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Josie d'Arby joins the archbishop of Canterbury, who shares his thoughts on the significance of the Christingle tradition in modern times, as well as some poignant personal memories of feeling lonely at Christmas as a child.

Sean Fletcher meets with children from five different local schools as they make some Christingles in preparation for a special evening service held at All Saints' Church in Hoole, Chester.

Although the tradition of Christingle originated in the Moravian church in Germany in the 18th century, the Children's Society held their first Christingle service in this country half a century ago and it is estimated there are over 6,000 such services held in the country nowadays.

Sean also sits in on rehearsals for a musical drama based on the story of the Nativity, written by the teachers and pupils of Bishop's Blue Coat Secondary School in Chester.

On this first Sunday of Advent, there's a varied selection of seasonal hymns old and new from around the country and a special performance of an Advent favourite from soprano Laura Wright.

Music:
Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending - Kendal Parish Church
Like a Candle Flame - St David's Church, Exeter
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus - St Alban's Church, Bristol
Lord of All Hopefulness - Hereford Cathedral
O Come, O Come Emmanuel - Performed by Laura Wright
Something Inside So Strong - Performed by Kingdom Choir
Christ Be Our Light - Our Lady's, York.