loader image
CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS AND LENT REFLECTION
February 11, 2024

A Blessed, Joyful and Healthy New Year.

Today marks the second day of the Lunar New Year. On behalf of Kum Yan Church, I extend warm wishes to our brothers, sisters, and friends for a Blessed, Joyful and Healthy New Year. May your loved ones be abundantly blessed too!

A year ago, I came across an interesting, timely and creative guide titled “Lunar New Year Yusheng Auspicious Sayings”. Naturally, I expressed my appreciation with a “like” for the author. I am delighted to share these sayings with you here.

Today marks the second day of the Lunar New Year. On behalf of Kum Yan Church, I extend warm wishes to our brothers, sisters, and friends for a Blessed, Joyful and Healthy New Year. May your loved ones be abundantly blessed too!

  • When adding the raw fish, let’s say together: Abundance year after year (年年有余)! God provides food in abundance (Job 36:31).
  • When adding the pomelo or lime, let’s say together: Everything goes well (百事顺利)! God is with us, and we prosper (Genesis 39:2).
  • When adding the five-spice powder or pepper, let’s say together: Blessings descend upon our homes (恩福临门)! All blessings shall come upon us (Deuteronomy 18:2).
  • When pouring the oil, let’s say together: Keep it up (努力加油)! The jug of oil will not run dry (1 Kings 17:14).
  • When adding the sweet sauce, let’s say together: Sweet as honey (甜甜蜜蜜)! God’s Word is sweeter than honey (Psalm 19:10).
  • When adding the peanuts, let’s say together: Produce offspring (开枝散叶)! The gospel of God’s kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations (Matthew 24:14).
  • When adding the crackers, let’s say together: Abundant treasures (金玉满堂)! The genuineness of our faith is of greater worth than gold (1 Peter 1:7).

Dear brothers and sisters, as we celebrate in this festive season, let’s remember God’s loving kindness and every good gift. Let’s share God’s goodness and greatness with our friends and relatives. May our loved ones embrace God’s abundant blessings and experience the joy of salvation.

Finally, a gentle reminder, during this festive season, let’s keep in mind that this coming Wednesday (14 February) is Ash Wednesday – reminding us that mankind was created in God’s own image. God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Mankind is from the dust, and to dust, all return. The period between Ash Wednesday to Easter marks the Lent season. During this period, we encourage brothers and sisters to set aside time for meditation, prayer and reflection, so that you will be rejuvenated and spiritually renewed.

By PS LAW POH ING

Pastor