By Jude Toyat
KUCHING (Dec 7) — Kuching City has once again been transformed into a haven of joy and unity as the annual Kuching Christmas Parade gathered 7,035 participants from diverse denominations and backgrounds to celebrate the season of peace and goodwill this evening.
This year’s theme, “Peace Be With You,” resonated through heartfelt hymns, uplifting prayers, and the vibrant atmosphere at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Jubilee Ground.
The evening’s festivities began at 6.30pm, with participants gathering at the field adorned in vibrant costumes that added a festive flair to the occasion.
The programme officially commenced with the recitation of the Apostles’ Creed, setting a solemn and reflective tone.
The parade’s opening was marked by the singing of hymns, featuring stirring renditions of “For Unto Us a Child Is Born” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” beautifully performed by a praise and worship team from the Roman Catholic Church.
The Salvation Army’s Captain Carmen delivered a heartfelt prayer, reminding attendees of the deeper spiritual meaning of the festive season.
Scripture readings added a rich, multilingual dimension to the evening as passages in English, Iban, Malay, and Chinese were read by representatives from various churches, showcasing the diversity of Kuching’s Christian community.
These readings featured verses from Jeremiah, Isaiah, the Gospel of John, Ephesians, Colossians, and Corinthians, each conveying the overarching message of peace and reconciliation.
As night fell, the congregation’s voices united in a mesmerisingly beautiful rendition of “Silent Night,” before Most Reverend Archbishop Dato Dr Simon Poh of the Roman Catholic Church delivered the benediction, blessing both the city and its people.
By 7pm, the much-anticipated parade began.
Participants dressed in festive costumes accompanied 11 beautifully crafted Christmas floats depicting scenes such as the Nativity, Angels, Shepherds and Sheep, Wise Men, and various church displays.
These vibrant floats radiated Christmas cheer as they wound their way through the city streets.
Along the route, Julian Gabriel led Singspiration sessions, encouraging the singing of Christmas carols to keep spirits high and the festive mood alive.
The Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades also contributed to the parade with six marching bands, adding to the lively atmosphere.
A highlight of the evening was the distribution of gifts to the public at 8.15pm, a gesture symbolising the love and generosity at the heart of Christmas.
The parade concluded at around 9pm, marking the end of an unforgettable evening that left participants and spectators alike filled with the spirit of joy and unity.
The Kuching Christmas Parade 2024 was organised by the Association of Churches Sarawak (ACS) and the Sarawak Evangelical Christian Association (SECA), with this year’s event hosted by the Methodist Church SCAC.
Other participating churches included the Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Church, Methodist Church SIAC, BEM (SIB) Church, Seventh-Day Adventist Church, The Salvation Army, Sarawak Baptist Church, Sarawak Blessed Church, as well as SECA member churches such as Christ Baptist Church, City Harvest Church, Hope Church Kuching, and GIS Gospel Harvest Kuching.
