Chinese "commence the year 開年" on the second day of Lunar New Year. Bosses will feast with their employees on eight specially designed dishes. They will give out lai-see 利是 to cheer up the employees so that everybody will work hard in the year ahead. My father used to bring my younger brother and me to attend this feast with his boss. Once a year, I would be able to taste the luxury in the life of the rich. My father was a dedicated employee. He had served only two bosses throughout his career. If God so wills, I will render my service in only two schools.
It is truly meaningful to read the Epistle of James during Lunar New Year. This is how James begins his letter.
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greeting.
Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials (James 1:1-2).
We should count ourselves honoured to be a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. Throughout his life, St. Christopher had been searching for a master worthy of his service. At last, he bore the child Jesus to wade through a river. He became the patron saint of travellers. It was an inspiring legend. Who doesn't want to be able to fully utilize his potential to serve a good boss and who can be a better boss than Jesus?
Daily troubles, frustrations and trials are depressing. But Jesus and James taught us to look at them from a different perspective.
Count it all joy (James 1:2)! My yoke is easy and my burden light (Matthew 11:30)!
There is no logic proving its validity. There is only faith in the promise of Christ. Accept it for our own good.
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greeting.
Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials (James 1:1-2).
We should count ourselves honoured to be a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. Throughout his life, St. Christopher had been searching for a master worthy of his service. At last, he bore the child Jesus to wade through a river. He became the patron saint of travellers. It was an inspiring legend. Who doesn't want to be able to fully utilize his potential to serve a good boss and who can be a better boss than Jesus?
Daily troubles, frustrations and trials are depressing. But Jesus and James taught us to look at them from a different perspective.
Count it all joy (James 1:2)! My yoke is easy and my burden light (Matthew 11:30)!
There is no logic proving its validity. There is only faith in the promise of Christ. Accept it for our own good.
Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him (James 1:12).
We have no clue as to what the "trial" James refers to. James was stoned to death by the Jews in 62 A.D. Therefore, he was probably writing to the Jewish Christians who were living in increasing tension with the Jews not only in Jerusalem, but in Dispersion. Both Jews and Christians profess to love God. Actually, they are siblings. Alas! Sibling rivalries have been one of the major themes running through the Bible. They persecute each other, depending who are in power. On both sides, they believe that they would receive the crown of life when they are able to stand the trial. Let us not forget we are brothers, Jews, Muslims and Christians, in God though not in Christ.
Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures (James 1:18).
We are the first fruits of God's creatures and we prove we are when we have stood the test.
We have no clue as to what the "trial" James refers to. James was stoned to death by the Jews in 62 A.D. Therefore, he was probably writing to the Jewish Christians who were living in increasing tension with the Jews not only in Jerusalem, but in Dispersion. Both Jews and Christians profess to love God. Actually, they are siblings. Alas! Sibling rivalries have been one of the major themes running through the Bible. They persecute each other, depending who are in power. On both sides, they believe that they would receive the crown of life when they are able to stand the trial. Let us not forget we are brothers, Jews, Muslims and Christians, in God though not in Christ.
Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures (James 1:18).
We are the first fruits of God's creatures and we prove we are when we have stood the test.
Dear Lord, in the year ahead, let us embrace our depression with joy. Amen.
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