Monica Yip
This year’s Lunar New Year comes exceptionally early. We have just stepped into a new year, and now it’s time to celebrate the Spring Festival. During the Lunar New Year, Chinese people in different parts of the world will follow the traditions they remember and celebrate, like wearing new clothes, giving out red envelopes, and paying a New Year visit to loved ones. Even for those who may not be at their place of origin, they still celebrate the New Year somehow. One widely practiced New Year tradition is to extend New Year greetings to others. During the Spring Festival, people of all ages extend New Year greetings whenever they see each other. Even second generation Chinese who grew up in the States are all well trained and can recite the greetings without any difficulties. When we say “New Year Blessings” to each other at church, have you ever considered what “blessings” we are talking about? Truly we are really blessed in Christ. The Bible reminds us that our heavenly Father is generous in bestowing blessings on us, just as David put it: “…apart from you I have no good thing.” ( Psalm 16:2b)
At the beginning of the Year of the Rabbit, let us look at some greetings in Christ. Let us count our blessings, admonish one another, and support each other throughout the year.
Can you think of any other blessings in Christ that you can use to greet others in this bustling, joyous, and festive season? As for me, my favorite one is “It is a land the Lord your God cares for; the eyes of the Lord your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end.” (Deuteronomy 11:12 NIV) Our God is always there for us, watches over us, blesses us with goodness, and gives us peace. What a blessing to be in Him!
Presence Quotient Canada™, an affiliate partner of Presence, is a non-profit organization that has supported Christian and family values since 2021. We aim to raise up a new generation for the cultural mission — equip individuals and families to bridge the cultural and generational gaps and to live a unique life with wisdom.
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