Christingle services are held from Advent to Epiphany. Children carry an orange, representing the world, tied in red ribbon to symbolise the blood of Christ. The lighted candle symbolises Jesus Christ, and four cocktail sticks are laden with sweets and fruit to illustrate God's gifts and the four seasons.
The society introduced Christingle services to the Church of England 40 years ago. This year, it marked the anniversary with an appeal launched last week to encourage supporters to hold 6,000 services and beat last year's Christingle fundraising income of £1.2m.
Zest for life
London schoolchildren took part in the Children's Society's Christingle service at Westminster Abbey to launch an appeal to raise more than £1.2m
