You probably know that according to the Chinese calendar, this is the Year of Rat, the first year of the 12 year Zodiac cycle. 

Did you know how the rat get to be the first in the cycle?  Have fun using this story as a spring-board to talking with your Chinese friends about Jesus.

Here is what one Chinese person told me:

Long, long ago, the Jade Emperor wanted to select 12 animals to represent the Chinese Zodiac. He started a running competition. all the animals in the world will run toward the Heavenly Gate, the fastest 12 animals will be selected and the rankings are their place in the race.

On the race day, the rat got up very early. On his way to the gate, he encountered an Ox, so he swiftly jumped into Ox's ear.

The diligent Ox did not mind at all and simply continued. When the Ox was about to reach the heavenly gate, suddenly, the rat jumped out of Ox's ear and dashed towards the gate. Rat won first place and Ox was second.

As I look around me I see two groups of people in the world. One group work really diligently just like the Ox, thinking if I work hard, I do all the good things, being a good person, surely I will get to heaven. There's another group of people are like the rat in this story. They are very smart and use all their intelligence trying to win a place in heaven. 

However, heaven is a free gift, we don't need to race, strive hard or being smart. God didn't set up a racing competition to qualify us. God said it is heaven is a banquet, everyone is invited to enjoy the feast. Why he gives out the invitation for free? Because we are his children, he loves us, and the longs for us to be with him. As we celebrate the Chinese New Year, as we enjoy our feast on earth, let's not forget this invitation from God through Jesus.