Sunday, March 04, 2007
Lantern Festival
“In him [Jesus] was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. That was the true Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” John 1:2-3,9
The fifteenth day of the lunar new year is here and brings with it the festival of lights, commonly called “Lantern Festival.” Children look forward to this day all year for the chance to go out in the evening with a lighted lantern in hand to be dazzled by the pretty lights and the fireworks. Holiday activities often include such things as making paper lanterns, the telling of riddles plus food and games for all.
The origin of the Lantern Festival is rooted in religious worship. It seems the “kitchen god” (who left at the beginning of the new year to report to the higher god of heaven) is now returning. So the devoted followers must go out in the night with lanterns to light his way back. In this pantheistic society there are many who still hold to this pagan belief.
From my 14th floor apartment, I listen to the sounds of the firecrackers and watch the fireworks exploding in the sky. My heart cannot help but long for the “Light of the World” to shine into the hearts of the Taiwanese. Jesus Christ is the living God who does not need us to light His way. Instead He brings the light of life to illuminate our dark souls, giving salvation and hope.
6 Comments:
Carol, I enjoyed reading about this Taiwanese tradition...I have a friend here in Austria that married a German man (we met in language school). She is from Taiwan and has lived in the States for a few years...she's unsaved. I've given her a Bible and she's interested in reading it together. But I like knowing about her cultural traditions/beliefs via you too. Thanks!
Krista
Krista,
Praise God for your opportunity to share the "Light of Life" with a Taiwanese in your country of service! She's interested in reading the Bible together?....go for it!
Carol
Your biblical response to the things God brings into your life is amazing. What an encouragement!! Do you have any good pictures for the Taiwan poster yet?
Carol (with an E)
Jesus Christ is the living God who does not need us to light His way. Instead He brings the light of life to illuminate our dark souls, giving salvation and hope.
AMEN, Carol. I love how you find analogies in everyday life.
Thanks for doing your part in taking the Light Of the World to the Taiwanese!
Hello! I am loving your page so much!! I spent 10 days in Taiwan working with missionaries in Taichung and I can't even begin to say how it touched me!! Your writing kindles my heart! I am hoping so much to be able to return there this summer for a longer period.
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