Getting Ready for Chinese New Year

Recently Debbie did some shopping and took these pics which reveal some of our life in Shanghai.

About two miles from our apartment, Hongquo Road ends at one of the busiest intersections in our part of Shanghai. The Grand Gateway Mall is located here across the street from an 8 story tall electronics mall called Metro City. Next door to that huge area is a four story Best Buy. Walk across a pedestrian bridge and you will be at yet another huge department store/mall.

I find the mix of old and new very interesting in this great city.

The buildings not only reflect the sky, but reflect the changing culture as "western" music, clothes, and money influence the present and future of China.

(These men pound a special dough which will be used to make a dumpling prepared especially for the New Year celebration)

The Chinese New Year will soon be upon us as 6 billion people celebrate, what is to them, one of the most important holidays of the Chinese year. It is connected with the lunar new year. Each year is connected also with one of twelve animals whose traits reflect mythological characteristics for people during the next 12 months.

2009, in China, is called The Year of the Ox.

Listen to what is being said of this year: "We will feel the yoke of responsibility coming down on us this year. No success can be achieved without conscientious efforts. The trials and tribulations the Ox year brings will be mainly on the home front. It is a good time to settle domestic affairs and put your house in order. The OX or Buffalo sign symbolizes prosperity through hard work and fortitude."
It's an interesting bit of advice, but one that would do well for us to observe every year. To my way of thinking, it has little to do with the ox, and everything to do with man's nature to get out of control and to want something for little or nothing.

Chuck Colson, noted former political insider, and now Christian minister indicates in a column he writes for Christianity Today, that in his opinion the mess the US, and even the rest of the world is in financially will probably not be fixed by politicians. He believes that the problem is a spiritual one that has to do with self gratification and greed.

At the Taoist Temple entrance above, throngs of people stop by on their way to shop near the YuYuan Garden and old town shopping area. This temple was built just after Columbus discovered America in the early 1500's.

Just inside the gate is a courtyard where those seeking something "more" burn incense and face the north, south, east and west hoping to cover their bases in honoring the town god. In the inner building a large golden image of the "god of Shanghai," which is, historically, the god of money watches over other gifts of fruit. Here the red faced, bearded town god stands - empty, cold, and without answers.

There is something inside these worshipers, down deep in their inner being that speaks of a truth that may not be logical to the natural mind. It is deep calling unto deep - from somewhere inside and yet out "there," which says, "You need to turn to your creator, to the God who made you for the answers.

Red lanterns already begin to be displayed getting ready for the culmination of the Chinese New Year, the Festival of Lanterns.
Children enjoy more modern characters which will be represented as lanterns,too.

In old times, only the Emperor could afford lanterns that were brightly colored, while peasants could only have plain, simple lanterns.

The Lantern Festival marks the end of the lunar New Year celebration and is held under a full moon. The celebration is 2000 years old.


In one such legend, the Jade Emperor in Heaven was so angered at a town for killing his favorite goose, that he decided to destroy it with a storm of fire. However, a good-hearted fairy heard of this act of vengeance, and warned the people of the town to light lanterns throughout the town on the appointed day. The townsfolk did as they were told, and from the Heavens, it looked as if the village was ablaze. Satisfied that his goose had already been avenged, the Jade Emperor decided not to destroy the town. From that day on, people celebrated the anniversary of their deliverance by carried lanterns of different shapes and colors through the streets on the first full moon of the year, providing a spectacular backdrop for lion dances, dragon dances, and fireworks.

In the western world in which I was born, we have little understanding or belief in a Jade Emperor who would destroy a town for the sake of a goose.

But isn't it interesting that a culture has created a way to fill the longing deep within for their creator God. Theirs is not a God of love, but one which must be tricked with lanterns to keep the "bad luck" away and bring good luck for another year.

Different from our beliefs, yes, but at its root cause I believe it is once again, deep calling unto deep. (ref. Psalm 42:7) The Spirit of God calling out to the spirit of mankind; the Creator to the creation.

Sunday, the pastor of Shanghai Community Fellowship church and the Pastor of the Prayer ministry lead the congregation in a "concert of prayer."

They're message was that regardless of what a person faces, there is ONE to whom we can go for help. Jesus Christ has paid the price for such an opportunity.


Prayer is not only possible, but vital if we are to find our way through the challenges set before us individually and as a nation.

"...and (if) my people, my God-defined people, respond by humbling themselves, praying, seeking my presence, and turning their backs on their wicked lives, I'll be there ready for you: I'll listen from heaven, forgive their sins, and restore their land to health." - 2 Chronicles 7:14 (MSG).

You can shop till you drop, but there is no way to buy your way out of the pressure many people feel due to the economy, work, or hurting relationships.

The answers begin only when we take God's Word seriously and use it as a road map for our lives.