Crib service and Christingle at Exeter Cathedral

Taking place in aid of The Children’s Society on Sunday 23rd December at 4.30pm, this year’s combined Crib Service and Christingle at the Exeter Cathedral is a first.

The Cathedral Choristers will be singing and children are invited to dress up  - angels, kings, shepherds, animals, Marys and Josephs will be very welcome!

This child and family friendly service includes a short play performed by Cypex, the Cathedral’s young people’s club, some well-known carols and the carol Long ago in Palestine with words and music written especially for the service by Chryssa and John Turner.

The service will last for an hour.

At the service, children from local schools and organisations will hand in their donations to The Children’s Society and receive a Christingle. The Christingle is a lighted candle mounted in an orange, which has a red tape around it. On the orange are four cocktail sticks with sweets. The Christingle symbolises the world, the seasons and Jesus, the Light of the World.

The children’s Christingles will be lit during the singing of Away in a Manger, just before The Blessing of the Crib making it a very special part of the service.

During the service, one lucky child will switch on the Cathedral’s Christmas tree lights.

Last year, around 6,000 Christingle services took place across the country helping to raise £1.2 million for The Children’s Society.

Money raised at this year’s service will help The Children’s Society’s projects with vulnerable and disadvantaged young people, including safeguarding children in care and young runaways. With over 75 programmes and children's centres throughout England, The Children’s Society offers care, respite, legal support and mentoring schemes that help turn lives around. 

This year’s Crib Service and Christingle is on December 23rd at 4.30pm. As it is taking place so close to Christmas, it should be particularly special for everyone attending. All are welcome!