It’s the Lunar New Year! You visit a home, you encounter a friend on the streets, you meet a colleague, and you want to wish them well during this festive season. 

But every Chinese New Year greeting you know seems somehow too worldly. For instance:

• 恭喜发财 “May you be happy and prosperous.” But we know that true joy is found in the presence of God. (1 Thessalonians 3:9)
• 财源广进 “May you have much wealth and treasures.” But we are admonished not to pursue wealth. (Proverbs 23:4)
• 心想事成 “May you have all your heart desires.” But our hearts are deceitful and we should seek God first. (Jeremiah 17:9-10 and Matthew 6:33)

Then there is the tricky issue of this being the Year of the Dragon. The mythical creature is a Chinese symbol of power. 龙马精神 “May you have the spirit of the dragon and the horse.” But the dragon is a symbol of rebellion in the Bible. (Revelation 12:3) 

To have a way to still greet our family and friends warmly this Chinese New Year, Salt&Light consulted pastors for a Christian spin to traditional greetings. 

For the new year

• 忘记背后辞旧岁, 努力面前迎新春
  Let us forget the year that has passed and work towards welcoming the new year. (Philippians 3:13)

• 敬虔度日守真道
  Live godly lives, hold to the truth.

• 相爱和睦享平安
  Love one another and live in peace with each other. (1 Peter 3:8, Titus 2:12-13)

• 新春蒙恩又蒙福
  May your new year be filled with God’s grace and blessing.

• 新年蒙福
  Blessed new year!

For an abundant life

• 愿您领受神源源不断的福分！祝您福杯满溢！
  May you receive God’s abundant blessings and may your cup run over.

• 有神，您的人生有如向日葵光辉灿烂、芬香绽放！
  With God, your life will be as bright and fragrant as a sunflower.

• 丰衣足食主施恩
  It is God who provides abundantly out of His grace.

• 愿您大小安康，满有主的喜乐！
  May all in your household experience God’s joy.

For good health (especially for the elderly)

• 祝您新年快乐、身心灵安康、主愛永伴随着
  Have a Happy New Year. May your body and soul be well, and God’s love be with you.

• 祝您 新春蒙恩, 身心健康
  May your new year be filled with God’s grace and may you be healthy in body and soul.

• 益寿延年神赐福
  May God bless you with a long life.

• 祝您 在新的一年, 主恩足够用, 怎样的日子, 怎样的力量
  In this new year, May God’s grace upon you be abundant. May you enjoy strength all your days.

These blessings were contributed by 

• Ps Chris Ho, Associate Vicar, Church of Our Saviour
• Rev Chua Ooi Suah, Associate Pastor, Yishun Methodist Church
• Ps Elaine Chua, Pastor In Charge (Chinese Church), Living Sanctuary Brethren Church
• Rev Charis Ong, Senior Pastor & Founder, Fruitful Vine Church

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