A Christmas tree in Nagoya (84/12/01)
In America, it is usually after Thanksgiving Day that Christmas decorations begin to appear. Christmas trees are usually not seen before the first part of December. In Nagoya, however, some people evidently wish to extend the Christmas season, for a 10.4 meter tall, artificial Christmas tree was erected in the Central Park plaza on November 19th! This cone-shaped tree is constructed of gold and silver trimming--which in Japanese is called mo-ru. It has 350 golden bells, 1,500 light bulbs which blink off and on and a large, 5-pointed star on the top. It cost 2,700,000 yen and is an attractive, illuminating addition to the Sakae area. It is probably attracting young couples to the plaza and some shoppers to the stores, but it is not serving to illuminate the true meaning of Christmas. This Christmas season in Japan will probably again be a commercial success and a time of friendly festivity, but I would encourage you to take time with your families during this season to consider the underlying reason for this joyful time of year by reading the Christmas stories in the first 2 chapters of the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. (1382)
Advent (84/12/02)
The word "advent" comes from a Latin word meaning "to come". It may refer to any coming or arrival in general, but when spelled with a capital letter, it refers to the coming of Christ in particular. The Bible refers to two advents of Christ. The first advent occurred approximately 1,990 years ago in Palestine. His second advent is prophesied to take place in the future at the end of this age. In the Christian Church calendar, the 4th Sunday before Christmas, which is today, marks the beginning of the Advent season and of a new Church Year. Just as the season of Lent is a time of preparation for the commemoration of Jesus' death and resurrection in the spring, so the Advent season is the time when Christians prepare their hearts and homes for the celebration of Jesus' birth during the winter. Outward preparations, such as decorating the home, buying gifts and taking part in various Christmas activities, are obvious, but Advent should also be a time for inner reflection, repentance and rededication as we consider the meaning of the birth of Jesus, the Christ, our Lord and Savior. This is "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463. (1383)
Hobson's choice (84/12/03)
Do you know the meaning of the term "Hobson's choice"? It is a phrase referring to a choice which is really no choice at all, or rather, a choice of taking what is offered or nothing. The phrase comes from the name of Thomas Hobson, the owner of a livery stable in Cambridge, England in the early 17th century. A livery stable was a place where horses were kept and rented out. It was Hobson's custom to rent his horses according to a particular order. It was his hard and fast rule that the customer take the horse nearest the door. He allowed him no other choice; either the person took that horse or none at all. There are many times in life when we are confronted with a Hobson's choice. Due to our place of birth, physical constitution, educational background or financial situation, some things are beyond our attainment. We do not really have a choice as to whether to acquire them or not. In this situation, we may become depressed and envious of others, or if we have a healthy faith, we may know the truth of the words found in the Letter to the Philippians, chapter 4, verse 11: "I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content." Tomorrow evening at 6:30 our Bible Class, in Japanese and in English, will meet at the Kyōikukan in Sakae. Please come if you are interested.(1384)
Saint Barbara (84/12/04)
In the General Calendar of the Roman Catholic Church, every day of the year is listed as the feast day of at least one person whom that Church has designated a "saint". Today, December 4th, is the feast day of Saint Barbara. Very little is known for sure about this virgin martyr who lived in the 3rd or 4th century, but there are a number of contradictory legends concerning her. Her father is said to have shut her up in a tower and then to have killed her for being a Christian. He was later struck down by lightning and, as a result, St.Barbara has become the patron saint of the makers and users of firearms and fireworks. She is also said to be the patron saint of miners, mathematicians, architects, brewers, oilers and masons. What interests me about this saint, however, is her name. It comes from the Greek word meaning foreign, strange or ignorant, which is also the root of "barbarian". Moreover, Barbara is the name of my wife. In contrast with the legendary lady of long ago, however, she is a living "Saint Barbara" and her "feast day" is tomorrow. In the New Testament, the word "saint" refers to all those who have accepted God's call to join his family of holy people. (1385)
"Hello" (84/12/05)
In Japan, one of the common ways to call for someone's attention is to say moshi-moshi. The word moshi comes from mōsu, meaning "to speak". In English, we may attract attention with the term "Hello", although the more polite way of beginning a conversation with a stranger is to say "Excuse me". Telephone conversations in English-speaking countries usually begin with "Hello" even as they begin with moshi-moshi in Japan. The origin of the word "Hello" is not certain, but one theory is that it comes from the French word holla, meaning "Stop!" It became a common greeting in America after the introduction of the telephone just over 100 years ago. It is said that Thomas Edison was the first person to use this word over the telephone. The telephone's inventor, Alexander Bell, preferred the word "Ahoy", which is the greeting used by seamen. In Old Testament Hebrew, hoi was the attention-calling word used at the beginning of Isaiah, chapter 55, where it is written: "Ho, every one who thirsts, come to the waters." This is God's invitation to people with thirsty hearts to come to him to find true satisfaction. Those who drink of the spiritual spring of God's grace will never thirst again.
St. Nicholas (84/12/06)
The name Nicholas comes from 2 Greek words meaning "victory of the people". In the Roman Catholic Church calendar, this 6th day of December is the feast day of St. Nicholas. We have very little factual information about this saint other than the fact that he was a bishop of Myra, on the southern coast of Turkey, in the 4th century. However, many legends developed regarding St. Nicholas, many of which referred to his acts of kindness, especially towards children. In time, the celebration of his feast day included giving gifts to children. The Dutch settlers in America brought with them their custom of giving gifts on this feast day of the one they called Sinterklaas. Other Americans joined in this celebration and expanded it until the jolly figure of Santa Claus became mixed in with the Christmas celebration. Unfortunately, today, some children associate Santa Claus with Christmas rather than Jesus, the Christ, whose birth is being celebrated. If you celebrate Christmas in some manner this year, please remember whose birthday it is. You may receive a typewritten copy of these daily messages by sending a stamped envelope plus 100 yen in stamps to: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463. (1387)
Pearl Harbor Day (84/12/07)
Today is December the 7th. Can you think of any important event that occurred on this day? In America, it is known as Pearl Harbor Day, commemorating the attack on that Hawaiian naval base by the Japanese Air Force in 1941. During that attack, 2,403 American soldiers, sailors, marines and civilians lost their lives. The battleship, Arizona, was sunk with over 1,100 men aboard and that sunken ship has become their tomb. On a part of its rusting hulk that still juts out of the water, a white marble and concrete shrine has been built as a memorial. According to Japanese records, this unhappy event took place on December 8, but it was December 7, a Sunday morning, in Hawaii and Sunday afternoon in Washington. Some American communities continue to hold memorial ceremonies on this day. Although we would like to forget such unpleasant events, sometimes we need to be reminded of the horrible effects of war to renew our resolve to avoid such events in the future. "Pearl Harbor" and "Hiroshima" are emotion-packed words that should stimulate our efforts for world peace. In Romans 14:19, it is written, "Let us pursue what makes for peace." (1388)
Two weddings (84/12/08)
Yesterday's newspapers included reports on the wedding of the Emperor's nephew, Prince Norihito, which took place on Thursday. The 29-year-old prince, the third son of the Emperor's younger brother, married the daughter of the managing director of a trading firm. She is a member of a family formerly included in the nobility. The traditional, very formal wedding ceremony took place in the innermost sanctuary of the Imperial Palace in the presence of about 100 persons. In contrast to this almost secretive ceremony, an English-language newspaper noted another wedding that took place this week in New York. The couple were 18-year-old grandchildren of the Grand Rabbi of a mystical, pietistic, Jewish sect called Hasidim. Among the Hasidim, whose men all dress in black and wear beards, a wedding is one of the most important celebrations. This ceremony was held in an arena usually used by a professional ice-hockey team and about 25,000 guests were present for the occasion. Whether a wedding is witnessed by many or by few, and whether the ceremony is elaborate or simple, the basic element in a genuinely happy marriage is the mutual love and respect of the couple themselves. (1389)
Beans (84/12/09)
Today's message is about beans. There are many different kinds of beans including the soybean. The English word "soy" comes from the Japanese shōyu, which is a sauce made from soybeans. In Japanese, the word for soybeans is daizu literally meaning "big bean", however, the daizu I see in the supermarket are not very big. They are smaller than the uzura-mame, literally meaning "quail bean", but translated into English as "mottled kidney bean". "Mottled" refers to something marked with blotches or spots of different colors and a kidney bean is a bean shaped like a kidney. In Japanese, kidney beans are called ingen-mame, for it is said that this kind of bean was first introduced into Japan by a Buddhist priest from China called Ingen, who also founded the Obaku Sect of Zen Buddhism in Japan. In English, "bean" is also used as a slang term for a person's head, and the expression "full of beans", originally referring to someone in high spirits, with lots of energy, now refers to a person speaking nonsense. Many people having a glib tongue are "full of beans". In Proverbs 15:2, we read that "the mouths of fools pour out folly," but James 1:19 advises us to "be quick to hear," and "slow to speak".
Human Rights Day (84/12/10)
36 years ago today, on December 10, 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations so today is observed as Human Rights Day. Included in that Declaration are the affirmations that no one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or to torture and that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion along with the right to freely express his opinion. There are many countries in the world today where such basic human rights are not being observed. The human rights organization known as Amnesty International seeks to gain the release of those imprisoned for the non-violent exercise of the basic human rights proclaimed in the Declaration. The Nagoya Group of Amnesty International usually meets on the 4th Monday evening of the month at the Higashi Shakai Kyōiku Sentā, north of the Shinsakae subway station, but this week on Thursday they will hold a special meeting at that center, beginning at 7:00 o'clock, which will include a video movie and a lecture. You are invited to attend. Jesus taught that we should love our neighbor as ourself and do to him as we would have him do to us. Such an attitude is the basis for true respect for the rights of others.(1391)
Japanese emperor (84/12/11)
Recently, I was surprised to hear a Japanese man state that, under the present constitution, the Japanese emperor does not enjoy the freedoms and rights guaranteed to the people because, constitutionally, he is in a separate category. If this is, in fact, true, it is unfortunate, for the emperor is a person as well as a symbol. 48 years ago today, the king of England shocked the world by asserting his right to marry the woman of his choice despite the opposition of the British government. At the age of 41, Edward VIII had become king upon the death of his father in January, 1936. 325 days later, on December 11th of that year, he made a radio broadcast to the nation in which he stated that he could no longer reign as king of England without the help of the woman he loved, so he gave up his throne and left the country. The following year, he married an American lady who had just obtained a divorce from her second husband. His younger brother, the father of the present queen, became king in his stead. Even though our freedom of choice may bring disappointment to others, it is one of the most precious rights a person can possess, so I hope the Japanese emperor is also free to make personal choices and live a meaningful life. (1392)
Pennsylvania (84/12/12)
Such English names as Sylvan, Sylvester and Sylvia all come from sylva, the Latin word referring to a wooded area, such as a forest or woods. One of the American states has this word in its name also. In 1681, King Charles II of England granted a large tract of land on the American continent to William Penn as partial repayment of a debt owed to his father, a British admiral. Penn suggested the name Sylvania for this land, but the King chose to call it Pennsylvania, in honor of the admiral. William Penn was a Quaker, who had been persecuted for his liberal religious views in England, so he aimed to establish a colony in the New World where religious and political freedom could flourish. On December 12, 1787, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ratified the Constitution, thus officially becoming the 2nd state of the United States of America. The first city established in this colony was the site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the place where the Constitution was drawn up. Its name is the Greek word meaning "brotherly love." This word, philadelphia, is found in Hebrews chapter 13, verse 1, where it is written: "Let brotherly love continue". (1393)
Puncture (84/12/13)
In American English, the word "punk", which comes from an American Indian word, refers to decayed wood. It is also used for the slow-burning stick used to light firecrackers. As a slang expression, it may refer to a young hoodlum or, in a derogatory way, to any person considered insignificant or having a low character. In Japanese, however, panku was first used as the Japanized form of "puncture", in reference to a flat tire. The meaning of this Japanese word has now evolved to refer to anything that has come to the breaking point due to overloading. In English, puncture refers to the piercing of something with a sharp point, but speaking figuratively, anything inflated like a tire or balloon, may also be punctured. Sometimes, it is necessary to puncture a person's pride if he has become too haughty. The Bible teaches that human pride is a basic obstacle to a healthy faith. In Matthew, chapter 18, Jesus taught that the way to enter the Kingdom of Heaven is to humble oneself and become like a little child. Anyone who wishes to contribute to the expenses of this telephone service, may make a deposit in the yūbin furikae kōza of "Deiri-Wa-do", Nagoya 3-37078. (1394)
Roald Amundsen (84/12/14)
As you know, a pole is a long, slender rod, but it is also the word used to refer to either end of an axis. The two ends of the earth's axis are called the North Pole and the South Pole and the areas around these two poles are called the polar regions. One of the great explorers of the polar regions was a Norwegian named Roald Amundsen. Hoping to be the first man to reach the North Pole, he was on his way there in 1909 when he heard the news that an American explorer had already reached that goal, so he turned his eyes to the south. Using a dog team and skis for his final dash, he became the first man to reach the South Pole on December 14, 1911, 73 years ago today. In 1926, he and an associate became the first men to fly over the North Pole. A bitter controversy resulted between them regarding who should receive credit for the feat, but when the associate's plane crashed a couple of years later, Amundsen lost his life in an attempt to rescue him. This final act may have been the most significant in this explorer's exciting life, for the greatest discovery one can make is that true and lasting happiness comes through giving up one self for others in the spirit of Christ. (1395)
Nero (84/12/15)
Today, December 15, is the birthday of the last Roman emperor to come from the family of Julius Caesar. His name was Nero and he was born on this day in 37 A.D. Through the influence of his mother, he became emperor when he was 17 years old and reigned for the next 14 years. Nero aspired to become a poet and an artist, but immorality and brutality were the main characteristics of his reign, so the adjective, Neronian, is now used to describe someone who is very cruel, depraved or despotic. The Roman senate finally declared him a public enemy and he committed suicide at the age of 31. Nero began the first great persecution of Christians whom he accused of starting the fire which burned a large part of Rome. The Apostle Paul, who probably died during that persecution, wrote these words, recorded in II Timothy, chapter 4, before his death: "I am on the point of being sacrificed, the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing." (1396)
Beethoven (84/12/16)
When two Greek words meaning "together" and "sound" are combined, the result is the word "symphony" which refers to a harmony of sounds. In music, a symphony is a musical composition to be played by a full orchestra. One of the greatest composers of symphonies was Ludwig van Beethoven, who was born 114 years ago today on December 16, 1770. As a child, he was forced by his father to practice daily on the harpsichord and soon became a skilled pianist. Before he was 30, he began to suffer from a loss of hearing and in his early 40's, he became completely deaf. Nevertheless, he continued to compose music, including his great Ninth Symphony, despite his deafness. He once described his method of composing as follows: "From the glow of enthusiasm I let the melody escape. I pursue it. Breathless I catch up with it. It flies again, it disappears, it plunges into a chaos of diverse emotions. I catch it again, I seize it, I embrace it with delight . . . . I multiply it by modulations, and at last triumph in the first theme. There is the whole symphony". The person with a healthy faith finds it easy to break into joyful song--without the stimulus of a strong drink. (1397)
Cook Islands (84/12/17)
Norman George, the foreign minister of the Cook Islands recently made a stopover in Japan. At that time, he invited Japanese tourists to include the Cook Islands in their itineraries. This small group of volcanic and coral islands, located some 2500 kilometers northeast of New Zealand, are named for the English explorer who discovered some of them in 1773. At present, they have a population of about 19,000. Mr. George noted that many Japanese products, such as electrical appliances and automobiles, are common on these islands, but Japanese faces are rarely seen. He hopes that some of the many honeymooners and young people travelling to Australia as a result of the present "koala fever" will also visit the Cook Islands, which he called the "paradise" of the South Pacific. "Paradise" comes from the Persian word for "garden" and is used to refer both to the Garden of Eden and to heaven. It is to the heavenly paradise that we should all be preparing to go--not merely to visit but to remain forever. Tomorrow evening at the City Kyōikukan near Sakae, we will hold our final Bible Study of this year--beginning at 6:30 in Japanese and at 7:30 in English and I would be happy to see you there. (1398)
Kiseru-nori (84/12/18)
The Japanese National Railways reported last week that it had uncovered 16,627 cases of fare-cheating during a one month clampdown in October and collected over ¥251,000,000 in penalties. The highest penalty of over ¥5,000,000 was paid by a 47-year-old office worker in Ibaraki Prefecture who had been commuting for over 3 years using 2 commuter tickets covering the minimum fare from each end of his daily trip without paying for the longer middle portion. Such a cheating method is called kiseru-nori in Japanese. Kiseru, from the Cambodian word for "pipe", originally referred to the kind of pipe used in smoking tobacco that had metal, or kane, at both ends but not in the middle, so using money, or kane at both ends of a trip but not in the middle is called kiseru-nori. Approximately half of those caught in the clampdown were travelling without tickets. Many of them had to pay triple the regular fare in penalties. Dishonesty and the impulse to cheat is another indication of human sinfulness. The last chapter of the Bible indicates that, along with the immoral and murderers, "those who are liars both in words and deeds" will not be able to enter the gates of paradise. (1399)
Countries with large population (84/12/19)
Can you name the 4 countries in the world that have a population of over 200 million? They are: China, with over a billion citizens, India, with about 750 million, followed by the U.S.S.R. with 276 million and the U.S.A. with 236 million. Recently published statistics indicate that Japan passed the 120 million mark this past summer, maintaining its 7th place following Indonesia and Brazil. Japan's population amounts to 2.5% of the world population. When the first national census was taken in Japan, in 1872, there were 35 million people living on these islands. By 1912, the population had reached 50 million and in 1966, it topped 100 million. 10 years ago, it reached 110 million, but it is not expected to hit the 130 million mark until 2005 because the rate of growth continues to decline. An American journalist once wrote: "If the world were not so full of people, and most of them did not have to work so hard, there would be more time for them to get out and lie on the grass, and there would be more grass for them to lie on." Although there are many people in the world, the Bible teaches that God knows and loves each one, including you!(1400)
Belgium (84/12/20)
As you know, Belgium is a small country in northwestern Europe. It has a coastline on the North Sea and shares borders with the Netherlands, West Germany, Luxembourg and France. In area, it is approximately the size of Shizuoka, Aichi, Mie and Gifu prefectures combined. Belgium has an economic agreement with the Netherlands and Luxembourg and the first letters of these countries are sometimes combined to refer to all 3 of them as Benelux. For some 1800 years, Belgium was ruled by various conquerors, including the Romans, the Franks, Spain, Austria, France and the Netherlands. 154 years ago today, on December 20, 1830, the Belgians rebelled against foreign domination and became an independent, constitutional monarchy. Belgium continues to be troubled by domestic disharmony between the Dutch-speaking Flemish people in the north and the French-speaking Walloons in the south. The capital city of Brussels is a kind of bilingual political battleground lying between the two groups. One of the unifying elements among the various Japanese tribes is their common language. It may be that a common language is essential to true unity, but the basic language understood by all people is the language of love.(1401)
Christmas celebration (84/12/21)
After the end of the war, when Christmas trees were erected in some stations of the Japan National Railways, there were complaints about this display of religious symbols on public property, but the Transportation Ministry ruled that a Christmas tree is a seasonal decoration and not a religious symbol. Certainly in Japan, the various Christmas decorations and activities have little, if any, religious significance to most people. Since the "X" of "Xmas" is the first letter in the Greek word for "Christ", whether we speak of "Christmas" or "Xmas", Christ is at the heart of the word. He is also at the heart of a genuine Christmas celebration. Are you celebrating Christmas this year? If you are, may I suggest that, in some way, you give recognition to the One whose birth is being celebrated? You may read the Gospel story of his birth at home and sing some Christmas carols or, better yet, attend a Christmas Worship Service on Sunday morning or on Christmas Eve at a Christian Church. At Nagoya Union Church, which meets at the Kinjō Kyōkai near Tokiwa Jogakuin in Daikan Chō, Higashi Ku, a special Christmas Service will be held at 4 o'clock Sunday afternoon for English-speaking people. Following the service, a group will go out Christmas carolling. You are welcome to join them.(1402)
An honest driver (84/12/22)
According to yesterday's newspaper, on Thursday, a man in Kuwana left home for work with his brief case, containing his year-end bonus of ¥570,000, on the trunk of his car. After stopping at an intersection, the brief case fell off. The man did not hear the horn sounded by the driver of the following car who stopped to retrieve it. When he got to work and found his brief case missing, he realized what had happened and retraced his route but did not find it, so he reported it to the police with a heavy heart. However, the honest driver of the other car had already delivered the brief case to the police station so the owner was very happy and gave the finder a ¥50,000 reward. It is common to give a reward corresponding to the value of the returned item at such a time, but actually, there should be no need to reward a person for merely doing what is right. A simple expression of appreciation should be sufficient. In Luke, chapter 17, Jesus indicated that servants should not expect special recognition for simply doing their duty. Honesty is a moral duty and should be considered commonplace rather than exceptional. (1403)
Advent (84/12/23)
The Christian Church Year begins with the season of Advent, which is a season of preparation for the celebration of Jesus' birth on Christmas Day. Since the Advent Season begins on the 4th Sunday before Christmas, there are always 4 Sundays in this season. It is the custom in some church traditions, especially those in Western Europe, to make use of Advent wreaths and Advent calendars. An Advent wreath is a simple circle of greenery in which 4 candles are placed. The candles stand for the 4 Sundays of Advent and each one is lighted in turn on each of the 4 Sundays. Advent calendars are beautifully decorated calendars on which a windowlike flap of paper is folded back everyday to reveal a holiday symbol and to heighten the atmosphere of anticipation--especially for children. Today is the 4th and final Sunday of Advent, the Sunday before Christmas. Tomorrow evening, Christmas Eve services will be held in many churches throughout the world. Why don't you plan to attend one? Candles are a common Christmas decoration and are often used in Christmas Eve services as a reminder of the Christian affirmation that Christ is the Light of the world.(1404)
Christmas Eve (84/12/24)
Today is December 24th, which means that tonight is Christmas Eve. "Eve", of course is the shortened form of "evening" and may be used by poets to refer to the close of the day. It is also used to refer to the evening before a special day of some kind, such as Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve, or to the period immediately before some event, such as the eve of a battle or the eve of victory. Eve is also a feminine name. According to the Old Testament book of Genesis, chapter 3, verse 20, this was the name chosen by the first man, Adam, for the woman who was given to him as a companion and who thus became the mother of the human race. At our Christmas Eve Service this evening at our church in the city of Takahama, our eyes will be focussed on a manger beneath a cross, with a lighted candle between them. Here are 3 symbols which express important Christian truths related to this season: Christ, the Light of the world, who revealed God's infinite love toward us both through his humble birth and his sacrificial death. Those who have experienced this love of God in their own hearts should also express it through a humble spirit and deeds of selfless love. (1405)
Gift-giving on Christmas day (84/12/25)
My elder brother and I and all four of our sisters were born in the house that our parents had built following their marriage. Our parents' bedroom was on the first floor, but the rooms of us children were on the second floor--one for the boys and another for the girls. About a week before Christmas, my father would buy a tall Christmas tree that reached the ceiling of the living room. We all helped decorate it and under the tree we would put the presents we had purchased and wrapped in pretty decoration paper. We all exchanged gifts with one another as well as with our parents. On Christmas morning, we would excitedly come downstairs to find that the stockings we had hung up under a window had been filled with candies and other small gifts, including some little toys to play with until the whole family had awakened and gathered together for the gift-exchange. Then one of us would distribute the gifts from under the Christmas tree, each having the name of the giver and the recipient, and open them one at a time. It was a very happy occasion and our parents reminded us that the reason for this joyful, gift-giving custom was because of God's gift of his Son for our salvation. I pray that you also will know the true joy and meaning of Christmas and have a meaningful and merry Christmas this year.(1406)
Martyr Stephen's death (84/12/26)
The term "maiden name" refers to the surname, or family name, of a woman before she was married. Since my wife's maiden name was Stevens, we chose the name Steven for our eldest son and he is now visiting us from the United States. Although his name is spelled with a "v", the traditional way to spell that name is with a "ph", from the Greek word stephanos, which means "crown". In the 6th and 7th chapters of the New Testament book of The Acts of the Apostles is the story of Stephen, who became the first martyr of the Christian Church. The date of his martyrdom is not known, but because he was the first of many martyrs, his feast day is observed on the day after Christmas, which is today. The story of Stephen's death is very impressive. His forceful sermon before the Jewish Council enraged the council members and they cast him out of the city to kill him by stoning. As they were stoning him, he knelt down and cried with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them". And then he died. He followed the example of his Lord who also prayed for the forgiveness of his enemies as he was dying. The word "martyr" literally means "witness" and Stephen was a faithful witness by his words and actions even in his death.(1407)
A coin swallowed (84/12/27)
Recently, many people have been singing or listening to the song, "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas". This year; that dream came true in this area of Japan for a change. At our house on Christmas Day, we and our guests enjoyed roast turkey and pumpkin pie, but there is an English custom of making a special Christmas pudding at this time of year. Sometimes, coins are put into the pudding and the person who finds a coin in his or her serving is considered lucky. 12 years ago, a 13-year-old Australian girl named Marie Heffernen, should have been considered lucky for there was a threepenny coin in her serving of Christmas pudding. However, she evidently swallowed the coin without realizing it and, instead of getting lucky, she found herself unable to speak. Last week, 25-year-old Marie, had a coughing fit, spat out the silver coin her mother had put into her pudding 12 years ago and began to speak once again. Doctors said that the coin had lodged between her vocal cords and prevented them from vibrating. Marie said, "It's incredible to be able to speak again". The ability to speak is a precious gift. How do we use this gift which we take for granted? Do our words bring joy and comfort or gloom and discouragement into the lives of others? (1408)
Nepal (84/12/28)
Today, December 28th, is the National Day in the Kingdom of Nepal for it is the birthday of the reigning king, Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, who was born on this day in 1945. That means he is 39 years old today. Nepal is a small country located between China and India in the Himalaya Mountains. It has an area equal to about 61% that of the Japanese island of Honshu and a population of over 14 1/2 million. 90% of the Nepalis are Hindus and 9% are Buddhists. There are a dozen different languages spoken in Nepal, but less than 20% of the people are literate and their life expectancy at birth is less than 45 years. Nepal is one of the countries where Christian Japanese doctors and nurses have gone in recent years to witness to their faith through humble service. Medical workers also come from Nepal to receive further practical training at the Asian Health Institute outside of Nagoya to enable them to better minister to their own people. Jesus taught that it is the responsibility of those who have much to help those who have little. That is a teaching that all of us living in Japan need to ponder seriously. (1409)
Activities during the year (84/12/29)
The Bible teaches that at the end of history, there will be a judgment day when we must give an account of ourselves before God, the righteous Judge. Giving an account of things entrusted to us is sometimes necessary in this life also. For many people, the end of the year is the time to tally up the records and settle accounts so that the New Year will begin free of indebtedness. For you who are interested, I will give a brief account of the activities related to this "Daily Word" telephone service. During 1984, an average of over 120 calls were received each day, 3 listeners' meetings were held, attended by 30 different people, 3 issues of "Daily Word" Echoes were printed, containing 129 essays by 21 different people. Income from offerings at the listeners' meetings, sale of the Echoes, fees for sending out the weekly copies of messages and general contributions totalled some ¥150,000, while expenses for telephone bills, room rentals, copying fees, etc. amounted to some ¥80,000. I am embarrassed at the large balance this year, but I will use it to offset deficits of previous years. My sincere thanks to all who have contributed to the expenses of this service. (1410)
Advent (84/12/02)
Hobson's choice (84/12/03)
Saint Barbara (84/12/04)
"Hello" (84/12/05)
St. Nicholas (84/12/06)
Pearl Harbor Day (84/12/07)
Two weddings (84/12/08)
Beans (84/12/09)
Human Rights Day (84/12/10)
Japanese emperor (84/12/11)
Pennsylvania (84/12/12)
Puncture (84/12/13)
Roald Amundsen (84/12/14)
Nero (84/12/15)
Beethoven (84/12/16)
Cook Islands (84/12/17)
Kiseru-nori (84/12/18)
Countries with large population (84/12/19)
Belgium (84/12/20)
Christmas celebration (84/12/21)
An honest driver (84/12/22)
Advent (84/12/23)
Christmas Eve (84/12/24)
Gift-giving on Christmas day (84/12/25)
Martyr Stephen's death (84/12/26)
A coin swallowed (84/12/27)
Nepal (84/12/28)
Activities during the year (84/12/29)
Pounding mochi (84/12/30)
Forgetting the old year (84/12/31)
A Christmas tree in Nagoya (84/12/01)