A CHURCH plans to light up the lives of many this Christmas as it gives away 1,000 candles to shoppers on Saturday.

Members of Christchurch, on The Grove, will be handing out the candles to passers-by between 10am and noon, along with prayer cards.

Christchurch’s minister, the Rev Rob Hilton, said: “This is a joyful time of year for many people, while other people find Christmas a difficult time because of bereavement, loneliness or family breakdown. These candles and cards are a reminder to be still, an opportunity to focus, and a chance to pray or reflect.

“The candle represents Jesus, whose birth we celebrate at Christmas and who Christians call ‘the light of the world’. We hope they will help people to pray, and find that God really does love each and every one of us.”

Candles will also be used throughout the Christmas period in the services at Christchurch, which take place at 9am, 10.30am and 6.30pm on Sundays.

The theme of the services will be “stars in their eyes” and will look at people in the Christmas story who were amazed by the events of the first Christmas. There will also be special services including a carol service on Sunday, December 21, at 6.30pm, a Christingle Service at 4pm on Christmas Eve and the Christmas Day service at 10am.