14 & 15 Feb 2026 (Pastoral Page) FROM ANG POWS TO ASHES

by Ps Lim Wei-en

In a few days’ time, many of us will be celebrating the Lunar New Year (17 Feb). This is typically a season of celebration and feasting with family and friends, with a focus on material prosperity. It happens that Lent this year starts on the 2^nd day of the Lunar New Year (18 Feb), Lent being a 40-day season of preparation for Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday through disciplines that promote self-denial, prayer and caring for the disadvantaged. How can these two seemingly disparate occasions be honoured at the same time? Here are 5 suggestions.

1.      Praying Amidst the Partying. As we lo hei and usher in the New Year in different party settings, these can also be occasions for prayer. Are we hosting or going to a gathering of Christians? Why not take time to give thanks to God for His generous provisions and pray for one another to be a blessing to others this year? Are we going to gathering in which there are friends and relatives who do not yet know Jesus or have drifted from Him? As we survey the room, we may silently pray for each of them to have a spiritual breakthrough this year and to know the love of God. Let’s not forget to pray for ourselves, that we may know Jesus more dearly and bear witness to Him more clearly.

2.      Spiritual Blessings Amidst Material Blessings. As we take time to remember the material blessings God has given us, let’s also remember the spiritual blessings that are ours in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). One way to do this, for those who give ang pows (red packets), is to bless our recipients spiritually. As we give ang pows to young children, we can bless them that they may, like the boy Jesus, grow in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man (Luke 2:52). As we give ang pows to older persons, we can bless them with the priestly blessing from Numbers 6:24-26:

The Lord bless you

and keep you;

the Lord make his face shine on you

and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn his face toward you

and give you peace.

As for those on the receiving end, nothing should stop us from blessing those who are giving to us! Thank them and bless them with the promise that God will meet all their needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

3.      Fasting Amidst the Feasting. How might we participate in the Lenten practice of fasting as we feast on bak kwa, pineapple tarts and other culinary delights? One way is to fast from other things besides food. Has work, studies, social media or some kind of leisure been occupying so much of our minds and hearts that we are tempted to worship them? If so, we may fast from these things and realign ourselves to God. We can, for example, fast from work by not checking our emails or turning on our computers during the Lunar New Year season, or from mindless leisure by deleting apps that consume too much of our time (we can reinstall them after Lent). Fasting will help us make more space in our schedule for God and others.

4.      Charity Amidst the Customary. It is a custom, during the Lunar New Year, to give (ang pows, oranges, snacks…) to family members and close friends. Given that one of the core Lenten disciplines is almsgiving (giving to those in need); this year, could we consider giving to those beyond who we customarily give to? Let’s ask God to show us some people (e.g. the foreign workers who serve us in our homes, estates and offices) or organisations (e.g. charities, mission organisations) who would appreciate a gift in this season. We could also invite those who may not be near to their families at this time to our homes. In this season of giving, let’s prayerfully consider extending charity, generosity and hospitality beyond our usual circles.

5.      Compassion Amidst the Celebration. While the Lunar New Year is a time of joyful merrymaking, there are some who may not be in a festive mood, such as those who are grieving loss or facing difficult challenges. As God brings these dear ones to our minds, let us consider how we may extend compassion to them amidst the celebrations. Visiting the homebound, listening empathetically to those who are in a tough spot, sending messages of encouragement are ways we can do this.

In this special Lunar New Year-Lent season, let us gratefully enjoy the material benefits God has given us. Let us also be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s promptings as He shows us how we can draw nearer to God, glorify Christ and care for others.

Have a most blessed Lunar New Year and start to the Lent season!