中文

Year of the Rat is around the corner. The Chinese New Year (also called Spring Festival) celebration back in China often involves cleaning the house, buying new clothes, feasting, giving the 'red packet of money' to unmarried children, firecrackers, and lots of family and friends get-togethers.

This is going to be the fourth Chinese New Year that I am not able to spend with my family, which means I will miss the opportunities to get the red packets again, and no fireworks either. But as usual, this year I'm going to join my friends for a dinner on the eve of the New Year and have a hotpot party with my girlfriends to celebrate.

The Chinese New Year is a celebration of good life, prosperity and happiness in our family and community. Part of celebrating is following certain superstitions such as not sweeping the floor on the first day of New Year as they say that sweeping the dust and dirt out of your house is to sweep away the good fortune of the family.

Although some customs are fun to observe, I think they reflect how deep down in our cultural practices we believe we can determine the destiny of our future.

As a Christian, one thing that I know we should do well is celebration. I can celebrate even when life is not full of "good luck and prosperity" because knowing Jesus Christ helps me make sense of the troubles that come my way. To me, Chinese New Year is not just celebrating our community and family, but more importantly, the purpose, love, peace and joy that Jesus Christ brings to life.

I pray for the good health of my family and friends in the New Year, and that I'll not only ask for things but also realize and thank my heavenly father how much love and blessing I already have received.

I wish you all a very happy Chinese New Year!! 春节快乐！