On the evening of December 29, 2024, the World Mission Society Church of God in Gardena, California hosted a vibrant and culturally rich New Year celebration titled A World of New Year’s Wonders. The multicultural event brought together people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate the global traditions surrounding the arrival of the New Year, while emphasizing the love and unity that God wishes to share with all people worldwide.
The church opened its doors to a heartwarming gathering that not only looked forward to the year ahead but also showcased customs and traditions from across the globe. The Church of God used this occasion to share God’s message of salvation with all cultures, emphasizing that the greatest hope for humanity is to be united in love and in the grace of salvation.
A Celebration of Global Traditions
As the clock ticks toward 2025, people worldwide anticipated the coming of a new year, each with their own unique ways of welcoming the occasion. From the Americas to Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond, New Year’s celebrations are filled with colorful and meaningful customs. The church’s celebration was a perfect reflection of this global village, as the audience was invited to engage in the joy and warmth that comes with saying, “Happy New Year!” in multiple languages.
The night was infused with festive energy as attendees learned about fascinating customs from different countries, each symbolizing hopes and wishes for the year ahead. For example, in Japan, people eat long noodles to symbolize a wish for long life, while in Colombia, walking around the block with an empty suitcase is a way of wishing for a year filled with travel. These heartfelt practices were shared with attendees, and the evening was filled with wishes for prosperity, abundance, and, most importantly: God’s wish for salvation.
A Message of Unity and Salvation
The World Mission Society Church of God celebrated not just the beginning of the year, but the unifying spirit of humanity. The evening’s performances beautifully illustrated this unity. One of the most touching moments was the opening performance by the Torrance Choir, who sang “Preach to the Whole World.” Their powerful voices expressed the Church’s central message—God desires the salvation of all people, regardless of nationality or culture. The performance left the audience moved, reminding everyone of the hope for heaven.
Cultural Performances and Foods
The event featured performances and foods from around the world, each representing a unique tradition and bringing their own energy to the celebration. The Jamaican culture team took the stage with a lively rendition of Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds”, spreading positive energy and hope for the year ahead. Following this, the American culture team performed the electric slide, which filled the room with excitement, embodying the new energy that comes with each new beginning. The Mexican culture team then took the stage performing traditional dances, including “Huapango” and “Zapatiado”, showcasing the vibrant rhythms and rich cultural heritage of Mexico.
Many different New Year dishes from around the world were prepared to share with the guests, such as some of Central America’s famous dishes: Popusas, tamales, and a fruity ponche; South Korea’s traditional new year meal: rice cake soup, and Tteokguk; Italy’s unique but delicious combination: Prosciutto e Melone; Africa’s tasty rice: Jollof with plantains; Mexico’s combination of chicharron with guacamole, chips with salsa, horchata de chocolate abuelita, and enmoladas; Southern U.S’s dishes of gumbo, greens, cornbread, and sweet potato pie; Samoa’s sweet and warm Panikeke, and many other dishes from around the world!
The Spirit of Renewal
As the celebration continued, the event highlighted the importance of looking ahead and leaving the past behind. In South Africa, there is a tradition of throwing old furniture out of the windows on New Year’s Eve, symbolizing the act of letting go of the old and welcoming the new. This theme of renewal and hope resonated deeply with the church’s message. The evening was not only about cultural exchange but also about embracing new beginnings and leaving behind the burdens of the past year.
In line with this, the church also reflected on how the Bible prophesies a time when all people will come together in harmony, as it is written in Psalms 133:1, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” This cultural harmony was not only seen in the performances, but was also reflected in the unity shared by everyone present, regardless of their background.
Conclusion
The World Mission Society Church of God’s A World of New Year’s Wonders event was a beautiful and inspiring celebration of the diverse cultures that make up our global community. By sharing the love and grace of God, the event demonstrated how people from all walks of life can unite in peace and joy. The evening’s performances, cultural exchanges, and thoughtful reflections reminded everyone that the greatest wish for the new year is God’s salvation for all people. As we step into 2025, may we carry this spirit of unity, hope, and love into the new year and beyond.
