Advent Season (82/12/01)
Today marks the beginning of the last month of the year. The traditional Japanese name for this month, shiwasu, is written with the Chinese characters meaning "teacher run". However, it is not only teachers who are busily running around as the year draws to a close. In the Christian Church calendar, the Advent Season, which is the beginning of the church year, begins on the 4th Sunday before Christmas Day. This season is meant to be a time of quiet reflection and preparation for celebrating the birthday of Jesus. Advent comes from the Latin word for "come" and, in this case, refers to the coming of Christ, our Savior. It is too bad that during Advent, people are so busy that they find little time to deeply appreciate the significance of this season. The advent of Jesus Christ into human history was a kind of adventure that ended with his sacrificial death on the cross. However, in that death and what it signified, he became the world's Savior and his birth is now celebrated around the world--even by many non-Christians. If you are planning to celebrate Christmas this month in some way, take a little time to consider its true meaning.
United Arab Emirates proclaimed (82/12/02)
The word emir, spelled e-m-i-r, comes from the Arabic word for a commander, ruler or prince and refers to an Arabian ruler. The area over which an emir rules is called an emirate. The word sheik, spelled s-h-e-i-k, comes from the Arabic word for an old man and refers to the chief of an Arab family, tribe or village. The territory ruled by a sheik is called a sheikdom. On December the 2nd, 1971, 11 years ago today, 6 sheikdoms on the Arabian peninsula along the shore of the Persian Gulf, proclaimed themselves the independent United Arab Emirates. A 7th sheikdom joined the union 2 months later, so the total of 7 sheikdoms now have an area of some 83,600 square kilometers, which is a little larger than Hokkaido, though mostly desert with temperatures of 49 in the shade. Its population of over 1,000,000 is mainly Arab and its major natural resource is petroleum. The United Arab Emirates, along with the United States and the United Kingdom, is a member of the United Nations, but true unity requires more than a name. All of us need to work to bring about a more united world.
Illinois (82/12/03)
The midwestern state of Illinois ranks 24th in size among the 50 United States. Its size is greater, however, than the combined areas of Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku. It ranks 5th in population, with approximately 11.5 million residents, about half of whom live in the vicinity of Chicago, the 2nd largest city in the country. Due to its broad, level land, it is nicknamed the Prairie State. 164 years ago today, on December 3rd, 1818, Illinois was admitted to the Union as the 21st state. Illinois is one of 26 state names that is derived from native Indian words. Its name, which came through French, is rooted in an Indian word meaning men or warriors. An Indian tribe, called Illini or Illinois, previously resided in this territory. Because this state was the political base of Abraham Lincoln, the epithet, "Land of Lincoln", is printed on its automobile license plates. Many of the famous sayings of this great man manifest the spirit of Christ, including this quotation in his 2nd Inaugural Address at the close of the Civil War. "With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in." These are fine words for all of us to remember.
Hothouse (82/12/04)
Although Nagoya has been enjoying very pleasant weather for the past few days, workers at the Higashiyama Botanical Gardens are preparing for the cold winter days to come. They have drained the water from the pond around the fountain in order to remove the pretty water lilies to the onshitsu, or hothouse. This hothouse, which is artificially heated for growing plants, may also he called a greenhouse. Since its roof and sides are made of glass, it may also be called a glasshouse. (Be careful when you pronounce it, though, It is not a grasshouse, but a glass house!) Since water lilies are tropical plants, their rootstalks must be kept in the hothouse during the cold weather. The Chinese characters for water lily, pronounced suiren, literally mean sleeping lotus. Both in Egypt and India, the lotus was considered a sacred plant, with its roots in the mud at the bottom of a pond but with a beautiful flower blossoming on the surface of the water. Beautiful flowers remind us of the power and purpose of God, the Creator, in nature. His loving purpose should be seen in the beauty of our lives also.
The 9th Asian Games (82/12/05)
As the curtain fell on the 9th Asian Games competition yesterday in New Delhi, top place among the 33 nations participating went to China. Since the 1st Asian Games in 1951, Japan has consistently held 1st place and this year it was hoping to equal the 70 gold medal record it made in Bangkok 4 years ago. However, the Chinese athletes proved too strong, gaining 61 gold medals, 10 more than they captured at Bangkok, while Japan collected only 57. Since Japan won more silver and bronze medals than the Chinese, however, the total medals gained was 153 for both countries. These 2 major competitors were followed by South Korea, North Korea and India. It is a healthy situation when the youth of countries of different political persuasions and ideologies can gather together and compete in sports. Such contacts should help the participants understand that, despite political and cultural differences, the human family is basically one and should learn to live together in peace, regardless of different traditions. According to the Bible, all races and nations on earth are descended from one couple and there is but one God and Father of all mankind. When we recognize God as our Father, all men become our brothers.
Santa Claus (82/12/06)
Today, December 6th, is the feast day of Saint Nicholas, according to the Roman-Catholic Church calendar. Nicholas was the bishop of the ancient city of Myra in Asian Minor in the 4th century. He is said to have been very kind to children and many legends arose concerning him. In the Netherlands, his feast day is a children's holiday when gifts are given to children. When the Dutch came to America, they brought this tradition of Sant Klaas with them. In New York, the English referred to him as Santa Claus and he was gradually assimilated into the Christmas festivities. Nowadays there are probably many children in Japan that associate Christmas, or Xmas, with Santa Claus rather than with Jesus Christ. Most of the current stories and customs related to Santa Claus, or St. Nicholas, are of quite recent origin and have nothing to do with the 4th century bishop. Although in the U.S., St. Nicholas has become an inextricable part of the Christmas celebration, it would be better to keep his feast day and the commemoration of Jesus' birth separate. Tomorrow at 6:30 at the City Kyōikukan at Sakae, just west of the Aichi Bunka Kōdō, I will begin teaching a Bible Study on the Gospel according to John. If you are interested in studying the Bible in Japanese, you are invited to join this class, which will meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month.
Pearl Harbor (82/12/07)
41 years ago today, on Sunday, December 7, 1941, at 7:55 AM, Hawaiian time, Japanese war planes began their bombing of the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor. This surprise attack produced very impressive results, including 19 ships sunk or damaged, 177 aircraft destroyed, over 2300 dead, 870 missing and 1270 wounded. The next day, the United States declared war on Japan. Despite Japan's early victories, in the long run she was defeated by military forces with greater power and backed by more abundant resources. According to the New Testament Letter of James, chapter 4, wars and quarrels are rooted in the greed, envy and sinful ambition within human hearts. To attain true peace in the world requires a change within the hearts of people. What memories do you have of Pearl Harbor Day and the Pacific War? Or, if you did not experience them, what are your views about war, its causes and results? If you send me your essay on this subject, I will correct it and edit it for publication in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes, to be published next month. Send it to: Daily Word, Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, 463.
Students from Australia (82/12/08)
Yesterday, 4 high school students from Australia made a courtesy call on Mayor Motoyama at the Nagoya City Hall. These girls are exchange students from the Sydney area in New South Wales. For the past 17 years the Kita High School in Nagoya has been sending a couple of students each year to Australia and for the past several years 4 students a year have been coming to Nagoya to attend classes at Kita High School and to live in Japanese homes. The 4 girls this year are named Carolyn, Jenny, Robyn and Suzanne. The first 3 names have a "y" in them and the last one has a "z" or a "zed". Although the meanings of English names are not so clear as Japanese names, most of them do have a meaning. Carolyn is the feminine form of Charles, which means full-grown; Jenny is a diminutive of Jane, which is a feminine form of John, meaning the Lord is gracious; Robyn is a feminine diminutive of Robert, meaning famous and bright; and Suzanne comes from the Hebrew word for lily. I hope these girls with their significant names have a happy experience during their 2.5 month stay in the Nagoya area and that Kita High School benefits from their visit also. All English speakers in this community should play a part in increasing international understanding.
Paradise Lost (82/12/09)
The word "epic" comes from a Greek word meaning tale or song. In English, its primary meaning is a long, narrative poem about the deeds of a traditional or historical hero. The greatest epic poem in the English language, entitled Paradise Lost, was written by a blind poet, John Milton, who was born in London 374 years ago today, on December 9, 1608. Milton showed an interest in both religion and poetry from his youth. Disliking the ritualism of the established Church in England, he joined the Presbyterians but can best be described as a Puritan. While actively involved in the government of Oliver Cromwell, Milton became totally blind and was dependent upon secretaries for his writing. Paradise Lost, a blank-verse poem, first appeared in 1667 and was immediately acclaimed as one of the greatest poems in the English language. Seeking to "justify the ways of God to men", it is Milton's interpretation of the biblical story of Adam and Eve's sin in the Garden of Eden. He emphasized that evil did not come from the all loving, all knowing, all powerful God, but from a satanic evil spirit. The poem ends, however, with the hope and promise of salvation through Christ, the Savior, whose birth we celebrate on Christmas Day.
Amnesty International (82/12/10)
Today, December 10th, is known as Human Rights Day, for the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 34 years ago today. This Declaration asserts that all people have certain rights--such as the right to life and liberty, to equality before the law, to a fair trial, to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, etc. Because many of these rights are being violated in many places throughout the world, the human rights organization called Amnesty International was organized in 1961 to urge the universal observance of these rights and to help those prisoners of conscience whose rights are being violated. The Nagoya Group of Amnesty International is holding a Charity Concert next Tuesday evening, beginning at 6:00 o'clock at Konpeitō, a kissaten near Ikeshita subway station on Kakuōzan Dōri. 2 different bands will play on stage, slides will be shown and a talk regarding the work of Amnesty will be given. You are invited to attend. Being concerned about human rights, I am a member of the Nagoya Amnesty Group and would be happy to provide you with further information if you desire. I believe that human rights are rooted in the belief in a moral universe in which all people have been created equal by God.
King Hussein of Jordan (82/12/11)
Thursday afternoon at 19 minutes after 3, a special Boeing 727 passenger plane landed at Haneda Airport on a flight from Beijing. The plane was bringing His Majesty King Hussein of Jordan to Japan for a 4 day unofficial visit. A unique feature of this event was the fact that the plane was piloted by the 47 year old monarch himself. The king served as a fighter pilot in the Jordanian air force and is also known as an expert in karate. He is visiting Japan to enlist support for an Arab peace plan for the Middle East, which calls for the withdrawal of Israel from all lands occupied in 1967 and for the setting up of an independent Palestinian state in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The king is visiting all 7 permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, but he is hoping to persuade Japan to urge the United States to influence Israel to change its attitude toward this peace plan. Personally, I hope the king's visit is successful, for there is a need or a change of hardened attitudes to bring about peace, not only in the Middle East, but in other places as well. Jesus taught that a complete change of mind is needed to enter the kingdom of God."
Jewish Feast of Dedication (82/12/12)
During this pre-Christmas, Advent Season, it is the custom in some churches to light an Advent Candle on each of the 4 Sundays of Advent. Thus, on the Sunday before Christmas, all 4 candles on the Advent Wreath would be lit. Today is the 3rd Sunday in Advent, but this candle lighting custom comes from a Jewish celebration that began yesterday. It is the Jewish Feast of Dedication, also called Hanukkah, and sometimes referred to as the Festival of Lights. It is held for 8 days, and each evening another candle is lit. The feast commemorates the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem by Judas Maccabeus in 165 B.C. after it had been desecrated by the Syrian king, Antiochus Epiphanes. This Feast of Dedication is mentioned once in the Bible, in John, chapter 10. It was at this time that Jesus taught that he was the Good Shepherd who was willing to die for his sheep. He said, "My sheep listen to my voice and they follow me." He also spoke of other sheep, outside the Jewish nation which he would bring into his flock, so that there would be only one flock and one shepherd throughout the whole world. The Christian is one who follows Christ as his shepherd. Who is your shepherd?
Two words taisetsu (82/12/13)
According to the traditional Japanese seasonal divisions, this season of the year is call taisetsu, literally meaning "big snow". The Chinese character for "big" was originally a picture of a man with outstretched arms. The character for "snow" has rain over a broom, with which the heavenly precipitation was to be swept away. There is a more common word, taisetsu, which has a different character for setsu. In this character there is a sword and the figure "seven", which is a line cut in two. The primary meaning of the character is to cut, but it also has the implication of something urgent. Thus, taisetsu, in this case, refers to something very urgent or of great importance. it was said that there were 613 commandments given by God to Moses in the Old Testament and one day a lawyer came to Jesus, asking him which of these commandments was the most important. Jesus answered that the most important commandment was to love God and that the 2nd most important one was to love one's neighbor. Love for God and love for one's neighbor are at the heart of Christian ethical thought. Philanthropy comes from 2 Greek words meaning love to man, but true philanthropy is rooted in a healthy faith and love for the eternal God.
George Washington (82/12/14)
Following his death on December 14, 1799, 183 years ago today, he was described as "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen". Do you know his name? He had earlier been selected as the commander-in-chief of the united colonies in their war against Great Britain. Later, he was elected the first president of the United States. After serving for 2 terms, he refused to serve a 3rd term and returned to his plantation. His name was George Washington and he once said, "Labor to keep alive in your heart that little spark of celestial fire called Conscience". After catching a cold, Washington developed a throat infection and other complications. It is reported that his last words were: "I die hard, but I am not afraid of dying". Only a person with a clear conscience could say that. Washington had a sturdy faith in God and it is people with a healthy faith in a loving God who can face death without fear. With a telephone pickup microphone, you may tape these messages directly from the telephone to your cassette. I send a typewritten copy of these messages each week to those who send a self-addressed, stamped envelope plus ¥100 in stamps to: Daily Word, Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, 463.
Bill of Rights Day (82/12/15)
In the United States, today, December 15th, is designated each year by Congress as Bill of Rights Day. It was on this day in 1791 that the first 9 amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill or Rights, went into effect. These amendments guarantee certain individual liberties that were not noted in the text of the Constitution itself. The basic first amendment guarantees the freedom of worship, of speech, of the press and of assembly. In English history, the Bill of Rights refers to an act of Parliament in 1689 that declared certain rights of Englishmen. There is much talk today about rights, and we must seek to promote the human rights of all people without distinction. However, along with their rights, people must also recognize their responsibilities to society as well. President John F. Kennedy once declared that "our privileges can be no greater than our obligations. The protection of our rights can endure no loner than the performance of our responsibilities." The American Declaration of Independence states that "all men are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." The idea of human rights is rooted in a belief in a moral Creator who endowed men with such rights.
Boston Tea Party (82/12/16)
One of the historic cities in the United States is Boston, the capital of Massachusetts. It was founded in 1630 and became the largest and most important city in New England. Although its population today is only about 600,000, it is the hub of a metropolitan area with a 2,800, 000 population. One of its nicknames is "the Hub", implying that it is the hub of the universe. As an intellectual center, it has also been called "the Athens of America", but a more colloquial nickname is "Bean Town". (Boston baked beans are beans seasoned with molasses and baked for a long time at a low temperature. Boston brown bread is also flavored with molasses, which is obtained from maple trees in New England.) Today is the anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, which took place 209 years ago on December 16, 1773. To protest the unjust tax on tea, angry colonists, disguised as Indians, boarded 3 tea ships in Boston Harbor and threw the tea overboard. This was one of a number of incidents which led to the American Revolution. Whether the Boston Tea Part be applauded or condemned, the Bible teaches that injustice should be opposed wherever it appears.
A Christmas Carol (82/12/17)
Do you know the meaning of the word "Scrooge"? It refers to a miserly, stingy person. The word comes from the central character in the Christmas story by Charles Dickens entitled A Christmas Carol. In this story, the miserly old stockbroker, Ebenezer Scrooge, is visited by 3 ghosts on Christmas Eve. The Ghost of Christmas Past takes him back to his young life and shows him what Christmas was to him as a schoolboy. The Ghost of Christmas Present shows him the home of his clerk, Bob Cratchit, who has 9 people to feed on his meager salary and yet is joyfully celebrating the happy day. The Ghost of Christmas To-come shows him what would happen if he died as he then was, a covetous man loved by no one. As a result of these ghostly visitors, Scrooge changed his attitude and became a cheerful and charitable person. A Christmas Carol was first published 139 years ago today, but its message is one that continues to speak to the hearts of its readers. A person can change his attitude as the result of a mysterious experience. God's love for the world was shown in the advent of Jesus Christ, his Son, and the spirit of Christmas can bring about a change in our attitudes also.
New Jersey (82/12/18)
In the English Channel, just off the coast of France, are a group of islands known as the Channel Islands. Two of the main islands are called Jersey and Guernsey. It is from the names of these islands that the names of two popular breeds of dairy cattle were derived. One of these islands also provided the name for one of the colonies in America which later became a state. It was on December 18, 1787, 195 years ago today, that New Jersey ratified the U.S. Constitution and became the 3rd state of the United States of America. Although it is one of the smallest states, ranking 46th in size, it has the highest density of population of all the states. It also boasts the most roads relative to its area but, even so, its nickname is The Garden State. The state's motto is "Liberty and Prosperity". This motto expresses a fine ideal for all people, but it is clear that political liberty and material prosperity in themselves do not bring happiness. It is the inner, spiritual freedom and sense of well-being, coming from a healthy faith in a living, loving God that leads to true salvation and a meaningful life.
Religion and national tradition (82/12/19)
The fine line distinguishing religious activities from national or cultural traditions is sometimes very difficult to draw-- both in Japan and the United States. Are visiting a shrine and having a jichinsai performed religious acts or merely national, cultural traditions? Does erecting a Christmas nativity scene, called a creche, or a Christmas tree on public property violate the constitutional separation of church and state? Last week, President Reagan turned on the lights of the huge Christmas tree erected across the street from the White House, which has become a kind of national tradition. At the same time, there are a number of legal battles taking place in various American cities relating to the use of public properties for the erection of Christmas religious symbols. The problem may be called a sticky one, but 2 points should be made clear: First, both in Japan and the United States, no one religion should be favored by the government over any other; Second, true religious observance is basically a matter of spiritual inclination rather than of external symbols and ceremonies. The true Christmas spirit is seen in the love and joy of a Christ-like life rather than in parties and decorations.
The Lousiana purchase (82/12/20)
In the year 1802, President Thomas Jefferson was hoping to buy the city of New Orleans from France for up to $2,000,000. He was surprised to be asked by the French foreign minister what the U.S. would be willing to pay for the whole territory of Louisiana. So it was that this young country almost doubled its area by the Louisiana Purchase for $15,000,000. The U.S. took title to the land on December 20, 1803, 179 years ago today. From this territory, about 6 times the size of present day Japan, all or parts of 13 states were formed, between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Canadian border. The name, Louisiana, was given in honor of the French king, Louis XIV. Louisville, a city in Kentucky, however, was named for King Louis XVI and St. Louis, Missouri, was named for the 13th century saint, Louis IX. This was the first and largest purchase of land by the United States. Material possessions may be purchased with money, but the more valuable, spiritual treasures cannot be purchased. They are gifts that must be gained by faith and love. Tomorrow evening at 6:30, our fortnightly Bible Study of the Gospel of John will be held at the city kyōiku kan at Sakae. You are invited to attend.
Pilgrims (82/12/21)
Father's Day is celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of June in honor of fathers. In certain New England communities in the United States, however, Forefathers' Day is celebrated on December 21st to commemorate the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers on this day in the year 1620. Forefather is just one of many words beginning with the prefix."fore", spelled f-o-r-e, which refers to something before in time, place, order or rank. Forefathers means the same as ancestors. The word "pilgrim" refers to a traveller, particularly one travelling with some religious purpose. In American history, Pilgrims, spelled with a capital "P", refers to the English Puritans who journeyed to the new world in search of religious freedom. This group of independent thinkers or separatists refused to conform to the customary practices of the Church of England. Arriving on the North American shore from Plymouth, England, on a ship called the Mayflower, they founded the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts. From the beginning, settlers in the American colonies were seeking freedom and independence and that is why such ideas have played such an important role in American history. The Bible teaches that true freedom is found when we conform to God's will for our lives.
Tōji (82/12/22)
Today is one of the 2 basic seasonal points in the year. In Japanese, it is called tōji, literally meaning "winter arrives". It is the day when the sun is farthest south of the equator and, in the Northern Hemisphere, is called the winter solstice. "Solstice" comes from 2 Latin words referring to the sun standing still. From the viewpoint of us earthlings, the sun will now begin its journey north and the days will gradually become longer. It is significant that the Christian Church eventually chose this time of year to celebrate the nativity of Jesus in conjunction with the ancient Roman festival of the sun, for Christians believe that new light came into the world with the coming of Christ, the Son of God. The Old Testament prophet, Isaiah, spoke of people who walked in darkness seeing a great light. In the Gospel according to John, chapter 8, verse 12, Jesus is quoted as saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will have the light of life and will never walk in darkness." As the days lengthen and a New Year is about to begin, it is a good time for us to consider whether we are walking in spiritual darkness or in the light.
The Emperor's Birthday (82/12/23)
Today, December 23rd, is the birthday of many people. Can you name any of them? It was on this day in 1732 that the English inventor, Sir Richard Arkwright, was born. A spinning machine he invented and the factory system he helped begin was an early step in the industrial revolution. Joseph Smith, an American religious leader who became the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, commonly called Mormons, was born on this day in 1805. It was also on this day in 1933 that Japan's Crown Prince Akihito was born. After 10 years of marriage and having given birth to 4 daughters, not only the Empress, but the Emperor and the entire nation were ecstatic and sirens sounded throughout the land as the news spread that Japan had an heir to the throne. The birth of any child is usually a happy event for the parents, but the birth of a royal heir brings joy to an entire nation and the birth of a Savior brings joy to the whole world. On Saturday, the world celebrates the birthday of Jesus, the Christ. A Christmas celebration in English will be held Saturday evening at the Nagoya Union Church, meeting in the Kinjō Kyōkai, north of Tokiwa Jogakuin in Higashi Ku, beginning at 7:30. You are invited to attend.
Christmas candles (82/12/24)
This evening is Christmas Eve, when special services will be held in many Christian churches throughout the world. At many of these service, including the one I will lead in the church I serve in Takahama, candles will be used in special candlelight services. Candles have been used throughout the years around the world by many different religious groups--both as a symbol of light and of offerings or prayers ascending up to God. In effect, the candle sacrifices itself in order to provide light in the darkness as its flame and smoke ascend. The Bible teaches that at the birth of Jesus Christ, heavenly light shone into the world's darkness. Also in his sacrificial life and death on the cross, the light of God's love shone in a unique way. Christmas candles symbolize the light that was revealed in the advent of Christ. But Jesus told his disciples that they also were the light of the world and should let their light shine in the darkness so that others might experience God's truth and love. In Luke, chapter 2 is the story of Jesus' birth. On this day before Christmas, let us think again about the light that Christ brought to the world and that should shine through the lives of his followers. Merry Christmas!
Various Christmas customs (82/12/25)
Merry Christmas! On this Christmas Day we celebrate the birthday of Jesus, who was called the Christ. In the Roman Catholic Church, the mass refers to a sacred ceremony and the word "Christmas" originally indicated the mass performed in commemoration of Jesus' birth, called "Christ's Mass". Although we don't know the exact date of Jesus' birth, since the 4th century, December 25th has been the day it has been commemorated in the Western Church. Various customs, originating in different countries, have become connected with this celebration. The Christmas tree comes from Germany. The Yule log, holly wreaths and Christmas carols come from England. Exchanging of gifts was an old Roman custom and Santa Claus legends developed in Holland. Eating turkey on Christmas Day is an American custom, but enjoying a special Christmas cake is a custom "made in Japan". It is fitting that customs of various nations are combined in this celebration of Jesus' birth, for his message and ministry was not limited to one part of mankind. It was and is for the whole world. The true joy of Christmas, however, is not found in feasting or merry making. It is the experience of God's love that Christ, the world's Savior, revealed for all people.
Our family Christmas (82/12/26)
In one of the states of the U.S.A., the day after Christmas is a state holiday. That one state is South Carolina. Since today is Sunday, however, I suppose they will keep tomorrow as the Day after Christmas holiday. On the day after Christmas in the U.S., many children enjoy playing with or making use of their Christmas presents. This year, though, faithful church members will be attending the regular worship services on this last Sunday of the year. In our home, our elder son is visiting us from his work as an engineer at a nuclear power plant under construction in Texas. Since our younger son is busy with his English conversation classes here in Nagoya almost everyday, we celebrated our family Christmas last Wednesday--with a turkey dinner with all the trimmings and our gift exchange. We also called our daughter in Wisconsin and my wife's mother in California. In Christian homes, Christmas is usually celebrated both at home and in church. It is also a time to show concern for the poor and needy around us and throughout the world--seeking to share the love and joy of this happy and meaningful season with them. It is a good time to remember the so-called "Golden Rule" found in Matthew 7:17, "whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them."
Yearend activities (82/12/27)
Most people who hear the word "boxing" will think of the sport of fighting with the fists while wearing boxing gloves. However, today, which is called Boxing Day in many countries in the British Commonwealth of Nations, has nothing to do with that sport. This legal holiday, which falls on the first weekday after Christmas, is marked by the presentation of Christmas boxes to employees, postmen, etc. This custom is somewhat similar to the Japanese tradition of giving oseibo at the close of the year. "Close of the Year" is the meaning of seibo. Another Japanese yearend custom is the bōnenkai, literally meaning a "forget the year meeting". There probably were events of this past year that we would like to forget, but there were probably other experiences which we wish to remember. Actually, it is well to remember unpleasant experiences as well as pleasant ones, for we also learn from them. In fact, we may learn more from our failures and the trying experiences of life than from our successes and happy events. The Bible teaches that there is a purpose in all of life's experiences and the person with faith in the biblical God is confident that "all things work together for good" as it is written in Paul's Letter to the Romans, chapter 8, verse 28.
Shimenawa (82/12/28)
One of the sacred emblems of Shinto is the shimenawa, a sacred rope. Shimenawa is a shortened form of shirikumenawa, referring to rope made from rice straw without cutting off the tail ends. On this straw rope are hung strips of paper cut in a zigzag pattern. According to the old Japanese myth, when the sun goddess, Amaterasu, hid herself in a cave, the whole world became dark and when she was enticed out of the cave, a rope was stretched across the entrance to keep her from going back into it. Now, shimenawa are placed around objects or places to be purified or considered sacred. Last Sunday, a new shimenawa was woven and hung around a giant camphor tree on the Atsuta Shrine grounds. This sacred tree, said to be over 1300 years old and the home of a white snake, is 27 meters tall and has a diameter of 7 meters at its base. 60 kilograms of straw were woven into two ropes, 11 meters long and 10 centimeters in diameter by 35 members of a religious association that changes this shimenawa twice a year. From the Christian perspective, true purification is not related to hanging ropes. It is accomplished by the Holy Spirit of God in the life of a believer.
Murder in the Cathedral (82/12/29)
The poetic drama entitled Murder in the Cathedral was written by the famous English poet, T. S. Eliot, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1948. It portrays an historical event that occurred on this day, December 29th, in the year 1170, when a band of armed men came to the English town of Canterbury and murdered Thomas a Becket in the cathedral. From the time Thomas was consecrated a bishop, 8 years earlier, he had a troubled relationship with King Henry II. He opposed the king's attempts to control and dominate the church. As a conservative churchman, he stood for the supranational authority of the church, which he believed owed primary allegiance to the pope rather than to the king. The problem of to whom one should offer his primary allegiance is a perennial one. It persists today--whether in Japan, the U.S., the Soviet Union or Iran. The Christian recognizes that he is a citizen of two different realms. He is a citizen of some country in this world to which he owes allegiance, but he also recognizes the priority of the Kingdom of God, in which he is also a citizen. Therefore, Christians sometimes must disobey their governments in order to obey God, the higher authority. To whom do you give your primary allegiance?
United Arab Emirates proclaimed (82/12/02)
Illinois (82/12/03)
Hothouse (82/12/04)
The 9th Asian Games (82/12/05)
Santa Claus (82/12/06)
Pearl Harbor (82/12/07)
Students from Australia (82/12/08)
Paradise Lost (82/12/09)
Amnesty International (82/12/10)
King Hussein of Jordan (82/12/11)
Jewish Feast of Dedication (82/12/12)
Two words taisetsu (82/12/13)
George Washington (82/12/14)
Bill of Rights Day (82/12/15)
Boston Tea Party (82/12/16)
A Christmas Carol (82/12/17)
New Jersey (82/12/18)
Religion and national tradition (82/12/19)
The Lousiana purchase (82/12/20)
Pilgrims (82/12/21)
Tōji (82/12/22)
The Emperor's Birthday (82/12/23)
Christmas candles (82/12/24)
Various Christmas customs (82/12/25)
Our family Christmas (82/12/26)
Yearend activities (82/12/27)
Shimenawa (82/12/28)
Murder in the Cathedral (82/12/29)
The first subway in Japan (82/12/30)
New Year's Eve (82/12/31)
Advent Season (82/12/01)