SIBU (Dec 13) — Despite the steady rain, about 6,000 faithful gathered for the Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS) Sibu Christmas Parade 2025, standing as remnants of Sibu Christians bringing the message of Hope — “Jesus Christ, our Blessed Hope.” to the community of Sibu.
Equipped with umbrellas, caps and raincoats, participants assembled at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1, joyfully embracing the celebration under the theme “Jesus, Our Blessed Hope.” The rain did little to dampen the spirit of unity, as Christians await to arrival of Christmas celebration.
Organised by the ACS Sibu branch and hosted by the Roman Catholic Church, the two-kilometre parade wound through the town centre, featuring lively marching bands, creatively decorated floats and enthusiastic members from various churches.
Churches taking part included the Anglican Church, Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM), Catholic Church, Methodist Church (Sarawak Chinese and Iban Annual Conferences), YMCA Sibu, as well as several independent churches.
The programme opened with welcoming remarks by Rev Monsignor Michael Lee, vice-chairman of ACS Sibu, who gave thanks for the strong spirit of unity among the churches. He highlighted that the ACS Sibu Christmas Parade, now in its 54th year, remains the longest-running public Christmas witness in Sarawak.
“What started within church grounds has grown into a powerful procession uniting people of different generations and traditions. Tonight, we walk together in faith, proclaiming that Jesus Christ is our Blessed Hope,” he said.
An opening prayer by Venerable Archdeacon Jose Jol, chairman of ACS Sibu and Vicar of St John’s Anglican Church, followed, together with a multilingual Praise and Worship session led by the English Prayer Group of Sacred Heart Cathedral.
Bishop Joseph Hii of the Sibu Diocese later delivered a meaningful Christmas reflection, reminding the faithful that while many Sibu natives have carried hope beyond the town, those who remain continue to be bearers of hope to their own community.
“For those who remain in Sibu, we continue to bring hope to the people of Sibu,” he shared.
At 6.50pm, the Unity Candle was lit by Bishop Hii alongside Rev Lee, Pastor Yahya Ating (BEM), Dr Lau Hui Ming (SCAC Methodist Church), Councillor Paul Teo, Penghulu Ting Tien Huat and other distinguished guests, officially marking the start of the celebration.
By 7pm, the parade moved through the town centre, greeted by cheering spectators along the streets. Ten brightly lit floats from participating churches, followed by stage performances at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1, filled the evening with colour, joy and a clear proclamation of hope — Jesus Christ is our Hope, shining brightly even in the rain.
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