March (83/03/01)
Today is the 1st day of a new month. The traditional Japanese name for this 3rd month of the year is yayoi, in reference to the increasing luxuriant growth of plant life. The English name, March, comes from the Roman god Mars, the god of war. In Roman mythology, Mars was the father of Romulus, who was the founder of the Roman nation. Festivals in honor of Mars were held in this month that bears his name. Originally, March was considered the 1st month of the year, but later the 2 months of January and February, which had earlier been added to the end of the year, were transferred to the beginning, so March became the 3rd month and December, whose name refers to the 10th month, became the 12th month. Japanese people are very sensitive to seasonal changes and keenly conscious of seasonal activities. In the month of March, there are various traditional or more modern events that take place. What does this month mean to you? What events, activities or memories does it bring to your mind? "March" is the suggested theme for your essays this week. Send them for correction and publication in "Daily Word" Echoes to: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463. The Bible teaches that "grass withers and flowers fade, but the word of our God endures for ever" (Isaiah 40:8).
Texas (83/03/02)
Independence Day is celebrated throughout the United States on July 4th, in commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. However, one state in the Union celebrates a separate independence Day. Today is a state holiday in Texas, commemorating the adoption of the Texas Declaration of independence on March 2, 1836. With this document, Texas declared itself independent of Mexico, although a few days later Mexican troops captured the Alamo. The following month, however, Mexico was forced to recognize Texas' independence. For the next 9 years, the Republic of Texas was an independent nation. In 1845, it was admitted to the United States as the 28th state. 16 years later, during the Civil War, Texas seceded from the Union, but was readmitted in 1870. The name "Texas" comes from a local Indian word meaning friend or ally. In John, chapter 15, Jesus referred to his disciples as his friends and said, "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." One of the well-known Christian hymns begins with the words, "What a Friend we have in Jesus", for the Christian considers Jesus as Friend as well as a Savior.
Doll's Festival (83/03/03)
This 3rd day of the 3rd month in Japan is known as Hina-matsuri, or Doll's Festival. The full set of dolls on the 7-tiered stand consist of the Prince and Princess, or Emperor and Empress, on the top tier, with 3 ladies-in-waiting below them, the minister of the Left and of the Right, 5 musicians and 3 footmen, one each of whom is laughing, weeping and angry. Thus, there are 15 dolls in all. But today is also known as mimi no hi, or Ear Day, in Japan, for this double-3 day may also be pronounced mi-mi . The Greek philosopher, Zeno of Citium, who lived in the 4th century B.C., said, "The reason we have 2 ears and only one mouth is that we may listen the more and talk the less." In Shakespeare's Hamlet, Polonious, the lord chamberlain, advises, "Give everyone thine ear, but few thy voice." And the New Testament book of James teaches us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. In Psalm 34:15, the poet assures his readers that "the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their cries." Dolls and idols have ears, but they do not hear. The Christian is confident that his loving Father hears his prayers.
Vermont (83/03/04)
Americans are known for their individualism and emphasis on independence. The United States of America was given birth through a Declaration of Independence and certain states produced their own, individual declarations of independence. One such state was Texas, as noted in the messages 2 days ago. Another such state was Vermont. This area had been a place of conflict between France and England and then between New Hampshire and New York, but the people of these Green Mountains took advantage of the chaos following the dissolution of the British Empire in America and declared their own independence on January 15, 1777. The army of Green Mountain Boys, led by Ethan Allen, engaged in battles to defend their land. However, later, they decided to affiliate with the U.S.A., becoming the 1st state to be added to the original 13 colonies on this day, March 4th, 1791. The name "Vermont" comes from 2 French words meaning green mountains. There is a mountain range in the northwest United States called the Blue Mountains and a range in the Appalachian system in Virginia and North Carolina called Blue Ridge, but Vermont is the Green Mountain State. In the Bible, mountains are symbols of the power, greatness and permanence of God, their Creator.
Stalin (83/03/05)
30 years ago today, on March 5th, 1953, the man whose adopted name meant "made of steel" died. No, he was not a steelmaker, but he was a ruthless leader. He was the son of a Georgian shoemaker and his real name was Dzhugashvili, but after joining the revolutionary movement against the Russian tsar, he used the name Stalin. As a young man, he studied for the priesthood at a theological seminary, from which he was expelled for his political activities. After the death of Lenin in 1924, Joseph Stalin became the leader of the Soviet Union and continued as such for almost 30 years until his death. During his dictatorship, Stalin liquidated all opposition through "purge trials" and mass executions. Despite his cruelty, he was practically worshipped in that country which taught that there is no god. His portraits were found in a place of honor in almost every Russian home. Following his death, however, he was denounced by his successor and the brutality of his reign was made clear. The Bible teaches that those who try to play God will be brought low. Jesus said, "Whoever makes himself great will be humbled, but whoever humbles himself will be made great" (Matthew 23:12).
Alamo (83/03/06)
Today, March 6th, is celebrated as Alamo Day in the U. S. state of Texas. The Alamo, which is the Spanish name for the cottonfood trees which grow in the area, was originally a Roman Catholic mission, built in the 2nd decade of the 18th century. It was later abandoned and then was used as a barracks for Spanish soldiers. During the struggle for Texas' independence from Mexico, the Alamo became the site of an historic battle. In February of 1836, General Santa Anna, the dictator-president of Mexico, at the head of 4-5,000 Mexican soldiers, called on the less than 200 Texan soldiers within the Alamo to surrender. They refused to do so and withstood the siege for 13 days. On March 6th, however, the walls were breached and the defenders, outnumbered 20 to 1, continued fighting to the end. "Remember the Alamo" became the famous battle cry for Texans during subsequent battles and less than 2 months later, they had achieved their independence. Remembering certain crucial events in the past often provides us with new strength for the present and hope for the future. In the 105th Psalm, the poet writes: "Give thanks to the Lord. Remember the wonderful works that he has done." If we remember God's wonderful works, we will give thanks.
Religion (83/03/07)
Religion is one of the basic characteristics of mankind. Man has been called a religious animal and there is no known race or culture that has not had some form of religion. Yet, religion has not always been an effective force to bring about peace among men. Unfortunately, at times religion has been the cause of conflict. The world today has many tense areas where religious differences play a part in the hostile situation. The most evident place of conflict is between Jews and Muslims in the so-called Holy Land. However, recent massacres in India pitted Hindus against Muslims. The war between Iraq and Iran involves Muslims of different schools and the hostility in Northern Ireland is between Protestant and Roman Catholic Christians. Japan also has been the scene of conflict between armies of different Buddhist sects. Yet, in each of these cases, there are other factors, including economic, racial, national, cultural or social differences that aggravate the situation. Unfortunately, some people are irreligiously religious. Tomorrow evening at 7:00 o'clock at the City Kyōikukan in Sakae, I will give a talk entitled "Shūkyō to wa Nanika" at the monthly meeting of the Shukyo Bunka o Kangaeru Kai. You are invited to attend if you are interested.
An international center in Nagoya (83/03/08)
About half a kilometer east of Nagoya Station, the tallest building in Nagoya is under construction. On the first 5 floors of this 26 storey building, an international cultural center will be housed. In this center, there will be an information service center, library, exhibition room, conference rooms, a multipurpose hall, etc. to be used for international meetings and to promote international understanding among Nagoya citizens. Yesterday, I attended a meeting where a few foreign residents voiced their views regarding the international atmosphere of this city and problems they have met as foreigners along with their suggestions regarding the use to be made of this new center. The city administration is working and planning to make Nagoya more attractive as an international community. What suggestions do you have on this subject? What can or should be done to make this city (or your community) more international? Or are you opposed to this effort? A short essay giving you views on how to make this community more international may be sent for correction and publication in "Daily Word" Echoes to: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463. This will be the final subject suggested for essays to be published in the May issue of the Echoes .
A bus driver's detour (83/03/09)
There was an interesting item of news on the city page of yesterday's newspaper. A 27 year old bus driver was driving a Meitetsu Bus along a city bus route for the first time. He left the Meitetsu Bus Terminal on time at 3:20 on Monday afternoon and was driving north on Fushimi dōri. All was going well until he continued north at the Sakura Dōri intersection, where he should have made a right turn to the east. After crossing the intersection, he asked the bus passengers if this was the right road and they informed him that he should have turned right, so he followed the passengers' directions to make a detour to get back on the right route. If passengers cannot trust the driver to safely take them to their destinations, it is a troublesome situation. Both in the national government and along our life's journey, we need to take care whom we follow as our leader or into whose hands we place our destinies. In Matthew, chapter 15, verse 14, Jesus said, "When one blind man leads another, both fall into a ditch." The Christian is one who has chosen Jesus Christ as his Shepherd and Leader--to guide him through the maze of life to his heavenly destination.
Uncle Sam (83/03/10)
In Greek mythology, there is a famous story of the Trojan War between the Greeks and the people of Troy. Consequently, there are about 2 dozen towns or cities in the United States named Troy. One of them lies on the Hudson River in the state of New York. During the War of 1812, there was an inspector at Elbert Anderson's storeyard in this city named Samuel Wilson. The cases of military provisions that he inspected and approved were then marked "EA-US", meaning "Elbert Anderson-United States". However, the workers and longshoremen joked that the initials "US" stood for the inspector, whom they called "Uncle Sam". Thus it was that the term "Uncle Sam" as the personification of the United States originated. It was, in 1868, however, that Thomas Nast, a political cartoonist, first drew the tall, slim figure with long white hair and a white beard, dressed in a red, white and blue striped suit with stars on his vest, which has become the popular figure of "Uncle Sam" today. Americans may feel a bit patriotic when they see this figure, but the Christian American's primary loyalty is not to his Uncle Sam, but to his heavenly Father.
A telephone harassment (83/03/11)
There are many English words beginning with the prefix "tele" which comes from the Greek word meaning "far". Such words refer to something being operated from a distance. Using a telescope, we may view something from a distance. By means of a telegraph, we may write from a distance and with a telephone, we may speak from a distance. Can you imagine what modern life would be like without a telephone which someone has called an inconvenient convenience? Without a telephone, of course, you would not be listening to this message. A peculiar example of the influence of the telephone was recently seen in the decision of the 2 parties of a judicial suite in Tsu to withdraw their respective petitions. The suit related to a child who died while being cared for by a neighborhood couple. Both parties in the case were being harassed by telephone callers, which was one of the factors prompting them to forgo further proceedings. Such harassment is blameworthy, but it does indicate the power of popular opinion. I wonder if a telephone campaign might be organized for a more useful purpose? Telephone power may also be a force to be reckoned with. Colossians 4:6 states: "Let your speech be always seasoned with salt." What do you think that means?
Mauritius (83/03/12)
One of the smaller members of the United Nations is Mauritius, which is also a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations. Do you know where it is located? It is an island nation in the Indian ocean about 800 kilometers east of Madagascar, the large island off the east coast of Africa. Mauritius is less than the size of Aichi Prefecture and has a population less than 1/2 that of Nagoya. It was 1st settled by the Dutch in the 17th century who introduced the sugar cane that continues to be its chief crop and named it after Maurice of Nassau, the prince of Orange. Later it became a French colony and was then taken over by the British. On March 12, 1968, 15 years ago today it received its independence and joined the United Nations the following month. When the 1st settlers arrived on the island, it was the habitat of a bird of the pigeon family that was larger than a turkey, with wings so small it was unable to fly. Before it became extinct it was named "dodo", the Portuguese word for foolish or stupid. We may also refer to a foolish person as a dodo. The Bible teaches that a fool is one who refuses to accept instruction and who tries to convince himself that there is no God.
Alexander (83/03/13)
It was on this day, March 13th, in the year 1881 that Alexander II, the emperor and tsar of Russia, was assassinated. This man had received a humane and liberal education, so when he succeeded his father as the tsar, he put into effect a program of internal reforms, including the emancipation of the serfs or slaves. However, these reforms did not satisfy the more radical elements in Russian society, which instigated his assassination. He was succeeded by his son, Alexander III, who died on this same day, March 13th, just 13 years later. Alexander has been a name chosen for Roman popes, Scottish and Serbian kings as well as Russian tsars. The name comes from the Bible, for there are at least 3 different men named Alexander mentioned in the New Testament. One of them, noted in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 15, verse 21, was the brother of Rufus and the son of Simon, the man who carried Jesus' cross to the place of crucifixion. The name Alexander comes from 2 Greek words meaning a defender of men. Of course, in the biblical sense, God himself is the Defender of men, so we should rely on him for our ultimate defense rather than on the so-called self-defense corps.
Einstein (83/03/14)
One of the world's greatest physicists was born 104 years ago today on March 14th, 1879 in Ulm, Germany. His name was Albert Einstein. His theory of relativity, symbolized by the now-famous equation E=mc2, erased the distinction between matter and energy. He showed that matter and energy are interchangeable and this theory was demonstrated conclusively by the development of the atomic bomb. Einstein once explained relativity using the following illustration. "When a man sits with a pretty girl for an hour, it seems like a minute. But let him sit on a hot stove for a minute--and it's longer than an hour. That's relativity." Regarding the relationship between science and religion, he said, "Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind." The one need not exclude the other. In fact, we need them both. Einstein perceived a divine spirit behind this orderly universe and is quoted as saying, "The cosmic religious experience is the strongest and the noblest driving force behind scientific research." At our Bible Study tomorrow evening at 6:30 at the City Kyōikukan, we will begin our study of John, chapter 5.
Maine (83/03/15)
As an adjective, the word "main" refers to something of principal importance. As a noun, it may refer to a principal pipe line. If the first letter is capitalized and an "e" is added to the end of the word, the result is the name of one of the 50 states of the U.S.A. The state of Maine received its name from English settlers who gave it the name of a region in France in honor of the French wife of the English King Charles. For many years, Maine was a district of the colony of Massachusetts. After the establishment of the United States as an independent country, it agitated for its own independence from Massachusetts and finally succeeded in 1820, when it was admitted as the 23rd state 163 years ago today, on March 15, 1820. All of the states in the United States have nicknames. The nickname of Maine is "The Pine Tree State" from the abundance of white pine trees found there. The pine tree is an evergreen tree whose needle-shaped leaves are always green. An Old Testament prophet envisioned a future age when the desert would have springs of water and forests of pine trees (Isaiah 41:19). Through a healthy faith in God, the Source of life, we may find new and ever-lasting life for our dry spirits.
Drunken drivers (83/03/16)
What is the best way to discipline disobedient children? How can teachers effectively correct unruly students? These are problems that are being raised these days in Japan. In America, what to do about drunken drivers is being considered by judges and policemen. In Oakland, California, one judge required convicted drunken drivers to sit in the courtroom and witness the proceedings of cases like their own. However, if the hearings lasted past noon, the judge was required to provide them with lunch, so he discontinued that practice. Since the county jail was already full, drivers convicted of driving while drunk are now required to join a work program--picking up litter on California roadsides during a stated period. In effect, this kills 3 birds with 1 stone by meting out punishment while avoiding further overcrowding the jail and helping make California a cleaner place at the same time. The Bible clearly states that a holy God will punish sinners, but the aim of punishment is not merely retribution, but reformation.
St. Patrick's Day (83/03/17)
Today is a national holiday in Ireland. It is also celebrated in many American cities where there are large Irish-American populations. It is known as St. Patrick's Day, in honor of the "Apostle of Ireland", who died on this day in 461, following 30 years of very successful missionary efforts. As a result of Patrick's extensive and effective ministry, Ireland was soundly converted to Catholicism and even today its population is 94% Roman Catholic. Since Patrick used a 3-leafed clover, called a shamrock, to illustrate the doctrine of the Trinity, the shamrock has become Ireland's national symbol and green its symbolic color. Throughout the world today, those who are proud of their Irish heritage will be wearing something green. In New York City, hundreds of bands and over 100,000 marchers will march in the St. Patrick's Day parade up 5th Avenue, past St. Patrick's Cathedral. With typical American fervor, the St. Patrick's Day parades in America surpass those held in Ireland. The Bible teaches that it is not parades, ceremonies and extravagant celebrations that please God, but a humble heart of faith and deeds of love and justice.
Grover Cleveland (83/03/18)
The only man to serve 2 non-consecutive terms as president of the United States was born on this day, March 18, 146 years ago. His name was Grover Cleveland and he is usually counted as the 22nd and 24th president of the U.S.A. He was the son of a Presbyterian minister, the 5th of 9 children. Because of his father's death when he was 16 years old, he had to give up his plans to go to college in order to help support his mother and the younger children. He worked as a bookkeeper; and a teacher in a school for the blind and then studied law, being admitted to the bar as a lawyer at the age of 22. He was later elected a county sheriff, a city mayor and a state governor before being elected president. He was an exceptionally honest politician who fought against political and social corruption. He was the only president whose wedding ceremony took place in the White House when, at 49, he married a 21 year old lady. Regarding democratic government, he said, "A government for the people must depend for its success on the intelligence, the morality, the justice and the interest of the people themselves." These are pertinent words to remember during this election time in Japan.
Yoshinao Kishimoto's Hospital (83/03/19)
In the Obata area of Moriyama Ward in Nagoya lives a 74 year old man named Yoshinao Kishimoto. Until 1961, he owned a business in Tokyo, but in that year he suffered a stroke, followed by 2 years of convalescence. Transferring his business to his son, he came to Nagoya, where he built the Tomiyasu Hospital in 1964 as an expression of thankfulness for his recovery. From the following year, he began a daily habit of rising early and picking up the rubbish discarded by people along the streets and in public places. Every day for the past 13 years, except for the New Year's holidays and rainy days, he has been getting up at daybreak and taking a walk of about 3 kilometers along various streets for about an hour and a half. While walking, he picks up empty cans and other trash with a pair of tongs and fills 5 or 6 large paper bags every day. He does this to get some healthy exercise as well as to perform a public service, and he enjoys his breakfast after he returns home. Mr. Kishimoto is a good example of a person who gains improved mental and physical health while serving the community. The Bible teaches that personal satisfaction is found through serving others.
Passion Sunday (83/03/20)
In modern English, the word "passion" may refer to a variety of strong emotions such as love or hatred, joy or grief, desire or anger. The primary meaning of the word, however, refers to suffering or enduring agony. When the word is capitalized, it refers specifically to the sufferings of Jesus, which were climaxed in his crucifixion and death. A Passion Play is a religious drama which portrays the Passion of Jesus. In the Church Calendar, today, the 5th Sunday in Lent, is known as Passion Sunday. It is the beginning of Passion Week, which precedes Holy Week, the last week of Lent. During these 2 weeks preceding Easter, it is customary to meditate on the sufferings of Jesus and their significance for mankind. The Bible teaches that it was through the suffering and death of the sinless Son of God that God's infinite love was revealed and the way of salvation for all who accept God's free gift of forgiveness was opened. If you have questions regarding the Bible or Christian teaching, I would be happy to try to answer them if you write to me. My address is: "Daily Word", P.O. Box 30, Moriyama P.O. 463.
Higan (83/03/21)
According to traditional Japanese lore, the wintry cold weather lasts until today. From now on, it should be getting warmer. Throughout the world, night and day are of equal lengths on this day, so in English it is called the spring equinox, which is from 2 Latin words meaning "equal night". In Japanese tradition, it is the middle day of a week-long period called higan, meaning "The other shore". The other shore, of course, refers to the spirit world, or nirvana, to which the enlightened spirits go. According to the most popular Japanese Buddhist tradition, this paradise of Amida Buddha lies in the west, but I don't think that means America. Anyway, on this day, when the sun sets directly in the west, it is the Japanese custom to present offerings at the graves of their ancestors. If the spirits of your ancestors are conscious of your present actions, which do you think would comfort them more--infrequent offerings and rituals or daily lives of goodness and mercy? The Bible teaches that God requires acts of mercy rather than ritualistic offerings.
Stamp (83/03/22)
The primary meaning of the word "stamp" is to bring the foot down upon a surface or an object with great force. If this is done upon a soft surface, it will leave a mark or impression in that surface, so stamp also means to imprint or impress with a mark, and the Japanese hanko may be called a stamp for it is used to stamp papers. Of course, postage stamps and other kinds of revenue stamps are also affixed to letters and official documents. 218 years ago today, on March 22, 1765, the English king, George III, approved the Stamp Act, which required that revenue stamps be used for all documents and writings in the American colonies. The purpose of this act was to raise money to help pay for the British soldiers defending American borders. It was the first direct tax levied by the British Parliament on the American colonies and the colonists didn't like it! "No taxation without representation" was their cry and the following year Parliament was forced to repeal this act. This was one of the early irritations that finally resulted in the American Revolution. The New Testament teaches that the Holy Spirit is given as God's stamp of approval and protection to those who trust in him.
Pakistan (83/03/23)
In 1947, when Great Britain withdrew from the Indian subcontinent, two independent nations came into being: the Hindu state of India and the Islamic state of Pakistan. 27 years ago today, a new constitution was put into effect in Pakistan, so today is a national holiday in that country. The suffix "stan" comes from a Persian word for land or country, but the first half of this country's name is made up of the first letters of its different regions: Punjab, Afghania, Kashmir and Sind. The name was concocted by Muslim students in England during the 1930's. In 1971, East Pakistan, which was separated from West Pakistan by about 1000 miles of Indian territory, rebelled against the central government and became an independent republic, called Bangladesh. 97% of the population of Pakistan is Muslim and religion has been an important factor in the nation's history. The Pakistani flag contains a crescent and a star, both of which are bearers of light. The star shines its own light, while the moon reflects the light of a star we call the sun. It is the Christian's responsibility to reflect the light of God's truth and love as it was revealed in Jesus Christ, who called himself the Light of the world.
Elizabeth (83/03/24)
As you know, the present monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is Queen Elizabeth II. Like many European names, Elizabeth comes from the Bible. According to the 1st chapter of the Gospel according to Luke, Elizabeth was the name of the mother of John the Baptist and a relative of Mary, the mother of Jesus. There have been a number of women in European royal families named Elizabeth. Besides England, queens of Rumania, Bohemia, Hungary and Belgium, along with an empress of Russia, have borne this name. The 1st Queen Elizabeth of England was the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. She reigned for 47 years during one of the greatest periods of English history, until her death 380 years ago today, on March 24, 1603. Her name has become a part of the English language, for Elizabethan style refers to a particular style of architecture and art associated with her time and Elizabethan literature includes the works of Shakespeare and other writers of her day. Elizabeth I took her repsonsibilities as a ruler seriously and exhibited great personal courage. I think her namesake, Elizabeth II, is a worthy successor.
Greece (83/03/25)
The official name of the country commonly called Greece is the Hellenic Republic and today is independence Day in that nation. Although Greece has a noble history that began thousands of years ago, it fell under Roman rule in the 2nd and 1st centuries before Christ. In the 4th century A.D., it became a part of the Byzantine Empire, but after the fall of Constantinople in 1453, it was ruled by Turkey for almost 400 years. On March 25, 1821, the Greeks, under the leadership of Alexander and Demetrios Ypsilanti, proclaimed their independence. Their revolt, which continued for the next 8 years, was not successful however until it finally gained the support of Britain, France and Russia. A city in the U.S. state of Michigan has been named Ypsilanti in honor of the Ypsilanti brothers. 98% of the population of Greece belongs to the Greek Orthodox Church and the Greek flag is one of a number of national flags that bear the symbol of the cross. As we approach Holy week in the Christian Church calendar, it is an appropriate time to consider the meaning of the cross, which symbolizes the infinite love of God, seen in the self-sacrifice of Jesus, which brings salvation to the believer.
The Hula dance (83/03/26)
Dancing refers to moving the body in rhythm, usually accompanied by music. There are many different kinds of dances and some of them are characteristic of certain peoples or cultures. The Bon Dance is a communal dance characteristic of Japan and is performed at the happy time of the traditional homecoming of ancestral spirits during the urabon festival. The characteristic dance of Hawaii is called the hula or hulahula dance. Although now it is performed primarily by women and girls, originally it was danced only by men. Although this dance seems very simple to the casual observer, it involves intricate steps and graceful hand motion that require much time and practice to perfect. The hand motions tell the story which is being communicated by the dance. Today in Hawaii, there are many hula dances being held for today is Prince Kuhio Day, honoring a royal Hawaiian prince who was born 112 years ago today and who worked hard for the good of his people as they made the transition from a kingdom to a republic. In the 150th Psalm it is written that people should praise the Lord with dancing and with all kinds of musical instruments. We should praise the Lord in all that we do.
Palm Sunday (83/03/27)
The inner part or surface of the hand between the fingers and the wrist is called a palm, spelled p-a-l-m. Because the leaf of a tall, branchless, tropical tree resembles the palm of the hand, the tree is called a palm tree. Some palm trees bear small dates and others produce large coconuts. From olden times, palm leaves were considered symbols of victory or triumph. In the last book of the Bible, called Revelation, chapter 7, verse 9, the writer had a vision of a great crowd of people in heaven from all countries who were dressed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands as they sang praises to God. The only other New Testament reference to palm branches is in the Gospel of John, chapter 12, verse 13, where it is written that people waved them as they shouted praise to Jesus as he entered the capital city of Jerusalem, the Sunday before his death. Today, the Sunday before Easter, commemorates that event and is called Palm Sunday in the church calendar. It is the first day of Holy Week. Jesus rode on a donkey on his triumphal entry into the city that day to demonstrate his role as the King of Peace. It is through faith in him that true, spiritual peace is found.
Samurai (83/03/28)
There are many English words that have been introduced into the Japanese language. There are also a few Japanese words that have been introduced into the English language and are now found in English language dictionaries. One such word is samurai. In the Webster's New World Dictionary that I commonly use, this word is defined as follows: "A member of a military class in feudal Japan, consisting of the retainers of the daimios, or great nobles." There are 2 different Chinese characters that have been used for this native Japanese term. One is made up of the Chinese figures for 10, which looks like a plus sign or a cross, under which is the figure for 1, a single line. The basic meaning of this character is a learned man, one who can bring 10 and 1 together. The other character is make up of a man and a temple. In this case, the temple refers to the imperial court, so a samurai was one who had access to the imperial court. In the 2nd chapter of Paul's 2nd letter to Timothy, Paul refers to Timothy as "a loyal soldier of Jesus Christ". This term should apply to all Christians, who have chosen Christ as the Lord of their lives and have, thus, become his samurai.
The Passover (83/03/29)
For Jews, today begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread or the Passover. Since this annual celebration has been observed for over 3,000 years, it is one of the oldest festivals known. It is rooted in the experience of the Israelites recorded in the 12th chapter of the Old Testament book of Exodus. The night before Moses began leading the children of Israel out of Egyptian slavery, they remained in their houses, prepared for their journey, eating unleavened bread and a sacrificial lamb whose blood had been sprinkled on the doorposts. The angel of death "passed over" their homes on that night but visited the homes of the Egyptians. Thus, this commemorative feast is called Passover and on the first evening of the weeklong festival a ceremonial meal is eaten. It includes unleavened bread, bitter herbs, in remembrance of the hardship of slavery, salt water, signifying tears, a mixture of apples, nuts, cinnamon and wine, representating the bricks and mortar used in Egypt, plus a roasted egg and shank bone of a lamb. The sacrificial lamb is an important symbol in the Bible. In the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Texas (83/03/02)
Doll's Festival (83/03/03)
Vermont (83/03/04)
Stalin (83/03/05)
Alamo (83/03/06)
Religion (83/03/07)
An international center in Nagoya (83/03/08)
A bus driver's detour (83/03/09)
Uncle Sam (83/03/10)
A telephone harassment (83/03/11)
Mauritius (83/03/12)
Alexander (83/03/13)
Einstein (83/03/14)
Maine (83/03/15)
Drunken drivers (83/03/16)
St. Patrick's Day (83/03/17)
Grover Cleveland (83/03/18)
Yoshinao Kishimoto's Hospital (83/03/19)
Passion Sunday (83/03/20)
Higan (83/03/21)
Stamp (83/03/22)
Pakistan (83/03/23)
Elizabeth (83/03/24)
Greece (83/03/25)
The Hula dance (83/03/26)
Palm Sunday (83/03/27)
Samurai (83/03/28)
The Passover (83/03/29)
The Eiffel Tower (83/03/30)
Maunday Thursday (83/03/31)
March (83/03/01)