Thursday, December 25th, 2025 subscribe

5 Surprising Facts About History of Christmas in China

While Christmas is often viewed as a Western holiday that only arrived in China with the recent economic boom, the truth is far more complex. While controversy occasionally surfaces, the holiday has deep roots and unique local expressions.

Chinese Churches Celebrate 30th Anniversary of 'Bible Day'

In November and December 2025, Chinese Christians marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of "Bible Day," a milestone commemorating the central place of the Scriptures in faith and life.

Hubei Releases Illustrated Guide to Counter Extremism and Cults

Hubei Provincial CC&TSPM has officially released an illustrated educational booklet designed to help grassroots churches and believers identify and resist extremism, heterodoxy, and cultic movements.

A Modern-Day Lois: How My Grandmother's Faith Anchored Our Family

As we said grace over her birthday meal, I realized that this is the true definition of grace: A family steered away from worldly competition and grounded in eternal hope, all because one woman decided to follow Jesus and pray for her children.

'Unless It's Heresy, You Are My Brother': A Young Minister's Take on Denominational Unity

Brother Enhui is a minister serving in a church in Northern China. Based on his extensive interactions with Reformed, Baptist, Charismatic, and Presbyterian groups, he holds to a simple philosophy: "As long as it does not violate the fundamental truths of the Gospel, you are my brother."

National Theological Seminary Delegation Visits Trinity Theological College in Singapore

From November 27 to 30, a delegation of six from Nanjing Union Theological Seminary paid a visit to Trinity Theological College in Singapore at the invitation of the college.

NRAA Sends Christmas Greetings to Catholic, Protestant Communities

As in previous years, the National Religious Affairs Administration (NRAA) issued its Christmas greetings to the Catholic and Protestant communities on December 23.

From 'Burying Sons' to Broken Lives: Reclaiming Children's Value in Chinese Families

From the ancient tale of Guo Ju burying his son to modern family tragedies, the child has often been treated as a possession rather than an individual. How can faith redeem this broken family dynamic?

Where to Worship in Shanghai: 5 Key English Services You Should Know

In the Heart of Shanghai's 'Silicon Valley,' an American Pastor Finds Home in the Unexpected

5 Surprising Facts About History of Christmas in China

Chinese Churches Gather for Worship as Christmas Approaches

No House, No Car, No Bride: Economic Plight of China's Young Clergy

Yunnan CC&TSPM Elects New Leadership at 9th Christian Representatives Conference

A Village Church Where 'God Reigns' via Prayer, Service

Chinese Churches Gather for Worship as Christmas Approaches

In the Heart of Shanghai's 'Silicon Valley,' an American Pastor Finds Home in the Unexpected

For Pastor Jason Kim, the journey to Shanghai was never meant to be a marathon. When he first arrived in the winter of 2007 with his family, the plan was simple: survive one year, claim the experience, and return to the familiar comforts of the United States. He did not know the language, he did not know the culture, and he certainly did not expect to stay.

No House, No Car, No Bride: Economic Plight of China's Young Clergy

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Featured

INTERVIEW

Bossey's Academic Dean: Young Ecumenists Bring Hope for Christian Unity

At the Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order, Bossey academic dean Rev. Fr. Dr. Lawrence Iwuamadi said the strong participation of young ecumenists at GETI 2025 offered renewed hope for the future of Christian unity.

TESTIMONIES

Testimony: From Monk in Training to Christian Pastor

Once a student of Daoist medicine and a would-be Buddhist monk, Pastor John now spends his days praying and teaching Scripture. His extraordinary journey from Eastern spirituality to Christian faith surprises everyone who meets him.

VOICE

A Season of Fire and Aftermath: Chinese Pastor’s Reflections on Extreme Charismatic Phenomena in China

In Pastor Chen’s view, the Charismatic movement gained rapid traction in the Chinese mainland—especially in rural areas—because it offered emotional immediacy, experiential spirituality, and a highly energized communal atmosphere. It broke through the rigid, formulaic patterns that characterized many traditional gatherings at the time.

FOCUS

Ancient Temple, Modern Yearning: Urban Youth Seek Solace

On weekends in Shenzhen, young people crowd an ancient temple for fortune slips, revealing a deeper longing—for reassurance, direction, and emotional refuge amid career pressure and personal uncertainty.

ACADEMICS

Prof. Maren R. Niehoff Lectures on Philo of Alexandria and Human Freedom

Prof. Maren R. Niehoff argued that, according to Philo, true freedom requires Stoic self-discipline of the Mind, a Cynic-like independent Personality, and is ultimately realized in obedience to God.

INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGES

South Korean Christian Delegation Visits Chinese Diplomatic Think Tank

On Nov. 27, a delegation from the Korean-Chinese Christian Fellowship, led by its president, Rev. Young Hoon Lee, visited the Charhar Institute for talks aimed at promoting people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

ISSUES

Mother of Israeli Hostage Shares Story of Faith and Hope at Christian Media Summit

Ditsa Or, the mother of Avinatan Or, who was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, delivered a speech at the seventh Christian Media Summit in Jerusalem. Addressing an audience of Christian journalists and media professionals, she shared her personal story of loss, resilience, and unwavering faith in God.

CHARITY

Guangdong Union Church Hosts Free Clinic in Grassroots Community

From November 14 to 15, Union Church in Guangdong mobilized a team of 27 medical professionals and pastors to hold a free medical clinic in Fengwan Town, Qujiang District, Shaoguan City, Guangdong Province.

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From 'Ping Guo' to Peace: How a Pun Created a Christmas Custom

For Christians and churches worldwide, Christmas is a season of celebration and a crucial time for evangelism. While methods vary globally—from cantatas to charity drives—churches in China have adopted a unique medium to share the gospel: the "Peace Apple."

WCC Prayer Cycle Calls for Global Solidarity With Greater China

Next week, the Ecumenical Prayer Cycle invites the global church to unite in prayer for Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and the Chinese mainland.

On China's Highways, Truck Driver and the Wife He Cares For

Meeting World Christianity, Reflecting on China's Church: Notes From Egypt

Lighting Hanukkah Candles in Shanghai, Israeli Consulate Remembers Last Hostage in Gaza

In Egypt's Desert, Coptic Church of Icons Becomes Living Expression of Visual Theology

Beijing Huairou Church Volunteers Clear Snow, Ice

multimedia

Rev. Susan Durber, WCC President from Europe, Reflects on Christian Unity, a Continent in Transition

Photos of Fujian Grassroots Church Celebrating Joyful Pre-Christmas Praise Gathering

On December 6, Shancheng Church in Zhangpu County, a grassroots congregation in Zhangzhou, Fujian, held a pre-Christmas praise gathering featuring a variety of worship presentations.

Photos of First Church in Xi'an-Dongxinxiang Church

This photo collection offers a close look at Dongxinxiang Church—widely regarded as the first Christian church in Xi'an, Shaanxi. From its historic arched entrance and century-old sanctuary to its stained-glass windows, Ten Commandments plaques, and distinctive cross-topped roofline, the images highlight the enduring beauty and spiritual heritage of this landmark church in the heart of the ancient city.

Church & Ministries

NRAA Sends Christmas Greetings to Catholic, Protestant Communities

National Theological Seminary Delegation Visits Trinity Theological College in Singapore

Chinese Churches Celebrate 30th Anniversary of 'Bible Day'

In November and December 2025, Chinese Christians marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of "Bible Day," a milestone commemorating the central place of the Scriptures in faith and life.

Hubei Releases Illustrated Guide to Counter Extremism and Cults

Hubei Provincial CC&TSPM has officially released an illustrated educational booklet designed to help grassroots churches and believers identify and resist extremism, heterodoxy, and cultic movements.

World

Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem Share Christmas Message

Christmas Celebration in Nigeria Amid Christians Genocidal Debate

WCC Prayer Cycle Calls for Global Solidarity With Greater China

Next week, the Ecumenical Prayer Cycle invites the global church to unite in prayer for Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and the Chinese mainland.

Israeli Ministry of Tourism Preparing for Arrival of 40,000 Christian Tourists for Christmas

With the end of the "Swords of Iron" War, reduced travel warnings, and the return of international flights, Israel's Ministry of Tourism is preparing for the arrival of about 130,000 tourists in December, including about 40,000 Christian pilgrims coming to celebrate Christmas.

China

5 Surprising Facts About History of Christmas in China

A Modern-Day Lois: How My Grandmother's Faith Anchored Our Family

From 'Ping Guo' to Peace: How a Pun Created a Christmas Custom

On China's Highways, Truck Driver and the Wife He Cares For

In China’s freight industry, husband-and-wife trucking teams are common. Yet for one couple, the work looks very different. While the husband drives alone, his wife—seriously ill and unable to live independently—travels with him, relying on his constant care throughout every journey.

Culture

Mary Looks With Prayerful Adoration At God-Recognized in the Child, the Great Spiritual Turning Point of European History of Painting

New Book Reignites Faith This Holiday Season

Through Music and Personal Testimony, Christian Singer Karen Kong Shares Journey of Renewal in Hong Kong

On December 12, Christian singer Karen Kong held a "Zero Distance Concert" at the Black Box Theatre of Kwai Tsing Theatre in Hong Kong, sharing how she encountered God's love and renewal amid brokenness and inner struggle via music and testimony.

Shanghai to Host 2025 JRCC–JSRH Joint Workshop on Christian Studies

The 2025 joint workshop of the Journal for Research of Christianity in China (JRCC) and the Journal of the Study on Religion and History (JSRH) will be held on December 14 at Shanghai University's Baoshan Campus, focusing on theology, Chinese Christian history, comparative religion, and biblical translation studies.

Opinion

From 'Burying Sons' to Broken Lives: Reclaiming Children's Value in Chinese Families

'Unless It's Heresy, You Are My Brother': A Young Minister's Take on Denominational Unity

Meeting World Christianity, Reflecting on China's Church: Notes From Egypt

How do we step out of egocentrism to respect and understand the local contexts of other churches? The participants of the Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order demonstrated to me that only under the same faith, within the gospel, can those who hold power and voice take the initiative to bow their heads and humble themselves, thereby achieving unity.

Digital Shepherding Reimagines Spiritual Presence Beyond the Pews

The digital transformation of ministry is no longer just about toggling between "online" and "offline" modes. Instead, it represents a profound reconstruction of how pastors connect with their flock, who is no longer defined solely by familiar faces in pews, but by fluid, fragmented, yet vividly real lives behind the screen.

LIFE

Advent 2025: Preparing Our Hearts in a Busy World

The Conditions for Revival

The Fool Says, 'There Is no God'

From David’s era to today, atheism has become more vocal, with some relying on science to deny God; yet this reflects a lack of understanding of divine wisdom and creation.

Deeper Joy of Palm Sunday

On the way home, the sunlight seemed especially radiant. I thought to myself, the next time someone asks why I’m joyful, I won’t just say, “Because I believe in Jesus.” I’ll tell them, “Because I know a Lord who died for me and rose again!” That is the source of my joy.