"The origin of the Chinese New Year Festival can be traced back thousands of years through a continually evolving series of colorful legends and traditions. One of the most famous legends is that of Nien 年, an extremely cruel and ferocious beast, which the Chinese believe, eats people on New Year's Eve. To keep Nien away, red-paper couplets are pasted on doors, torches are lit, and firecrackers are set off throughout the night, because Nien is said to fear the color red, the light of fire, and loud noises. Early the next morning, as feelings of triumph and renewal fill the air at successfully keeping Nien away for another year, the most popular greeting heard is kung-hsi 恭喜, or "congratulations." ( Source :http://www.china.org.cn/english/features/SpringFestival/200005.htm)
This Chinese legend is strongly reminiscent of the Passover story in the Bible. Exodus 12:12,13 tell us what happened during the Passover : "For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt."
We have a great reason to celebrate now because as believers, we are covered by the precious blood of our Saviour! His blood which was shed on the cross for the remission of all our sins has set us free from the law of sin and death. Because of Jesus' finished work on the cross, we need not be afraid of the "terror by night, nor for the arrow that flies by day; Nor for the pestilence that walks in darkness; Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noon day." (Psalm 91:5,6)
Praise God! Revelations 12:11 tells us that we have overcome the devil by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony! Hallelujah! Christ's precious shed blood on the cross has overcome the devil. Our adversary is nothing but a toothless foe, he has no more power over the believer. What a wonderful reason to celebrate!
Jesus is the Reason for the Season! Blessed Chinese (Lunar) New Year to all my Chinese friends :)
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