Church of The Holy Name of Mary, Permatang Tinggi Holds Its First Christmas Float Procession

Church of The Holy Name of Mary, Permatang Tinggi marked a historic milestone in parish history on 23 December 2025 (Tuesday). For the first time, the parish organized a Christmas Float Procession within the village, drawing the enthusiastic participation of more than 500 parishioners and villagers, and filling the entire community with a deep and joyful Christmas spirit. 

At 7:30 p.m., the procession set off from the parish, making its way through the village streets and lanes before arriving at the village community hall. Along the route, lights sparkled and carols resounded. Artificial snow gently cascaded from the Christmas float, drifting through the night sky and glowing lights, as the Good News seemed to flow through every corner of the village—bringing with it the light and hope of Christmas. 

At the community hall, the parish choir lifted voices in song and joy, proclaiming the true story of Christmas. Fr. Louis, the parish priest, appeared dressed as Santa Claus and, in a lively and approachable manner, guided the crowd to rediscover the heart and meaning of Christmas—helping everyone reflect on who the true centre of Christmas really is. 

At the start of the programme, Fr. Louis posed a question to the crowd: “Who is the main figure of Christmas? Is it Santa Claus?” 

He then explained in a simple and engaging way that Santa Claus is not a fictional character, but is rooted in a real historical figure—Saint Nicholas. Saint Nicholas was a fourth-century bishop from ancient Asia (present-day Turkey), renowned for his generosity and compassion toward the poor and toward children. Tradition holds that he would secretly help those in need at night, and over time he became known as a giver of gifts. Through centuries of cultural development, the spiritual legacy of this saint gradually evolved into the familiar image of Santa Claus—dressed in red, with a white beard and a kind smile—symbolizing love, generosity, and self-giving. 

Fr. Louis then led the audience to the true Christmas story—a story of love, humility, and hope. He recounted how, at the time of the census ordered by the Roman emperor, Joseph journeyed with the pregnant Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem. When night fell, the small town was overcrowded, and there was no room for them at the inn. They found shelter instead in a humble stable. It was there, in silence and cold, that Jesus was born—without a palace, without a crown, laid in a manger, with hay for His bed. 

Meanwhile, shepherds keeping watch in the fields heard angels proclaim in the night sky: “Today in the City of David a Saviour has been born for you.” 

They hurried to Bethlehem and found the Child lying in the manger, realizing that God’s light had come first to the lowly. Not long after, the Magi from the East, guided by a radiant star, arrived bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, signifying kingship, divinity, and sacrificial mission. Thus, a Saviour was born in poverty, and a new hope quietly unfolded for the world. 

Fr. Louis emphasized that Christmas is not merely a celebration, but a reminder for life: 

• Love can be born from humility
• Light can pierce through darkness
• God truly dwells among His people 

To help the audience visualize the message, dramatic sketches and dance performances were woven into the narration, bringing the Christmas story vividly to life and deeply touching the hearts of those present. 

As the event drew to a close, Fr. Louis warmly invited everyone to participate in the upcoming Christmas Vigil and Christmas Day Masses. Amid joyful singing, he distributed small gifts and sweets to the children, filling the square with warmth, laughter, and festive cheer. 

The Christmas Float Procession then continued through the village streets once more and concluded successfully at around 10:45 p.m. The faithful gathered in front of the church for a group photograph, bringing this celebration—rich in faith, joy, and unity—to a perfect and memorable close.