1 Peter 3:15

Share the Good News

Today is the last Sunday of January 2025 and also the last Sunday before Chinese New Year. Perhaps this week, as we look forward to Chinese New Year and the associated festivities and relationship catch-ups, it would be good for us as Christians to also consider what the current season of the church is according to the Traditional Church Calendar. We are currently in the Season of the Epiphany, which sits between seasons of Christmas and Lent.

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. (1 Pet 3:15)

The word “Epiphany” means “appearance” or “manifestation”. And the question to ask in this season of the Epiphany is, “Who is Jesus?” and this is essentially the crux of the Gospel. The Gospel is not just a series of events concerning the life and ministry of Jesus. It is good news because the Son of God came as a sinless man and died a sinner’s death, became the Son of Man, so that we can become sons (and daughters) of God. In this beginning of the Season of the Epiphany, I pray that we all would take some time to recall and recognise who Jesus is to us – personally. Who is Jesus to you? And in that pondering, I pray that we might find reasons for the faith that we profess. As Apostle Peter exhorts us,
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15)
And this CNY, as you meet many whom you may not have met in a long time, may the Lord grant you opportunities to share this good news with loved ones with gentleness and respect. As your pastor and as your friend, I pray that your light will shine brighter than ever before because you know who you are in Jesus Christ and revere Him as Lord.