How to Make a Christingle

A Christingle is a symbolic and edible craft, made from an orange or tangerine, a candle and some candies.

A German minister in the Moravian Church created the Christingle in 1747 to represent Christ's light and love.

In fact, the word Christingle means Christ light.

Some churches have Christingle services. But Christingles can be made at Christmas parties or at family gatherings.

A group of people holding lit Christingles is quite beautiful.

oranges or tangerines

double sided tape

red ribbon

short taper candles

toothpicks

soft candies & sweets

• marshmallows


• gumdrops


• raisins


• dried cherries

aluminum foil (optional)

1. Orange

The orange (or tangerine) represents the world that God created.

Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

2. Candle

The candle represents Jesus, the Light of the world.

John 8:12 "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.'"

3. Red Ribbon

The red ribbon represents forgiveness. The color signifies the blood of Jesus which was shed on the cross to pay the price for our sins.

Ephesians 1:7 "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding."

4. Four Toothpicks with Candies

The four toothpicks represent the four corners of the earth -- north, south, east, and west. The candies and dried fruits represent the people of the world.

Revelation 7:1 "the four corners of the earth"

Click here or on the thumbnail for a free, printable minibook that explains the meanings of the four parts of a Christingle.

This template is for a four corner minibook (also called an envelope book). Simply cut out the square and fold the corners into the center.

The space in the center is for drawing your own Christingle.