KUCHING — “On the 8th day of December, Kuching gave to me … the 12th Christmas Parade.”
Inaugurated by the Methodist Church in 2007, the Christmas Parade has become a yearly event that the citizens of Kuching look forward to. The theme for this year was “Good News of Great Joy.”
Over 7,000 joyful participants including 12 contingents from the 5 city parishes from the Roman Catholic Church took part. This year, St. Peter’s Church and Chapel of Mother Mary headed the Catholic contingent.
Other contingents included the Anglican Church, SCAC Methodist Church, SIAC Methodist Church, BEM Church, Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Salvation Army, Sarawak Baptist Church, Blessed Church, Kuching Ministers’ Fellowship Member Churches, Girls’ Brigade and Boys’ Brigade.
Dressed in the joyful spirit of Christmas, participants gathered at the MBKS Jubilee Ground at 6pm for a time of prayer and scripture readings in English, Iban, Chinese and Malay. This was followed by benediction and praise and worship, before heading out to spread the Good News.
Archbishop Simon Poh from the Roman Catholic Church led the opening prayers, while the Trinity Methodist Church led a singspiration of carols as the parade groups made their departure onto the streets.
Beautifully decorated floats, luminous lanterns, fancy balloons, extravagant banners and multi-coloured glow sticks lit the 4km HSBC roundabout route as people of all races and religions gathered to witness this wonderful event.
Cheers, high fives and gifts were exchanged as Christmas carols filled the cool night air, spreading great joy and smiles to everyone of the Good News.
Shannon Hardin
For more photos, visit: Blessed Sacrament Church
