“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us” – Hebrews 12:1

I feel like Christmas and New Year’s Day were just a few days ago, but I am already writing a Newsletter article for February. The time has gone so fast. Personally, last year was very special because I graduated from Seminary, I was commissioned as a provisional elder, and I began a ministry at Upper St. Croix Parish as a co-pastor with my husband, Kookho. God blessed us to serve amazing churches with so many faithful people in beautiful towns. But, this year will be more special and exciting for both of us as we welcome an addition to the family. Yes! Now I am 5 months pregnant!! It’s a new blessing from God, and I believe this baby has already received many blessings with many people’s prayers and blessings.

For this Newsletter, I would like to introduce Korea’s New Year’s Day! The first day of the Lunar New Year is called “Seollal”, and is the biggest festival in Korea; it is on January 28 this year. We have 3 days of the Lunar New Year holiday including a day before and after. During that time, all the family gathers together to celebrate. During that time, we have a memorial service for our ancestors, and we make deep bows to parents and the elders of the family. We also share our traditional festival food and play traditional games together. Specifically, the main food of “Seollal” is “Tteokguk” which is rice-cake soup, prepared with slices of rice cake, beef, eggs, and some vegetables.

Korea uses the ancient East Asian age reckoning system that has been implemented for thousands of years. Newborns start at the age of one year, and on New Year’s Day one year is added to the person’s age. So, everyone adds one more year together on New Year’s Day. Culturally we consider that as we eat “Tteokguk”, we can add one more year. Therefore, many children try to eat “Tteokguk” as much as they can, hoping they become an adult sooner.

It has been five years since I came to the United States, but I have not had a chance to visit South Korea during “Seollal” more recently. However, I always remember it, cooking and eating traditional food, especially “Tteokguk” to remind me of my New Year’s resolutions which is difficult to keep for more than 3 days. So, on “Seollal”, as Kookho and I eat “Tteokguk” together, we will make our New Year’s resolutions again and try to keep it. If you don’t carry out your New Year’s resolutions, it’s not too late! You always have a second chance in Christ Jesus. How about making it again? Especially for this year, how about adding some resolutions to help your faith grow? Remember God is always with you whatever you do and wherever you go. I also pray and support your New Year’s resolution in the love of Christ Jesus.

Blessings, Pastor Ran

Posted in From The Pastors