This is my first pastoral sharing of the year, so let me begin by wishing all brothers and sisters at MAC a Happy New Year! May you have good health and be filled with the abundant grace of the Lord!
Have you had any celebrations for the New Year or the Lunar New Year? Perhaps a family reunion dinner or a gathering with close friends? Being able to celebrate with family and loved ones is truly a joyful blessing.
Our family has been living in the UK for several years now. This year, the Lunar New Year atmosphere in Manchester feels particularly vibrant. In addition to the traditional celebrations in Chinatown, the city center is adorned with red lanterns. From 2024 onwards, a Lunar New Year fair has also been organized by the Hong Kong community in the UK, adding to the festive spirit. The fair features stalls selling decorative gifts, handmade crafts, and various festive delicacies. A stage is set up for performances, including music and dance, and there are food stalls with long queues of people waiting to enjoy traditional festive treats.
In fact, it is thanks to these celebrations that I don’t forget when the Lunar New Year falls! Living in the UK, especially in areas without a significant Chinese or Hong Kong community, one might have little connection to the festival. It’s not hard to imagine that without these reminders, we could gradually forget when the first day of the Lunar New Year is—and the next generation might not even know what it is at all!
Why am I sharing all this about Lunar New Year celebrations?
If I were to say that preserving Chinese and Hong Kong cultural traditions relies on our active participation and engagement, then how much more should this apply to the passing on of our Christian faith? Of course, the answer may seem simple evangelism, sharing the gospel, and giving testimonies. But just as cultural traditions are upheld through our involvement, the same principle applies to our faith. The church is currently encouraging fellowship groups to engage in Bible study and
spiritual life, and over the next six months, we will be using study materials from Alliance Bible Seminary to deepen our spiritual. In May, our church will observe Mission Month, reminding us that as Christians, we are called to have a heart for mission. Do we respond with action and participation?
I hope this brief sharing encourages us all to reflect. Our Christian faith is not just an individual belief—it is a communal faith. If we are to pass it on, we must engage personally and unite our efforts. May this also serve as a reminder not to forget our calling to share the gospel.
Rev Yeung