Blessed Chinese New Year and welcome to the Year of the Dragon!

In Chinese folklore, the dragon is believed to be a supernatural being that can fly and wield great power. Not only that, but legend says the dragon is an amicable creature.

One ancient story runs as follows: the Jade Emperor was choosing 12 animals to have a year named after them, so he made all the animals compete in a race and told them that the first 12 to cross the finish line would be granted that honour. The dragon was among the first twelve so was included into the Chinese zodiac. As the dragon could fly, he should have led the pack, but he finished only fifth. When interviewed and asked to explain why, he smiled amicably and said, “I stopped to help other animals along.” 

Many believe that babies born in the dragon year will be endowed with both the high potential and the good nature of the dragon, so whenever the year of the dragon arrives, there is always a record number of babies born. In Singapore, about 39,000 babies were born in the last dragon year compared to 36,000 and 35,000 in the immediately preceding and following years, respectively. Many of these births are the result of careful planning. 

There is deep cultural symbolism surrounding the dragon (the Chinese are proudly called the dragon’s descendants) which goes beyond the scope of this article. My interest lies in the fact that many are enamoured with the dragon year not just because of cultural pride but also because of its association with success, power and popularity. The birth “bump” in the dragon years proves that the subtle desire for the dragon’s success is still pervasive.

This subtle desire for dragon-like success lures us away from biblical success. Jesus said – “whoever finds their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” Jesus further warned – “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness … it is no longer good for anything.” A subtle departure from the perspective of biblical success is the beginning of a slippery slope towards becoming like tasteless salt and useless to God. The birth “bump” in the dragon year is a subtle reminder that this slippery slope is real. 

Interestingly, the only biblical reference to the dragon is found in the book of Revelation. From chapters 12 to 14, John describes a raging battle involving three combatants – the dragon (who is Satan in 12:9), the child (who is Christ), and the woman (who represents the people of God). As part of the people of God, you and I are keenly involved in this battle. The dragon is called the deceiver of the world (12:9) and the dragon year shows how he subtly fights this war by deceiving us with the dragon’s lure of success. When this deception takes root, we become tasteless salt – useless to Him in the battle.

As we come into the current dragon year, what are your reflections? Amid our prosperous “Lo Hei” exhortations, what comes to your mind? For me, the birth “bump” in the dragon year reminds me that I am in a battle. As a Christian, I have been suited up and am battle-ready, but if I set my sights on the counterfeit dragon’s success (fame, fortune and power) then I have already been disqualified before I even get to the front line. 

May you truly honour the Lord Jesus in this year of the dragon as you follow Him “successfully”.

Rev Peter Lin
Presiden