During the Chinese New Year, many will be busy with all the visiting, feasting, chatting, etc. But in the midst of all this, remember the Lord Jesus Christ. And let the activities and items of cultural significance be catalysts for not only remembering what He has done for you but also let them be opportunities to witness for Him. During this time of the year, we can remember and share with others about our salvation, changed lives, and eternal hope.
The Significance of the Colour Red – Our Salvation
The colour red is significant to the Chinese: it¹s a colour of prosperity, happiness, and good luck themes celebrated during Chinese New Year.
As Christians, the colour red is also very significant to us. We as believers have the blood of Christ, the Lamb of God, shed for us for the remission of sin. So during this Chinese New Year, as we don our red clothes and drape red banners over our doors, let us remember what the Lord Jesus Christ has done for us and to be thankful for our salvation.
The Significance of Spring – Our Changed Lives
Chinese New Year is also called the Spring Festival because it occurs at the cusp of winter and spring. It celebrates the coming of new life after a long winter. Debts are paid off, and when friends and family members meet, greetings are exchanged and old grievances are forgotten.
We have been saved by the shed blood of Christ unto a new life. There should be a changed life – our appetites and our desires should be those of Christ. Our behaviour and our manners should be that of Christ. As we visit our friends and relatives, let us remember to show forth our changed lives. Let us show forth the fragrance of the fruit we bear in Christ.
Chinese New Year, although joyful, can be a painful time for some of us. There might be relatives and friends we loathe to meet. We might wish we could sever ties with them. What are the hurts that exist between you and them? Forgive as Christ has forgiven, and seek forgiveness, to pay the debt and to start off the year with a clean slate before God and man.
The Significance of the Feast Our Eternal Hope
Chinese New Year is a time of feasting and there is great significance in the food consumed. Pineapple tarts are eaten to signify the coming of wealth. Raw fish is tossed high with crunchy vegetables and candied spices to symbolize the hope of abundant life and success in business.
But for those who are believers, we know that the Lord is in charge of all things and circumstances. As we enjoy the reunion dinner with our families on Chinese New Year’s Eve, let us look forward to our eternal hope, not in the material gains of this life, but in our future rewards.
As we eat the reunion dinner and as we visit our relatives and friends, let us consider them and ask if they shall partake together with us, that great Marriage Feast of the Lamb. Let us share with them the greater significance of the colour red, of a permanent spring, and an eternal feast. (MARK CHEN)