The Origin of 福 (“Blessings”)
During the Chinese New Year season, the Chinese character “福” (pronounced as “fu“) is found on decorations and inscribed on hongbao (“红包”) or red packets. The word signifies blessings and prosperity and is considered most appropriate for the annual lunar new year celebrations (also known as chunjie (“春节“) or Spring Festival). As those of Chinese descent usher in a new year, words of blessings are exchanged among family and friends. 
This is often accompanied by new year goodies, exchanges of mandarin oranges, and giving of red packets of cash (or increasingly digital tokens of money). The character “福” may also be displayed in an upside down manner to symbolize the arrival of blessings (the Chinese word for “upside down” [“倒“] sounds like the word for “arrival” [“到“]).
A New Year Filled with Hope
Design by Blessed Ong
“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” ~ Isaiah 43:19, ESV
May these words from the God of Hope be your daily companion in the new year! Just as He has been faithful through the eventful 2021, He will not only see us through 2022, but will cause us to thrive in wondrous new ways.
Consider partnering with EAST to fulfill its God-given mission in the new year because you can never outgive God: www.donorbox.org/partner-east
Shalom blessings from EAST!
New Year Blessings 2021
Design by Blessed Ong
Happy blessed New Year 2021!
“You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.”
~ Psalm 65:11, NIV
“But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.”
~ Jeremiah 17:7, NLT
“O taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the man who trusts in Him!”
~ Psalm 34:8, NLV
“The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.”
~ Psalm 103:19, ESV
As we enter the New Year of 2021, may our eyes of faith never wavers with a 20/20 vision of who Jesus Christ is, who we are in relation to Him, and our place and calling in His reign as the King over His Kingdom. Likewise, may EAST continue to be true to its God-given mission to “equip servant leaders for the Great Commission” in the new year and beyond. Shalom.
Consider partnering with EAST to fulfill its God-given mission in the new year because you can never outgive God: www.donorbox.org/partner-east
Have a truly meaningful, fruitful, and blessed 2021!
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