On the evening of December 5, Changshu Church in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, inaugurated its 2025 Christmas season with a "Light Has Come" tree-lighting ceremony and charity fair, drawing a gathering of believers and community members.
According to Changshu TSPM, the celebration opened with a candlelight-sharing ritual symbolizing the spreading of Christ's true light. Senior Pastor Rev. Zhao Zhong initiated the ceremony by lighting the first candle, which was then passed to church committee members, ministers, and attendees. The glow gradually expanded through the crowd, creating a moving sea of light.
Following the candlelight moment, the Christmas tree lighting marked the official start of the evening. As the countdown ended, a towering tree lit up in brilliant color, signaling the arrival of the church's annual "Light Has Come" festivities.
A charity fair opened to the public after the lighting ceremony. All proceeds from the fair will support the charitable programs of the faith-based Changshu Ailin Social Service Center, reflecting the church's commitment to serving the wider community during the Christmas season.
The illuminated Christmas tree will continue shining throughout the Advent period, offering a symbol of hope and joy to visitors and local residents alike.
Christianity was introduced to Changshu during the late Qing dynasty, and several denominations—including the Methodist Episcopal Church, Anglican Church, True Jesus Church, Baptist Church, and Church of Christ in China—established chapels, schools, and clinics in the city. The largest historic church, Jingdaotang, was built in 1902 and later became the united worship center when five major denominations began joint services in 1958. In 1995, the congregation relocated to its current site on North Huan City Road, formerly the location of St. Bartholomew's Church, making today's Changshu Church a symbol of interdenominational unity with more than a century of Christian heritage.
