November 28-December 4, 2011
Headline News
Shanhua churches and government host tree lighting ceremony and Christmas carnival
Reported by Chen Yi-hsuan
Written by Lydia Ma
“Joy to the world! The Lord is come!” this familiar Christian refrain was heard by passengers entering and exiting Shanhua Train Station on November 25th, 2011, as local churches and the city government came together to celebrate the launch of “Love in Shanhua Christmas Carnival”. The bazaar will take place every weekend from now until December 25 and proceeds will go toward helping out 165 low-income families in the area.
Christmas season is a good occasion for churches to share about the story of Jesus’ birth and the gospel. Love in Shanhua Christmas Carnival began with a ceremony featuring the lighting of a Christmas tree. Besides various local churches from different denominations in Tainan area, event sponsors included Shanhua District Office and The Commons Daily newspaper and representatives and members from these organizations were present on that night.
After Hsimei Presbyterian Church pastor Rev. Huang Wei-li prayed during the ceremony, Shanhua District Director Lee Huang-hsing lighted the white Christmas tree that stood in the middle of the plaza in front of the train station. Afterward, Hsimei Church and Shanhua Presbyterian Church choirs sang a few traditional Christmas songs. The lights, music, and celebrations attracted the attention of many passersby who stopped to listen. Many youths also took pictures in front of the lighted Christmas tree for keepsake.
The next day, retired pastor from Light of the World Holiness Church, Rev. Shen Jui-jen, performed his trademark magic tricks in a program held at the same plaza. There were also dance and cheerleading presentations from various local schools and kindergartens.
Huang said this was the first time that Shanhua District had a Christmas tree lighting ceremony and it was a rare opportunity for all the local churches to come together and share the gospel with the city. Shanhua Presbyterian Church pastor Rev. Chien An-so added that it was time for the true meaning and spirit of Christmas to be celebrated, especially themes such as love and sharing.
