Bible Day in China is an annual observance that calls Christians to deepen their love for and reverence toward the Word of God. Rooted in the global Bible movement initiated by the British and Foreign Bible Society in 1804, Bible Day was formally established in China in 1995.
In 2019, the 100th anniversary of the publication of the Chinese Union Version Bible, Bible Day activities were revived with much enthusiasm. From 2019 to 2024, the themes of Bible Day were "Transcribe the Bible," "Read the Bible," "Sing the Bible," "Paint the Bible," "Live the Bible," and "Memorize the Bible," respectively.
2025: 30th Anniversary of Bible Day
In 2025, to commemorate Bible Day’s 30th anniversary, China Christian Council & Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Church in China (CCC&TSPM) organized an essay writing campaign centered on the themes: "Looking Back on the Imprint of the Bible in One’s Growth" and "Bearing Witness to the Light of Truth Shining into Reality." Believers from various provinces and churches were invited to pen down the impact of God’s Word in their lives and faith journeys across generations. Selected essays would be compiled into a 30th Anniversary commemorative volume.
Although Bible Day was traditionally designated to be celebrated on the second Sunday of December every year, churches all across China celebrated Bible Day in 2025 from November to December, with various activities such as Bible exhibitions, Bible quizzes, scripture copying and recitation, thematic sharing sessions, and thanksgiving worship services.
Bible Day Celebrative Events Across Provinces
Christians from Chendian Christ Church in Shanghai showcased their favorite Bible verses through calligraphy while sharing their testimonies. Their commitment to living out their faith was creatively expressed through calligraphing Bible verses on daily items, such as bags and calendars. These beautifully written calligraphy pieces demonstrated their love for the Bible as they embrace their culture and weave it into their practice of faith.
Undeterred by sub-zero temperatures in the Northeast, believers and lay leaders in Jilin province gathered at various meeting points to recite Scriptures and share personal testimonies. Dong Yufen, an elderly Christian, quoted Matthew 7:7, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you," saying, "This verse reminds me that though I may be advanced in age and may not have the strength to serve actively in church, I can pray unceasingly for the nations, for China, for the Church and her leaders."
In Wuxi, Jiangsu province, Ronggang Church organized a Bible exhibition featuring various Bible editions from different historical periods, as well as Bible translations in ethnic minority languages, to highlight the rich heritage of the Scripture. Rev Shi Wei piqued the interest of attendees as he shared the origins of Bible Day in China and the significance of different editions of the Bible.
In Linfen, Shanxi province, believers at Yaodu Church hosted a thanksgiving service and events like Scripture reading, recitation, testimony sharing, and exhibitions of nearly 100 Bible versions and hand-copied passages. Similarly, Christians at Chengqu Church in Jincheng held a "Bible Study and Spiritual Devotion" event that included scripture recitation games, devotional sharing, performances, and a session on recognizing false teachings.
In Zhongshan, Guangdong Province, the Dongsheng Meeting Point organised a Bible knowledge competition focusing on the teachings and stories of the four Gospels. More than 40 participants took part in team-based challenges designed to encourage believers to integrate biblical principles in a fun and engaging manner.
Churches in Urumqi hosted a series of "My Life with the Bible" sessions to deepen believers' connection to Scripture. Through activities such as scripture memorization, personal storytelling, and sharing of pastoral experiences, various churches encouraged members to practice biblical truths in their daily lives.
The Bible and Us
All across China, Christians participated in Bible Day celebrations with enthusiasm and fervence.
The significance of these activities is to encourage Chinese Christians to remain rooted in God’s Word while embracing their cultural heritage and identity. On a church level, the celebration of Bible Day bears collective witness to the enduring truth of Scripture and the faithful transmission of faith across generations. On an individual level, Bible Day encourages each Christian to reflect deeply on their relationship with God’s Word.
Let us pray for the Christians in China — that their love for God’s Word will continue to grow and that they may be fully equipped in Christ for every good work.
Story: Adapted from reports by CCC&TSPM and China Christian Daily
Photos: CCC&TSPM and China Christian Daily
2026 ⓒ UBS China Partnership
