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25 & 26 Jan 2025 (Pastoral Page) BLESSING OTHERS DURING CHINESE NEW YEAR

amelia

By Asst Ps Patrick Chan Yin


As the Chinese Lunar New Year is around the corner (29/30 January), millions of people around the world will be gathering with their families, sharing meals, and exchanging blessings for the year ahead. But for Christians, this season offers a unique opportunity to embody God’s love by blessing others across the generations. I would like to share some thoughts on how we may bless the younger generation.


The Significance of Blessing Others

In Scripture, blessings hold a profound significance. They are not merely words of goodwill but they have the power to uplift, guide, and affirm others in their journey with God. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” When we speak blessings over others, especially the young ones, we impart life-giving words that can shape their identity and purpose.


The act of blessing younger generations mirrors God’s design for intergenerational faithfulness. Psalm 145:4 declares, “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.” Blessings, then, become a channel for declaring God’s goodness, guiding the next generation to trust Him more deeply.


Blessings During the Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year is rich with traditions centred on family and renewal. It’s a time for new beginnings and expressing gratitude. In our Christian households, this season can be a beautiful time to align cultural practices with spiritual truths (wherever is applicable).


  1. Red Packets with Purpose

A cherished Lunar New Year tradition is the giving of red packets (angbaos) containing money, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. For Christians, these packets can carry not only financial gifts but also written prayers and blessings. These can include a personalized note with a scripture verse or a prayer that can remind young recipients of their value in God’s eyes and His plans for their future. Jeremiah 29:11 is a fitting verse: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”


  1. Words of Encouragement

Words spoken during this season carry weight. Use this time to speak affirmations into the lives of children and youth. Acknowledge their unique gifts, talents, and the ways God is working in their lives. Remind them that they are deeply loved and have a special purpose in God’s kingdom. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”


  1. Prayer and Laying on of Hands

Another way to bless younger generations is through prayer. Gather as a family to pray over the children and youth, asking God to guide and protect them in the coming year. Laying hands on them, as seen in biblical blessings (Mark 10:13-16), can add a powerful, personal touch to these prayers. Jesus welcomed and blessed children, reminding us that the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.


Teaching Gratitude and Generosity

The Lunar New Year is also a time to teach the younger generation the value of gratitude and generosity. Encourage them to not only receive blessings but also to bless others. Luke 6:38 teaches, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Simple acts like sharing their red packet gifts with those in need or writing “Thank You” notes to elders can instill a spirit of generosity and humility in them.


The Chinese Lunar New Year is a season brimming with opportunities to bless others. As Christians, we are called to speak life, impart faith, and demonstrate God’s love. By combining cultural traditions with spiritual principles, we can turn this celebration into a holy time of renewal and encouragement.


May this coming Lunar New Year celebrations be filled with the joy of family, the hope of Christ, and the blessings of God passed down from one generation to the next. Blessed CNY everyone!


“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26). 🙏🙌

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