By William Isau
SIBU, Dec 10: The weather favoured Sibu as over 10,000 Christians gathered to participate in the annual Sibu Christmas Parade last night (Dec 9).
The participants started gathering at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase I as early as 5pm for the 5km parade, which started from Jalan Bujang Suntong to Rosli Dhobi Roundabout, Jalan Pulau, Jalan Channel, Jalan Bengkel, Jalan Mission, Pintu Gerbang Sibu, Jalan Kampung Nyabor. Jalan Ramin, Jalan Morshidi Sidek, Jalan Sanyan, Jalan Kampung Nyabor, and ending at Jalan Bujang Suntong.
The Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS) Sibu Branch organised the parade with the St John Sibu Anglican Church as this year’s host with the theme ‘Emmanuel, God Is With Us’.
Participants consisted of more than 30 contingents, including the Anglican Church, the Roman Catholic Church, the Chinese Methodist Church (SCAC), the Iban Methodist Church (SIAC), and the Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM).
Before the procession started, there was an opening prayer from ACS Sibu Branch chairman Venerable Archdeacon Joseph Dusit Ijau on the square stage, followed by stage performances and the singing of Christmas carols by various churches and gospel reading of the scriptures by representatives from the BEM, SIAC, and SCAC churches.
ACS chairman and Bishop of the Anglican Church in Sarawak and Brunei, The Right Reverend Datuk Danald Jute, delivered the Christmas message.
In his message, Danald reminded participants that Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus.
Bishop of the Roman Catholic Church of Sibu, Right Reverend Joseph Hii, completed the closing prayer.
The highlight of the ceremony was the lighting of the unity candle to symbolise the start of the procession by Danald, Joseph, Hii BEM Church superintendent Pastor Yahya Ating, SCAC Methodist Church president Dr Lau Hui Ming, SIAC president Bonnie Sedau, and Sibu Municipal Council (MPS) chairman Councillor Clarence Ting Ing Horh. — DayakDaily
