The Old Has Gone, The New Has Come!
by Sukmay Yei / Cross-cultural Ministries
The Old Has Gone, The New Has Come!
(2 Corinthians 5:17)
What a blessing that the day the church scheduled me to submit the Staff Blog this year is exactly the first day of the Chinese New Year (2/16/2018)!
In my heritage, to prepare for the New Year we clean our whole house to signify that the “Old has gone and the New has come.”* When dusting my home, 2 Corinthians 5:17 always comes to my mind and brings a smile to my face. I am so blessed that my dear Lord cleanses me inside out and gives me an abundant new life (John 10:10)!
Our New Year decorations are always in RED, which symbolizes “Blessings”.* The color red reminds me of Jesus’ love and His blood – it was Him who gave His life as a ransom of many (Mark 10:45). What a blessing to us!
“Blessings and Peace” are the main emphasis of our New Year greetings.* Before I became a Christian, the blessings and peace that I could have can only be from the earth. But now my Lord Jesus Christ is pouring His version of blessings and peace into my life non-stop, from heaven:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3-10)
“The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it.” (Proverbs 10:22)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Nowadays in North America, we even blend these verses into our traditional New Year couplets! My pre-Christian friends (American or Chinese) are always so surprised and ask, “Christianity faith relates to Chinese culture too?” I love questions like these! And my answer is “Sure”! Because our Lord is the Lord of everyone: He so loved the world – including you and me – that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life!” (John 3:16)
Again, what a blessing to us! Thank You Jesus … Thank You so much!
*Inspired by a 2015 Chinese New Year Poster (designed by a EHWC sister)
 |
| The Chinese writing for the word “Blessing”, pronounced as “foo” or “fu”. |
The Old Has Gone, The New Has Come!
(2 Corinthians 5:17)
What a blessing that the day the church scheduled me to submit the Staff Blog this year is exactly the first day of the Chinese New Year (2/16/2018)!
In my heritage, to prepare for the New Year we clean our whole house to signify that the “Old has gone and the New has come.”* When dusting my home, 2 Corinthians 5:17 always comes to my mind and brings a smile to my face. I am so blessed that my dear Lord cleanses me inside out and gives me an abundant new life (John 10:10)!
Our New Year decorations are always in RED, which symbolizes “Blessings”.* The color red reminds me of Jesus’ love and His blood – it was Him who gave His life as a ransom of many (Mark 10:45). What a blessing to us!
“Blessings and Peace” are the main emphasis of our New Year greetings.* Before I became a Christian, the blessings and peace that I could have can only be from the earth. But now my Lord Jesus Christ is pouring His version of blessings and peace into my life non-stop, from heaven:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3-10)
“The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it.” (Proverbs 10:22)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Nowadays in North America, we even blend these verses into our traditional New Year couplets! My pre-Christian friends (American or Chinese) are always so surprised and ask, “Christianity faith relates to Chinese culture too?” I love questions like these! And my answer is “Sure”! Because our Lord is the Lord of everyone: He so loved the world – including you and me – that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life!” (John 3:16)
Again, what a blessing to us! Thank You Jesus … Thank You so much!
*Inspired by a 2015 Chinese New Year Poster (designed by a EHWC sister)