Trinity Methodist Church Kuching

《To: You Who Can’t Celebrate Chinese New Year》

Chinese New Year often brings to mind going home, reunion, and laughter.
The streets are festive; every household is busy.
Yet—not everyone gets to celebrate.

Some cannot celebrate because they must stay at work.
While others gather for reunion dinner, they are still on duty, still meeting deadlines. It’s not that they don’t want to go home—responsibility holds their steps, and longing tugs at their hearts.

Some cannot celebrate because they have lost a loved one.
The house is the same; the red couplets remain unposted. The food is still prepared, yet that seat is empty.The more festive it is, the sharper the ache—grief does not suddenly stop.

Some cannot celebrate because of disaster or tragedy.
A sudden event presses pause on life. Plans, reunions, and greetings are disrupted, and we are reminded that tomorrow is not in our hands.

Some cannot celebrate because of illness.
When others speak of “a fresh start,” they can only hope for less pain today. Some wait to recover; some keep watch by a bedside, night after night.

So, as we celebrate Chinese New Year, let us not forget those who are suffering.
What we can do may not be much: let us make room for them in our prayers.
Human comfort is limited, but the Lord’s presence is real—and His grace is enough.

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Dear Heavenly Father,
As we celebrate and gather, we also remember those who cannot. Draw near to them and grant them comfort and peace.
Strengthen those still at work, comfort the grieving, sustain those facing sudden tragedy, and heal the sick.
Stir our hearts to care in practical ways, so they may know the family of God still remembers them.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

《致：不能过年的你》
张鸿恩牧师

农历新年，总让人想到回家团圆与笑声。
街上红火热闹，家家忙忙碌碌。
然而——不是每个人都能过年。

有人因工作岗位无法过年。
别人围炉时，他仍在值班；别人拜年时，她还在赶工。
不是不想回家过年，而是责任留住脚步，也牵住思念。

有人因家人离世无法过年。
屋子依旧，红联未贴，饭菜照样预备，可那个位子空了。
越是节日越刺痛，越是热闹越沉默——痛不会忽然止息。

有人因天灾人祸无法过年。
一场变故让生活按下暂停键，计划、团聚与拜年全打乱。
我们不得不承认：明天不在掌心，人生未必照我们安排。

有人因疾病缠身无法过年。
当别人正说“新年新气象”时，他只盼望“今天少痛一点”。
有人正等待康复，也有人正守在病床旁，一夜又一夜。

所以，当我们欢庆农历新年时，也别忘了身在困苦中的人。
我们能做的真的不多：至少在祷告里，为他们留一段祝福。
人的陪伴有限，主的同在真实；人的安慰有限，主的恩典够用。

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亲爱的天父，
当我们欢庆团聚时，也纪念那些不能过年的弟兄姐妹。
求你亲近他们，赐下安慰与平安。

求你坚固仍在岗位的人，安慰失去亲人的人，扶持遭遇变故的人，医治病痛中的人；也感动我们以实际关怀彼此扶持，让他们知道主里的家人仍记得他们。

奉主耶稣基督的名祷告，阿们。