In the mild warmth of southern China, Christmas is a season of joy and unity for Christians. Churches come alive with festive spirit, showcasing a variety of performances—from lively dances and beautiful choir performances to inspiring instrumental music and touching sacred dramas.
On the evenings of December 22 and 24, a total of 137 individuals committed their faith to Christ during two Christmas evangelistic meetings held at Ningbo Centennial Church in Zhejiang Province.
Across China, churches commemorate this special season with diverse festivities, including hymn singing, sacred dramas, and local carols performed in regional dialects.
On the evening of December 24, Liushi Church in Wenzhou City, known as "China’s Jerusalem," hosted a Christmas Eve celebration featuring the sacred drama “Matteo Ricci's Mission to the Ming Dynasty.”
On Christmas Eve, melodious Christmas carols echoed through an old church in Shanghai. It has a history of over a hundred years. Hundreds of Christians celebrated Christmas through songs, sacred dramas, and sermons.
The expectations Chinese Christians have for Christmas activities, along with the church's festive practices, reveal three key characteristics of Christmas celebrations in Chinese churches: sanctity, upholding the core values of Christianity; cultural adaptation, connecting with the wider society to better witness the gospel; and the expression of love through fellowship and acts of charity.