During the Lunar New Year, the Mandarin choir presented the song, “I Will Rejoice in the Lord,” in both the Cantonese and Mandarin Sunday services. Accompanied by traditional Chinese music and small drums, it was well received. The lyrics are based on the scripture, “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior” (Habakkuk 3:17-19).

This prayer is attributed to the prophet Habakkuk, whose name means “embrace.” Living before the Babylonian captivity of Southern Judah (around 605 BC), Habakkuk likely played a role in leading worship in the temple and served in the choir. The song is entrusted to the choirmaster to be played “on my stringed instruments” (NIV). He learned from the revelation that the brutal Chaldeans were going to invade Judah and Jerusalem, but he could only tremble and wait for the day of calamity when the invaders would approach. Despite this, Habakkuk maintained unwavering reliance on the Lord, finding joy and rejoicing in God’s salvation.

Two other notable verses from the Book of Habakkuk are, “The righteous will live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:4), which is reflected in Roman 1:17 and Galatians 3:4, and “But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him” (Habakkuk 2:20), mirrored in Hymn 287, “The Lord is in His Holy Temple.” Therefore, we are well acquainted with his teachings.

As the year ends and a new one begins, we, the Chinese people, celebrate two New Years, in both the solar and lunar calendars. Reflecting on God’s enduring grace and protective presence over the years, shouldn’t we express even more profound gratitude? Chinese immigrants in North America, despite acquiring citizenship or permanent residency, remain aliens and sojourners in this world. For those believing in Jesus Christ, our eternal homeland is in heaven.
Therefore, regardless of whatever challenges we may encounter, let us draw inspiration from Habakkuk’s song, “I Will Rejoice in the Lord.” May this sentiment have a shared resonance among our brothers and sisters.
(Translation by Chet/Mabel Siew)