Names of cigerettes (80/12/01)
Today marks the beginning of a new month. For Christians, it is a joyful month for it includes the Christmas festivities in celebration of Jesus’ birth. However, today marks the appearance throughout Japan of another, quite different, kind of joy. “Joy” is the name of a new brand of cigarettes which the Japan Monopoly Corporation has just put on sale. I don’t know the method by which this corporation chooses the brand names for its products, but one may imagine that the names chosen are meant to entice new customers. For Christians, especially during this pre-Christmas Advent season, there are a number of brand names that are of interest. They include cigarettes called shinsei, meaning “new life,” along with peace and hope and filter cigarettes called long peace and long hope. There is even a cigar on sale called “Gloria,” which is what the angels sang at Jesus’ birth. Rather than wasting money on such inappropriately named products that cause pollution and damage health I would advise gaining true peace, hope, joy and new life through faith in Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, whose birthday we celebrate this month.
Instruction by voice (80/12/02)
A recent newspaper article tells about the advent of talking machines in Japan. Because they are made for use in Japan, they speak Japanese. Coffee vending machines will speak a word of welcome to the person putting in the coin. If sufficient money has not been inserted, a voice will tell him so. The voice may also tell the brand of coffee being sold or inform the customer that it is sold out. When change is returned, the voice says “Please pick up your change” and always ends with a polite “Thank you.” The new model Mark II Toyota also includes a hidden speaker from which the voice of a young lady tells the driver to fasten his seatbelt and to close the door tightly or to take off the handbrake. Before leaving the car, the voice may remind him to turn off the lights and to take the key out of the ignition. It will also tell him to get some gas when the tank gets low. Such a voice coming from a machine or an automobile may seem strange to us and we may ignore it. However, it may also remind us that we all have an inner, small voice called “conscience,” which we should obey and also that the voice of God may be heard by those with alert, spiritual ears through very common experiences of life.
A busy month (80/12/03)
The traditional Japanese name for this last month of the year is Shiwasu, which literally means “teacher run.” Originally, the name referred to the priests of the Buddhist temples who were busy running from house to house of families related to their temple before the year ended. However, December is also a busy time for Christian pastors as they prepare for and conduct special Christmas services. It is also a busy month for teachers of westernized schools as Christmas celebrations and winter vacation preparations are made. In Japan, with its tradition of beginning the new year with a clean slate, with all its obligations fulfilled, the yearend is a busy time for the general public also. However, during this busy month, we should try to keep our priorities straight. We cannot do everything or attend all the gatherings that are held. We need to make a choice between various alternatives. The choices we make indicate the kind of persons we are. The person with a healthy faith makes choices on the basis of the moral viewpoint that permeates his life. During this busy month when not only teachers are running, let us remember the example of the One born on Christmas Day, whose decisions and entire life were rooted in selfless love for others.
The meaning of “school” (80/12/04)
Hello. How are you today? I don’t know who you are, but I would be happy to receive a letter or a postcard from you, introducing yourself and including your questions, comments or suggestions regarding these “Daily Word” messages. My address is: “Daily Word,” P.O. Box 30, Moriyama Ku, Nagoya 463. Although I don’t know you, I presume you are in some way related to a school. You may be a student, a teacher or a graduate of some school, but do you know the original meaning of the English word “school”? It comes from a Greek word meaning “leisure.” The Greek word, schole, is found in the New Testament book, “The Acts of the Apostles,” chapter 19, verse 9, where it refers to a place where leisure or spare time is employed. In that day, studying was done during one’s leisure time and was distinguished from work. In Matthew, chapter 12, verse 44, the verb from which this noun comes is used to refer to a house that was empty. Thus, originally, school referred to being unoccupied, idle, free from labor. Times have changed, haven’t they? Although nowadays, school is a place of mental labor or study, we should consider for whose sake we are studying and for what purpose. The true aim of the Christian student is to gain God’s approval rather than man’s.
My wife’s birthday (80/12/05)
Today is December the 5th. Although it is not a national holiday, it is a special day in our home. I hope it will be a happy day for my wife, because it is her birthday. More exactly, it is the anniversary of her birthday, which actually occurred quite a few, excuse me, I meant to say ONLY a few years ago. Japanese speakers of English need to be careful when they pronounce the word “birthday,” for a number of different English words with very different meanings are written with the same katakana syllables: ba-su. Ba-su may refer to a male singing voice, which is spelled b-a-s-s, but pronounced the same as the “base” used in baseball. A freshwater fish has the same spelling but a different pronunciation. And the same katakana syllables are used for the vehicle that carries passengers, which is spelled b-u-s, and for the washing of the body, which is spelled b-a-t-h in English. Both Japanese and English are complicated languages, especially when translations and transliterations are involved. So, if you meet my wife today, be careful. Don’t wish her a happy bus day or a happy bath day, or a happy bass day. Make sure you pronounce it right. It is her birthday.
Fresh produce along the road (80/12/06/)
In the newspapers these days, there are many stories of robberies, burglaries, embezzlements, shoplifting, pickpocketing and other forms of stealing or cheating. Therefore it was a pleasant change to read the story of Mr. Kajino’s fresh produce stand along a prefectural road in Arimatsu Cho of Midori Ku, Nagoya in yesterday’s Chunichi shimbun. In November of last year when Mr. Kajino took the tangerines he had raised to the market, he was told that the market was flooded and he should throw them away. Instead, however, he put them on a table along the road running by his land with the price listed and a bottle in which to put the payment. This was so successful that, ever since then, he and his wife have put out homegrown, fresh produce on that table—including radishes, onions, cabbage, spinach, etc. along with the prices for each and the bottle for the money. The stand is unattended and people make their own change, yet they have never had any money or produce stolen. So far, their faith in the honesty of others has been justified. “Always treat others as you would like them to treat you” is the Golden Rule that Jesus taught. If we always followed it, how much happier our world would be.
The number seven (80/12/07)
Today is the 7th day of December. The number 7 is connected
with various traditional observances and legends. In Japan, it was traditional to have a
celebration on the 7th day after a child was born and prayers are made for the repose of a
dead spirit on a number of 7th days after death. There are 7 plants called nanakusa,
which are traditionally eaten with rice on the 7th day of the New Year and there are the
famous 7 deities of good luck, known as the shichi-fuku-jin, all having long ear lobes,
which were a symbol of good luck. In the Bible, 7 is the most sacred number and is the
symbol of completeness or perfection. There were 7 days of creation, which established
the weekly cycle with the 7th day as a day of rest, a “sabbath.” The number 7 is used
symbolically throughout the Bible and especially in the visions recorded in Revelation.
However, one day when Peter asked Jesus how many times he had to forgive someone
who kept on sinning against him, suggesting “7 times,” Jesus answered, “No. not 7 times
but 70 x 7.” In other words, we are to keep forgiving other without keeping score, for
that is the way God forgives.
Hanukkah (80/12/08)
The Jewish festival of Dedication, known as Hanukkah, is being celebrated at this time. This festival began last Wednesday and will continue until Wednesday of this week. Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Jewish temple in 165 B.C., following the victory of the Jewish forces led by the Maccabean brothers over the Syrian oppressors who had polluted the temple. It is also called the Festival of Lights, for during this festival which lasts for 8 days, special candles are lit every day—1 on the first day, 2 on the second day and so on until all 8 candles are lit on the last day. These candles symbolize the mercy and power of God in his care for and protection of his people. Some Christian churches also have the custom of lighting candles for each of the 4 Sundays of the Advent season preceding Christmas. To the Christian, however, the candle reminds him that Christ is the Light of the world and that Jesus said to his disciples, “You are light for the world. When a lamp is lit, it is not put under a bowl but on a lampstand. So your light must shine before people, so that, when they see the good you do, they may praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).
Nagoya Walkathon (80/12/09)
Last Sunday, December 7th, 2 track events were held in Japan. The more famous one, in Fukuoka, was the 15th Annual Fukuoka International Marathon in which 130 runners took part, including 24 foreigners. The winner, for the 3rd time in a row, was Toshihiko Seko, who ran the 42 kilometer course in 2 hours, 9 minutes and 45 seconds. The other track event was held here in Aichi Prefecture. Five hundred and nine participants, ranging in age from 5 to 84, began the 26 kilometer walk from Nagoya Castle to Inuyama Castle at 9 o’ clock in the morning. It was the 2nd annual No-Drinking, No-Eating Walkathon to test the endurance of its participants. Runners and joggers in this event realized that walking makes use of different muscles than running and jogging. Four hundred and thirty-two of the starting number endured to the end and Mr. Teruo Okamoto reached the goal first, after 3 hours, 21 minutes and 50 seconds. For both runners and walkers, Isaiah, chapter 40, verse 31 contains this promise: “Those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak.”
Human Rights Day (80/12/10)
Today is December the 10th. Although it is not a national holiday, it is recognized in many countries as Human Rights Day. It was on December 10, 1948 that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations. This Declaration affirms that everyone regardless of race, class, religious or political belief, social status, education, etc. has certain basic human rights that should be respected by all governments and ruling authorities. Because there are many nations in the world today where these basic human rights are not respected, a worldwide human rights organization called Amnesty International is active in over 100 countries seeking to promote adherence to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and working to bring about the release of people imprisoned because of their political or religious beliefs or ethnic origin. The Nagoya Group of this organization meets on the second and fourth Wednesday evenings. According to the Bible, God has no favorites. He judges all people by the same standards. He loves all people alike despite their various differences. Those of us who call ourselves His children, who have his spirit within us should do the same.
A runner without feet (80/12/11)
“You don’t run with your legs, you run with your spirit,” says Pete Strudwick of California. Fifty-year-old Strudwick was one of 3500 participants in the 10-kilometer race in Beverly Hills. He finished the race in 60 minutes and 17 seconds, some 29 minutes after the winner. It took him over twice the time to run that race as the fastest runner. However, Pete wasn’t disappointed nor discouraged, for he ran under an unique handicap. Pete Strudwick was born without feet. Therefore he runs on the stumps of his legs. Since taking up racing in 1968, Pete has run some 40,000 kilometers. He usually finishes among the last third of the runners, but he enjoys running and the people he meets at the races. He is an example of a person who did not let his severe handicap ruin his spirit, for as he says, “You don’t run with your legs you run with your spirit.” When Jesus’ disciples fell asleep while he was praying, he said to them, “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). It is wonderful to have both a healthy body and a healthy spirit, but if we have to choose one or the other, the healthy spirit is more important. And a healthy spirit is rooted in a healthy faith.
Friday (80/12/12)
Today is Friday. In English, this day is named for the goddess, Frigg. In Norse mythology, Frigg was the goddess of heaven, who presided over marriage and the home. She was the wife of the supreme god, Woden, for whom Wednesday was named and the mother of Thor, the god of thunder from whom Thursday gets its name. Friday is also the name of the devoted servant of Robinson Crusoe in Defoe’s famous story. He was named Friday because he was rescued from cannibals on that day. As a result of this story, any loyal or devoted servant may be referred to as a man Friday. Friday is the weekly holy day for Muslims and in most Muslim countries, it is a holiday rather than Sunday. However, it is not considered a day of rest, but of obligatory worship. For Christians, one Friday of the year is called both Black Friday and Good Friday. It is the Friday before Easter Sunday, which commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. It is called Black Friday because on that day black altar cloths are used in the ritualistic churches. It is called Good Friday for the Christian believes that the death of Jesus on the cross brought many good results such as forgiveness and a new spiritual life in fellowship with God. I hope this will be a good day for you.
Restaurant “Kairakutei” (80/12/13)
Ninety-five years ago, in the year 1885 (the 18th year of the Meiji era), a new style restaurant opened in Nagoya. It was owned and operated by Kakuzo Umezawa and called Kairaku tei, meaning “Restaurant of Happy Togetherness.” The restaurant was unique in that it served western style foods including beef, which was almost unknown in the Japan of that day. Before the Pacific War, it catered to the upper class of Japanese society. Before the Pacific War, it catered to the upper class of Japanese. After the war, times and customs changed. Soaring prices made it difficult to make ends meet, so last year, 68-year-old Rokuro Umezawa, the 4th generation owner, decided to close its doors. However, today, a resurrected Kairakutei, on a smaller scale, is celebrating its opening in a new location with a different atmosphere. It is still run by the Umezawa family and still features the traditional beef steak menu fixed in the traditional style, but now with a more popular appeal. The new restaurant with the “at home” atmosphere is located in the inokoshi area of Meito Ku. The Bible teaches that it is necessary to die in order to experience new life.
Chushingura (80/12/14)
One of the most popular kabuki dramas of all time is called Chushingura. It portrays the well-known story, based on an historical event, of 47 ronin who avenged the death of their former lord by killing the man who had insulted him. The word “ronin” literally means a man on the waves. Historically, it referred to a samurai who had no master. Nowadays, it may refer to a high school graduate who failed the university entrance examinations and is not registered in any school. The famous 47 ronin spent over a year in hard training and meticulous planning to gain their revenge. It was on the night of December 14, 1702 that these men infiltrated the residence of Lord Kira, tracked him to his hiding place, beheaded him, took his head to the grave of their former master, Lord Asano. They were then condemned to death and all, ranging in age from 77 to 15, committed suicide. Their remains now lie on the same temple grounds as their lord’s. Although vengeance holds a respected place in Japanese tradition, the Bible teaches that we should not seek revenge, but love our enemies and leave retribution to the hands of the all-wise, just and loving God.
Bonenkai (80/12/15)
December is the month of Bonenkai in Japan. Bonenkai literally means “a year-forgetting party.“ Through eating and drinking and singing and laughing, those who attend bonenkai try to forget the trials and troubles of the past year—and may also try to forget that they have become another year older. However, recently a newspaper columnist made the interesting observation that the character of these yearend parties is changing—especially in regard to the singing part. He noted that, in contrast with pre-war and wartime Japan, nowadays, there are few songs that everyone knows, that the entire group is able to sing together. This is another evidence of the increasingly pluralistic nature of Japanese society. There are now so many songs in circulation that few are known by the entire group. Especially the songs known by older folks are quite different than those known by young people. It is even difficult for people there to keep together in rhythmical hand-clapping, he complains. One of the characteristics of the heavenly visions recorded in Revelation is the unified singing of great numbers of people in heaven. Unified joyful singing has always been a characteristic of the Christian church, especially at Christmas time.
A man in jail (80/12/16)
One morning last week, a 51-year-old man appeared at a police box in Kita Ku. He was hungry and tired, and he had a strange request. “Please put me in jail,” he asked. He then confessed that just that morning he had stolen the bicycle he was riding. Police investigation uncovered that he had a long record of 16 previous arrests for burglary, theft, fraud, blackmail, etc. He had spent a total of 16 years in prison since he was first arrested for robbery when he was 22 years old. He was released from the Fuchin Prison a month ago and worked as a laborer in his hometown of Fuji for a while till he had an argument and left town with 3000 yen in his pocket. He couldn’t find the house of an aunt who lived in Nagoya so he had been sleeping outdoors and had eaten his last food, a bowl of ramen, a couple of days ago. Now he was tired and hungry and cold, so he confessed to stealing and asked to be put in jail. The police did as he requested and he seemed happy as he gobbled up the food he was served, as he pondered aloud, “I wonder how many New Year’s Days have I spent in jail?” You also may have problems, but be thankful you have a home and food and at least one person who loves you.
Xmas (80/12/17)
This is the Xmas season. The word “Xmas” literally means “Christ mass.” In our day, mass refers to a religious service of the Roman Catholic Church, which is centered in the sacrament of the Eucharist, commemorating Jesus’ death on the cross. Christmas, however, is the day we celebrate Jesus’ birth. It is only since the Middle Ages that it has been celebrated as a popular festival, and there is no record of any celebration of Jesus’ birth before the 4th century. The actual date of Jesus’ birth is unknown, but an older Christian tradition observed January 6th as the commemoration of Jesus’ baptism as well as his birth, Evidently, December 25th was later chosen as a Christian festival day because that was the date of a great Roman celebration following the shortest day of the year. Even as the day of the sun, or Sunday, became the Christian Lord’s Day, so the pagan celebration of the rebirth of the sun, was changed into the celebration of God’s Son. For the Christian, it is a fitting symbol of the new spiritual light that came into the world of darkness and continues to spread its influence throughout the world. I hope Xmas will be a time of brightness and joy for you.
The letter X (80/12/18)
During this Christmas season we frequently see the word “Xmas” instead of “Christmas”. The letter, or symbol, “X” is used in English with a variety of meanings. Other than being the 24th letter in the alphabet, it is also used for the Roman numeral 10 and as the sign of multiplication in arithmetic. It is used in place of the signature of a person who cannot write and may also refer to a certain spot on a diagram or map, from which we get the expression “X marks the spot.” In letters to someone we love, it is a symbol of a kiss. It may also be used as a symbol of the cross and in Christian symbolism is called St. Andrew’s cross for it is said St. Andrew was crucified on a cross of that shape. An X may refer to an unknown quantity or person, but certainly this should not be the meaning of the X in Xmas. Rather, X is also the Greek letter chi. Since it is the first letter in the Greek word for “Christ,” it is also used as an abbreviation of that term. Thus, Xmas also means “Christ’s mass.” In your Christmas celebrations this year, don’t let Christ be an unknown or left-out element. Put Christ in the center of Christmas, for it is his birthday which is being celebrated.
Santa Clause (80/12/19)
To many Japanese children, Christmas brings thoughts of Santa Claus rather than of Jesus, whose birthday it commemorates. Who is Santa Claus and how did he get connected with Christmas celebrations? Although the common modern stories and ideas about Santa Claus are of quite recent origin, the name comes from the English corruption of the Dutch for St. Nicholas. Nicholas was the bishop of Myra in Asia Minor (present day Turkey) in the 4th century. Many stories developed regarding his kindness to children and to sailors. His feast day is December 6th and in the Netherlands, this day is a national holiday, a day when gifts are given to children. When the early Dutch settlers brought their customs to New York, the English mispronounced the name of St. Nicholas as “Santa Claus” and he eventually became associated with the English gift-giving Xmas. Many legends and fanciful stories have developed in recent years regarding Santa Claus. However, we can think of the original St. Nicholas as a simple, but earnest follower of Christ, who, like his Lord, went about doing good, and showing kindness to others—even as all true Christians should.
The Christmas tree (80/12/20)
One of the most common symbols of Christmas is the
Christmas tree. The tradition of decorating an evergreen tree at Christmas time seems to
have originated in Germany. In the ancient religious traditions of the German people,
trees or tree spirits were worshipped as divine. The custom of decorating a tree with
colorful ornaments is thus another ancient pagan custom that was Christianized. The
evergreen tree is a symbol of eternal life. The Bible teaches eternal life is the gift of God
that is received through faith in Jesus Christ. Thus, if its symbol is understood, the
evergreen tree may be a fitting Christmas symbol. Usually at the top of the Christmas
tree a star is attached. The star is a reminder of the star of Bethlehem in the story of the
wise men from the East who came to worship the newborn King of the Jews which is
found in the Gospel according to Matthew, chapter 2. The star is also a symbol of Christ
the Light of the world. As the star of Bethlehem guided the wise men to the King, so the
Christ guides us to the heavenly Father, who gives us eternal life.
Christmas celebrations discontinued in Shiga (80/12/21)
In many kindergartens in Japan, the Christmas season is
celebrated in some manner. Songs are sung, games are played, Christmas trees and other
decorations are displayed. Santa Claus comes to visit. It is a happy time for the
kindergarten children. However, in the city of Yokaichi in Shiga Prefecture, the city
Board of Education directed the public kindergartens to discontinue such Christmas
celebrations this year because a citizen, rumored to be a Buddhist priest, suggested that
such celebrations violated the Constitution, which prohibits the government favoring any
particular religion. The Board members discussed the matter and decided the safest
course was to stop the Christmas celebrations rather than risk a complicated lawsuit.
Kindergarten teachers, parents and especially the children were disappointed and the
action of the Board is being questioned. The problem is a delicate one: Is the Christmas
celebration of these public kindergartens religious in nature? Although the celebration
may have no specific religious content, actually the reason for the celebration is definitely
Christian. It is possible to have a happy time at Christmas without accepting the
Christian faith, but the true joy of Christmas comes from experiencing the love of God
which Christ came to share.
Christmas candles (80/12/22)
Another of the common Christmas decorations is the Christmas candle. In some homes, it is the custom to attach small candles to the branches of the Christmas tree. If there is a fireplace in the home, candles are placed on the fireplace mantle. Candles are also placed on tables or on windowsills, so they shine through the window to be seen by people outside. Christmas candles of many sizes, shapes and colors. Although nowadays, some candles are only ornaments and are never lit, the original purpose of the “candle,” which comes from a Latin word meaning to shine or be brighter, was to give light. The reason that candles are used as Christmas decorations is to remind us that Christ is the Light of the world. The prophet Isaiah wrote in chapter 9, verse 2, that “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.” The Christians believe that this word was fulfilled in the coming of Christ into the world, for he brought heaven’s light into the darkness of earth and he brightens the lives of those who put their faith in him. The next time you see a Christmas candle, remember what it means.
The winter solstice (80/12/23)
You probably won’t notice it, but today’s period of sunlight is a little bit longer than yesterday’s. And from today onward, each day will be a little longer, for yesterday was the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. In Japanese, it is called toji, which literally means “winter arrival.” But the English word “solstice” comes from two Latin words referring to the sun standing still. The winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere is when the sun is at the farthest point south of the equator. Of course, in the Southern Hemisphere, this is the longest day of the year, and in Australia, it is now summer. For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, however, from the Christmas season onward, the daily period of light grows longer. So it is, that if the light which Christ brought into the world enters our hearts, our lives will also grow increasingly brighter. I hope this will be a merry and bright Christmas for you, even though it is not a white one.
Christmas Eve (80/12/24)
Eve is a woman’s name. In the Bible, it is the name of Adam’s wife. It comes from the Hebrew word for “life.” The Bible states that
Adam called his wife “Eve” because she was the mother of all who live (Genesis 3:20). “Eve” is also the shortened form of “evening,” which refers to the close of the day, the early part of night and particularly to the evening before a holiday. Since tomorrow is Christmas Day, tonight is Christmas Eve. There are many stories connected with Christmas Eve—including Santa Claus and his visits to homes with his bag full of toys and entering by the fireplace chimney. Harold Coffin defined Santa Claus as “someone who comes down the chimney on December 24th and goes through the roof on the first of the month.” Many churches have candlelight services on Christmas Eve and some groups go out Christmas caroling—singing Christmas songs to brighten the lives of the lonely, or sick, or whoever may listen. The Nagoya Union Church, a fellowship of English-speaking people, will hold a Christmas Day service tomorrow night at 7:30 at the Kinjo Kyokai in Higashi ku, Tatedaikan cho, near the Tokiwajogakuin. Join us there if you can. Have a merry Christmas.
Christmas gifts (80/12/25)
When I was a child, living in a small town in northern
Illinois, the most exciting and happy time of the year was the Christmas season. About a
week before Christmas, my father would bring home a bare Christmas tree. It was
erected in the living room and parents and children together would join in decorating it
with colored lights and various ornaments. In my family, there were six children. It was
our custom not only to receive gifts from our parents but also to give at least one gift to
our parents and to each of the other children. Thus each child would receive at east 6 or 7
gifts from family members alone. After buying our gifts and wrapping them in pretty
paper, writing the name of the giver and the receiver on them, we put them under the
Christmas tree. As Christmas approached, the number of gifts under the tree increased
and so did our excitement. Christmas morning, when we all gathered together to open
our gifts, was the happiest day of the year. For the Christian, giving gifts at Christmas
time is a reminder of and a result of God’s gift to us. For God loved the world so much
that he gave his only Son to be our savior. The true joy of Christmas is found in receiving
God’s gift of love and salvation.
Christmas presents (80/12/26)
How are you today? Did you have a merry Christmas
yesterday? I wonder if you received any Christmas presents. The word “present” in
English may have a number of different meanings. It may refer to being at a certain place
at a certain time and thus be the opposite of “absent.” It may indicate a time element.
“Yesterday” is in the past. “Tomorrow” is in the future, but “today” is in the present. It
may also refer to a gift that one person gives to another, but the verb form of this noun,
which is spelled the same, is pronounced prezent. We may say that God, who is even
now present with us in the present time, has presented us with the present of his Son to be
our Savior and Guide. That is the true meaning of Christmas. God himself has come to
be with us and, in a very clear way, to show us his love and grace. His Spirit is present
with his children even now. Whether or not we have received a Christmas gift this year
from a friend or relative, if the love of God is in our hearts, we may join with the Apostle
Paul who wrote in II Corinthians 9:15, “Let us thank God for his priceless gift.” The
Christmas gift of God’s love in Jesus Christ will last for a lifetime.
Gift-giving in Japan (80/12/27)
In many Western countries, gifts are exchanged during the Christmas season. Gifts are also given to others on special occasions, such a birthdays and anniversaries. However, in Japan, gift-giving is a much more popular custom. When visiting another’s home and especially if some request is made, one does not go empty-handed. It is also customary to give gifts at two seasons during the year. The chugen, or midyear gifts are given in July and the year-end gifts are given in December. The year-end gifts are called oseibo, literally referring to the close of the year. The English word “gift” is from the same root as the verb “give”. We give gifts and present presents. However, whether we call it “present” or “gift,” chugen or oseibo, the Bible teaches that it is the attitude of mind which motivates the gift that is important. Gift-giving should not be merely a routine ritual observance of tradition. It should be the outward expression of inward gratitude or respect. The true gift, whether to God or our fellowmen, should include a bit of ourselves. God’s love prompted him to give himself to us so our gifts of love should mean the giving of ourselves to him and to others.
Sweeping away the soot (80/12/28)
One of the traditional year-end customs in Japan is called susuharai, literally “soot sweeping”. In old Japanese homes with the irori fireplace or even when charcoal was burned in the hibachis, soot from the smoke would accumulate on the ceiling or walls and needed to be swept away. In order to begin the New Year with a clean feeling, a general housecleaning called susuharai is carried out. Harai refers to sweeping away dust or dirt. Although another Chinese character is used, harai is also used to refer to a Shinto purification ceremony for sweeping away evil or pollution. At the year-end, a “great purification” ceremony called Oharai is held in Shinto shrines to purify the whole nation. During this time of housecleaning and ceremonial purification, we should also take time to sweep away the soot or dust that has accumulated in our hearts and minds. Our hearts need purifying even more than our homes. Purifying hearts, however, requires more than the sweeping of a broom, the rinsing of water, the waving of a wand or the sprinkling of salt. It requires the work of God’s purifying Spirit to cleanse our inner souls. Such a spiritual cleansing, called a new birth, is the best way to begin the New Year.
The marketplace (80/12/29)
Traditionally, many new items were needed in the new year in Japan. Along with the special New Year’s decorations, such as pine branches and certain religious articles such as shimenawa. sacred rope, and family altars, daily necessities such as buckets and brooms and kitchen utensils were often purchased for the new year. Special markets to sell such items, called toshi no ichi or yearly markets, were held on the grounds of Shinto Shrines. The word ichi meaning “market” or “fair” is the same Chinese character for shi, or city. The original meaning of this character indicated a place where people stopped to buy articles at a fair price. The marketplace became the center of the city. It was in the marketplace in Athens that the Apostle Paul reasoned with the Greek philosophers according to Acts chapter 17. Wherever the Apostle Paul went, he was not ashamed to give a clear witness to his Christian faith—whether he met people in the Jewish synagogues or the public market place. He is a good example of a genuine believer who is ready at all times to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope and faith which he has. Are you able to do so?