During the 2026 Spring Festival, the Bingwu Year of the Horse in the Chinese lunar calendar, churches across Guangdong Province organized themed events titled “Celebrating the Chinese New Year”. Imbued with traditional Chinese culture, these activities unfolded in a festive and harmonious spirit to welcome the new year.

Churches adorned church premises with potted New Year flowers, Spring Festival couplets, red lanterns, Chinese knots, traditional paper-cut decorations to create a festive atmosphere. Decorative motifs of horses, auspicious clouds, and the Chinese character “Fu” (blessing) conveyed good wishes of “Galloping horses begin a new journey”, and “Golden saddles bear blessings for the New Year”.

A wide range of traditional cultural activities took place across the province. Calligraphy enthusiasts and pastoral staff were invited to demonstrate brush writing. Other activities included writing Spring Festival couplets, presenting “Fu” characters, paper cutting, painting, and ink rubbing. Some churches and church-affiliated fellowships also held Spring Festival carol concerts and worship services to express gratitude and extend blessings through uplifting hymns.

During this festive season, local churches practiced the biblical teaching of “loving your neighbor as yourself”, actively engaging in charitable outreach and pastoral care. Visits were paid to retired pastors and elders, senior fellow workers, believers facing financial hardship, and vulnerable individuals in local communities. Care packages, financial assistance, and New Year greetings were offered as concrete expression of love and service to the community.

Translated and edited by Bei Feng