THE BLESSINGS OF GOD IN THE NEW YEAR
This post originally appeared on 10 Feb 2024 – Lunar New Year 2024
A Blessed & Prosperous Lunar New Year to you. 新年快乐
As we rejoice & exult in God’s blessings upon us this Chinese New Year, we take this time to praise & thank the Lord for all that he has done for us & given to us – our life, family, friends, parish community, good health, peace, financial blessings & fulfillment. Indeed, it is fitting & right that we should say out loudly the words of the psalmist in Psalm 118:1 – “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His love endures forever.”
One of the distinctive actions that take place during the Lunar New Year is the exchange of happy & blessed greetings to our family, friends & the people we meet (in addition to the exchange of Mandarin Oranges & the giving of Red Packets). And that is really a wonderful thing for all – for the recipient who hears & receives the blessed & uplifting words; and also for the speaker who pronounces these words. I’m reminded of what St. Paul so wisely told the Ephesians in his letter to them, Chapter 4 Verse 29: “Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.”
So, with this in mind, let me wish all readers bountiful & overflowing blessings with some of my favourite greetings (in Mandarin, of course) 😊 And how can we just speak kind words alone without also declaring & cherishing the Word of God that reinforces these auspicious message?
新年蒙福
Blessed New Year
“O God, be gracious and bless us, and let your face shed its light upon us. May God still give us His blessing till the ends of the earth revere Him” (Psalm 67:1,7)
万事如意
May All Things Go Well
“The Lord will open for you his rich storehouse, the heavens, to give the rain of your land in its season and to bless all your undertakings.” (Deuteronomy 28:12)
心想事成
May All Your Heart’s Wishes Come True
‘If you trust in the Lord and do good, then you will live in the land and be secure. If you find your delight in the Lord, He will grant all your heart’s desires.” (Psalm 37:3-4)
年年有余
May Each Year Be Filled With Abundance
“You crown the year with Your goodness, abundance flows in Your steps.” (Psalm 65:11)
Once again, a Blessed Lunar New Year to you. May God bless you always & fill your heart with His grace & peace.
Article by Damian Boon, HFC Blog Team Lead