As a young boy, I always looked forward to Chinese New Year. I knew there would be a sumptuous meal waiting for my brothers and me as we gathered around the table for dinner.

The reunion dinner was extra special because my mum would cook special dishes that we wouldn’t get the rest of the year. Perhaps that was her way of getting us excited about the reunion!

Even after my siblings and I got married and started families of our own, we would go to our parents’ home for the reunion dinner on the eve of every Chinese New Year. It was not only a tradition, but also a joy to do so, because the whole family would be there and be able to celebrate the festivities with our ageing parents.

Today, as a parent and grandparent myself, I’ve kept up this tradition. The past two years, of course, have been a bit difficult. Covid-19 measures have made it challenging to meet as an extended family, and I miss having everyone around under one roof.

What I miss even more, however, are the presence of my parents.

My father and mother have moved to their heavenly residence with our sovereign God, and I am truly thankful that they are now in His eternal presence. Such festive occasions, however, inevitably bring back fond memories of my parents, and there are times when I really wish they could still be here with us, enjoying our reunion dinners.

And so, it means even more to me that I can look forward to the joy of re-uniting with my parents one day. What a reunion that would be! I can just imagine how delighted we would all be to see each other once again. The prophet Isaiah had pictured such a scene, when God would gather all His redeemed people for “a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine—the best of meats and the finest of wines” (Isaiah 25:6).

As I think about this reunion of all reunions, however, I can’t help but wonder: Will I see everyone I know at this great banquet? Will some of my loved ones and friends be absent, because they have yet to come to know the Lord?

As I ponder on this possibility, I am reminded to respond and take action—by sharing the good news about Jesus Christ our Saviour.

This Chinese New Year, no matter what form our reunions take, may we seize opportunities to tell our loved ones and friends about God’s longing to save them and give them eternal life. May we find the chance to share with them that “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

Then, what a great reunion we would have when we see them face to face in His eternal presence one day!

Lord Jesus, I pray that You will open doors for me to share the good news with my loved ones and friends this season, and grant me the courage to tell them about how You have died for them, that they may have eternal life.