The 136th Tournament of Roses Parade will be held on Jan. 1, 2025, in Pasadena, California, beginning at 8 a.m. Pacific Time. Building off the parade theme of “Best Day Ever,” the 2025 Lutheran Hour Ministries float entry is titled “Behold! Jesus the Savior is Born” and marks the 74th time the ministry has been part of the parade.
The float will feature two heralding angels calling viewers to the birth of Jesus and to the church where Jesus may be found. The stained-glass windows of the church will feature some of the “best days” of Jesus’ life. The LHM float invites viewers to meet—or meet anew—the Source of hope and joy that cannot be taken away by anything that the world throws at you. Come, see, hear, and experience God’s goodness.
The LHM float will be positioned as the 54th entry in the 2025 parade (about midpoint in the parade). The float should pass by the Grandstand between approximately 9:00-9:15 a.m. PST. Riders on this year’s float include Becky Pagel, LHM’s vice president of constituency; Artis Purins, director of LHM—Latvia; and pastors and laypeople from throughout Southern California.
As a self-funded project of the Southern California District of the Lutheran Laymen’s League, the LHM float is the only Christian float in the annual parade. The float carries on a mission to provide a Gospel witness to viewers everywhere, from the 5.5-mile parade route in Pasadena to televisions and computers around the world. There are several television channels, streaming outlets, and social media platforms televising the 2025 parade. Check your local listings for the best viewing options.
In addition to sharing Christ along the parade route, volunteers are stationed in booths around the parade and float decorating sites to engage in hundreds of individual conversations with visitors regarding the spiritual meaning of the LHM float. These English and bilingual volunteers also distribute thousands of souvenir “Behold! Jesus the Savior is Born” postcards as well as a variety of LHM’s topical Project Connect booklets for both adults and children.
To learn more about the LHM float, volunteer opportunities, or ways to support this project, visit www.lhm.org/petalpushers.