Sunday in December. This lovely service has it’s origins in Moravia and at it’s centre is the giving of Christingles to all the children. The Christingle (an orange wrapped around with a red ribbon and topped with a candle and fruit and nuts (or sweets) on sticks, symbolises the world, the love of Christ, who is the Light of the World, and the fruit of the earth. It’s a magical way to start the season.

Children enjoying the magic of our Christingle service

Carols by Candlelight: Sunday 17th December, 4PM

A couple of weeks later, also at 4pm, we hold a Carols by Candlelight Service when we sing old favourites and hear the Christmas Story through Bible readings, all in seasonal candle-light.

Candles at Christmas

Christmas Eve Crib Service: Sunday 24th December, 4PM

On Christmas Eve at 4pm, when the shopping is completed, we gather for a Crib Service. This service for all children under the age of 100, helps us to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Children stand around the Nativity Stable to sing ‘Away in a manger’ before going home to get to bed early – hopefully. Watch out for the snow, which is a traditional feature on this occasion.

Christmas Eve Midnight Communion: Sunday 24th December, 11:30PM

When all the children are ‘tucked up’ the church marks the beginning of Christmas Day with a Midnight Communion – which begins at 11.30pm. In a tradition that goes back centuries we celebrate the birth of Christ by remembering his death and resurrection. This service is held in seasonal candle-light.

The alter set for Christmas

Christmas Morning Celebration: Monday 25th December 10AM

Christmas Morning Worship begins at 10am. Children, and sometimes adults, bring presents with them so we can all share in their joy. Then it’s home for turkey and trimmings (or whatever).