On the occasion of the New Year 2023, registered churches in China sent out New Year Bible verses and messages to bless all believers.
CCC&TSPM sent out its blessing with 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Happy New Year! Wish you all safe and happy!"
Guangzhou CC&TSPM announced, "Wish you the grace of the Lord and a happy New Year." The scripture was Psalm 65:11.
Chongwenmen Church in Beijing stated its theme of the year is "Return to God's Family for reconstruction and rejuvenation" with the theme scripture of Amos 9:14-15. The church gave its message: "No winter is insurmountable, and spring will always come."
It greeted the believer, "For all three years of the pandemic, 2023 is destined to be a year with Spring blossoms. After we got through the most difficult time, we finally usher in the grandest prosperity. At this new beginning, we must ask ourselves whether we will go back to the previous situation where we were too busy to lose ourselves after the pandemic. Should we rethink our life and start a new journey? Year after year, life is like the morning dew. As Jacob said, 'My years have been few and difficult.'(Genesis 47:9) As too much time has passed, our days are a mere handbreadth. The days are often bitter and short. During a time of change, God is calling us to return to His home and rebuild the glory of the Lord."
A pastor of Rock Church in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province encouraged believers to just move on. "The past year 2022 made us feel more deeply about the meaning of time. Many young believers said, 'We are only a few dozen years old, but the pandemic has taken up three years." Just as some people often say, "Life is really hard at the moment.' Others say, 'Each person is living a hard life!' Nevertheless, Christians and our contemporaries have borne witness to the persistence of overcoming the present difficulties, and the New Year is upon us. In spite of all the difficulties, we walked on and on, not only chasing the stars but always looking to the stars for guidance. We continue to write the story about Him and us in a time of great uncertainty. Remember, in 2022 and 2023, He is with us and willing to lead us on."
Changshu Christian Church in Jiangsu Province wished believers peace and joy at New Year, citing Deuteronomy 11:11-12.
Jinsha Church in Tongzhou District, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province blessed all staff workers and its members. "With new expectations in the New Year, we had gains, losses, bitterness, and sweetness last year, which will be precious memories for each of us, regardless of the laughter or tears. I believe that everything will be better in the New Year of 2023 with the blessing of Emmanuel God who is with us. I wish you all a blessed New Year!"
Salvation Church in Huaxin Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai wrote, "The Lord will provide and prepare everything in the New Year; the Lord our banner will give you success this year; the Lord of peace Himself will grant you peace at all times. Happy New Year!"
Christians of Gospel Church in Wancheng Street, Dongwan, Guangdong were blessed with a happy and blessed New Year, from the scripture of Psalm 65:11.
- Translated by Nicolas Cao
