It is that time of the year again, when people lift their eyes beyond the daily hard grind and weariness of life to the hope that things will be better in the new year.
Fai chuns are put up to draw good luck. Homes are decorated with flowers and oranges for prosperity. The colour red adorns everything to ward off bad luck and the mythical Nian. Well-wishing phrases are exchanged, while words associated with misfortune are avoided, all in a superstitious hope to secure wealth and happiness.
Beneath all the folk religion practices and attempts to conjure blessings is a dissatisfaction with our broken and messy present life. There is a deep longing for something better.
The Bible speaks to this reality, describing life after the Fall, when humans rejected God, the giver of all good things. Misery and toil entered the world, many people continue to rely on their own efforts to make things better. We see this is put on full display during Chinese New Year.
As Christians, we live in a much better narrative. Through Jesus, we have been reconciled with God, who gives good things to his children (Matt 7:11; James 1:17). No wonder the Bible writers describe thankfulness as a distinctive mark of a Christian. We are those who are “giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph 5:20). In Christ, we have already received grace and are richly blessed: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Eph 1:3).

may God remind us that he has given us all in Christ
How does that shape the way we celebrate Chinese New Year?
Firstly, consider our hearts. Rather than being swept along the frenzy of activities to invite prosperity, we should humbly remember that we are recipients of a generous Father who knows our needs. Rather than always wanting more and resorting to superstitious practices in an attempt to gain, we ask our Father in heaven and be thankful and content.
Secondly, consider our words. How should we respond to “kung hei fat choi” and similar blessings? While a polite “Happy Chinese New Year” is appropriate, could we also respond in a way that sparks gospel conversations? Perhaps by saying, “Thank you, Jesus has given me more than enough” or “I’m thoroughly blessed in Jesus already.” For those who are bold and courageous, I encourage you to try this—and let me know how the conversation goes!
In this season, when people strive for blessings, may God remind us that he has already given us everything in Christ and that we are a people of thanksgiving. May God use us to speak a better word and point others to the true blessing found only in Jesus.