Light of Jesus shines bright at rain-soaked Rose Parade

In 136 years, it had only rained 10 times at the Tournament of Roses Parade, and not in the last two decades. But on January 1 as the floats were lined up in the dark hours of the morning, the skies opened.

What followed as daylight dawned could only be described as a steady downpour.

But wrapped in a plastic poncho, Lutheran Church Charities President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer was onboard — as an invited float rider on the Lutheran Hour Ministries parade entry and with the elements.

“We’re getting ready to go down [the route] and wave to everybody,” an upbeat Singer said on a Facebook Live stream as the parade began. “We’re so thankful for Lutheran Hour Ministries and the opportunity to be here with Lutheran Church Charities. What a blessing it’s going to be — even though it’s raining. … Lo and behold, I’m in it! I’m in the middle of history!”

LHM’s float committee invited Singer to ride with its CEO Kurt Buchholz for the 2026 event, which marked LHN’s 75th appearance in the parade.

The float, made of small flowers and dried plant material, was themed “Bringing Christ to the Nations.” It featured a Team Jesus blimp flying over the world and coming forth from the church as Jesus celebrates with 12 modern-day disciples with the message “ALL WELCOME.”

What a beautiful witness to the Gospel and the mission of sharing Christ’s love with the world! Millions tuned in to watch the broadcast of the 5.5-mile parade down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, CA.

“We give thanks for this opportunity to proclaim God’s love on such a grand stage,” Singer said. “May this moment encourage hearts, strengthen faith, and remind us all that we are called to shine His light wherever He places us.”

This years’ float was designed and built over the course of several months, from the initial design to the scaffolding to the finished product.  More than 4,000 volunteer “Petal Pushers” decorated not only the Lutheran Hour float, but many of the floats that will be featured in the parade.

On its website, Lutheran Hour Ministries stated: “Team Jesus serves as a reminder that it takes all to fulfill the callings Christ has place upon us to do the work of bringing Christ and His redeeming love to the world. LHM invites you to meet or meet anew the source of hope and joy that cannot be taken away. Come, see, hear, and experience the goodness of Jesus Christ.”