圣诞文化街及花车游行
圣诞文化街及花车游行
2013年适逢我国独立50周年,吉隆坡沐恩关怀基金会联合文良港中文教会联祷会其他7间成员教会,包括马拉华蒂卫理公会、活泉教会、吉隆坡接棒者基督教会、长老会原道堂、大卫的帐幕神召会、赞美圣所神召会及长老会万民堂,一同联办圣诞文化街及花车游行。活动将之取名为“圣诞禧洋洋”(Christmas Joy Setapak, Jubilee Malaysia),欢庆国家第一个禧年。
圣诞文化街旨在社区中散播圣诞爱的气息和喜乐,同时向首都公众朋友宣扬圣诞节的由来,传递圣诞节真正的意义和内容。其二、活动也借着花车游行为社区的土地祷告和祝福,宣告神的爱与和平充满在我们所居住的社区里。
圣诞文化街是以义卖会的方式进行,除了各个教会义工负责各类美食、商品及游戏摊位,也招来许多商家和小贩参与义卖。此外,活动备有圣诞节舞台节目,让成人和孩子们在欢度圣诞节的当儿,也能享受美食,还能尽情玩乐。。活动还邀请本地著名歌手登台献唱,以悦耳动听的歌声与民众共庆这爱与和平的季节。
每年,圣诞文化街都将活动的盈余捐献给有需要的福利机构,包括华小、国中、孤儿院、慈善关怀基金会等。此举乃借着慈善的名义号召更多善心人士及商家企业一同参与热心公益活动,建立温馨及爱心社会。
圣诞花车游行也是民众喜爱观赏的活动。游行活动共推出五至六辆花车,分别以不同的设计带出圣诞节的缘由和真义,让民众有机会了解圣诞节真正的含义,花车的主题不乏有马槽、天使报佳音、东方三博士、圣诞礼物及麋鹿雪橇等各种圣诞主题。
花车之间还穿插不同装扮的圣诞节人物和队伍,如约瑟与马利亚、天使、牧羊人、东方博士、铃鼓、旗帜队、号角队、圣诞装饰的脚车队及大群的报佳音队伍,参与的人数多达3至5百人。花车和游行队伍从文良港信义会基督堂启程,穿梭在文良港大街(Jalan Genting Kelang)上,向着位于美丹马末商业区(Medan Makmur, Jalan Usahawan)圣诞文化街出发,全程约两公里。
2015年,圣诞文化街也加入“圣诞之愿”(Christmas Wish)环节,预先为60名孤儿院的孩子们购买他们愿望得到的圣诞礼物,并在当天的活动现场上,将圣诞礼物一一送到孩童们的手中,让他们也能过个温馨难忘的圣诞节!
Christmas Street Bazaar and Floats Parade
In year 2013, in line with Malaysia’s 50th anniversary celebration, Muk En Foundation Kuala Lumpur in collaboration with several churches (Melawati Chinese Methodist Church, Church of Living Streams, Logos Presbyterian Church, Praise Sanctuary AOG, Tabernacle of David, KL Christian Fellowship and Muk En Methodist Church) organized Christmas Joy: Setapak Jubilee Malaysia.
The purpose of the event was to celebrate first Jubilee of Malaysia besides proclaiming that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior and King. It also highlighted that Christmas is a season of love, joy, peace and hope. In addition, via Floats parade, we blessed our land by proclaiming God’s love and peace in the community of Setapak.
There was a lively Christmas Street Bazaar that had more than 30 stalls selling food, beverages and merchandise, and game booths. This event also attracted merchants and hawkers to participate in this charity bazaar. There were also stage performances, carolling, and even a performance by local artiste. This is an event that people of all ages can gather to celebrate Christmas together, besides enjoying the delicious food, exciting games and wonderful stage performances.
Every year, the proceeds from the Christmas Street Bazaar Sales was donated to welfare institution, for instance, Chinese Primary School, Secondary school, orphanage, charity care foundation and etc. We aim to spread the love toward the community besides to call for the public and business enterprise to be involved in public welfare activities. Thus, together we build a warm and loving society.
Other than the lively Christmas Street Bazaar, the event’s night was particularly festive as there was a Christmas float parade along Jalan Genting Kelang towards Medan Makmur, Jalan Usahawan. Several beautifully decorated floats which depicted the Christmas story cruised the streets. Around 300-500 people dressed in different costumes, such as angels, Joseph and Mary, shepherds, the Wise men and etc, together with tambourine team, flag team, clarion team, brass band and carolling teams accompanied the floats to share the joy and happiness of Christmas celebration with Setapak local community.
Two years after, in year 2015, Christmas Wish was included in this event. 60 orphanage children were given Christmas presents based on their Christmas wishes on the day of the event. Love was spread to them, giving them a warm and memorable Christmas celebration!