Feb. 18, 2015 marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year.  2015 is the Year of the Sheep.  Today is also Ash Wednesday in the 2015 Liturgical Calendar of the Church, which began with the season of Advent on Nov. 30, 2014.   The Gregorian calendar celebrates the New Year as beginning on Jan. 1st.

The streets of Xinyang are relatively quiet for a city.  Bus and Taxi services are still running, the lifeblood of the city.  The main markets are closed.  I can hear a street sweeper nearby broadcasting “Happy Birthday” to alert pedestrians and motorists of its presence.

Whether we mark time by the moon or the sun or change in seasons, may this new approaching time cycle in your life be full of God’s love, joy, and peace.

Happy New Year!