Advent (85/12/01)
Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of the Republic of India and grandfather of Prime Minister Gandhi, who is now visiting Japan, once said, "We live in a world that is full of adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open." English philosopher Alfred Whitehead has stated, "Without adventure, civilization is in full decay." An adventure is defined as "a risky undertaking, an exciting or remarkable experience". It comes from a Latin word meaning to come or to arrive, which is also the meaning of the word "advent". Today, the 4th Sunday before Christmas, is the beginning of the season called Advent in the Church calendar, the season to prepare our hearts for celebrating the coming of Christ into the world. My sermon text today is from Romans, chapter 13, where we read that it is time for us to wake from sleep for the night is far gone and the day is at hand. Christians believe that a new day began with the coming of Christ and we are told to cast off the deeds of darkness and to clothe ourselves in garments of light that are in keeping with this new age. As we approach the Christmas season, let us prepare our hearts to celebrate this adventure in a meaningful way.
Atlas (85/12/02)
For the past week, an American spaceship has been orbiting the earth with an international crew. The name of this spaceship is Atlantis, from the name of a mythical island mentioned in ancient Greek writings. Plato described it as an ideal state, a utopia, until it was destroyed by an earthquake and sank into the sea. That western sea, or Taiseiyō in Japanese, is called the Atlantic Ocean in English, after this same mythical island. Both names, Atlantis and Atlantic, are derived from the Titan called Atlas in Greek mythology. After the downfall of the gigantic Titans, Atlas was condemned to stand at the western end of the earth, bearing the sky on his head and hands. The figure of Atlas supporting the world was often used to decorate maps of the world, so a collection of such maps eventually was called an atlas. According to Greek mythology, Atlas was later changed into a mountain in northwestern Africa, and both the mythical island and the ocean, which were located west of Atlas, were named after this figure. In Christian thought, it is not Atlas who bears the world on his shoulders, but God, the Creator, our Heavenly Father, who holds the "whole, wide world in his hands." (1748)
Gilbert Stuart (85/12/03)
George Washington, who had been the commander in chief of the Continental army, became the first president of the United States of America. Today, he is known as the Father of His Country and his portrait is found in many public places, such as classrooms courtrooms and other government buildings. One of his most famous portraits is found on the one-dollar bill. That one and most of the other well-known portraits of Washington were painted by the same man, Gilbert Stuart, who was born in Rhode Island 230 years ago today, on December 3, 1755. Stuart was interested in drawing from his youth and began drawing portraits when he was a teen-ager. He achieved fame as a portrait painter in London in his early thirties. However, despite his substantial income, his extravagant life style caused him to be continually in debt. After returning to America in 1793, he became a successful portrait painter of many of the country's leaders, but his primary interest was in his portraits of Washington. He produced and sold many replicas of his original portraits, but despite his success, he was still in debt when he died at the age of 72. A person with natural ability also needs to make use of discipline and common sense. (1749)
Rhinoceros (85/12/04)
The elephant is the most powerful land animal. Do you know which animal is the next most powerful? It is a mammal with a large, thick-skinned body and short, thick legs which end in hoofed toes. It has small eyes and ears and a short tail, but its most characteristic feature is the long horn protruding from the snout of its elongated head. In English, this beast is called a rhinoceros, from Greek words meaning "nose-horned". The Japanese term is much shorter--a simple sai. Despite their large size, rhinoceros eat only grasses. The smallest of the world's five rhinoceros species is found in Malaysia, and their number is decreasing, so now there is a controversy about whether or not to export rhinoceros to American zoos for breeding purposes. Some people approve of this plan while others say a rhinoceros sanctuary should be created at home. Depending on the species, rhinoceros may have one horn or two and their horns are considered to have medicinal value. In the Bible, a horn is a symbol of power, and in the song of Zechariah, found in the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke, which is often read during this Advent season, Christ is literally referred to as "a horn of salvation."
A Cultural Exchange (85/12/05)
To exchange means to give something up for something else, or to give and receive reciprocally. Last month, United States President Reagan and Soviet leader Gorbachev agreed to permit cultural exchanges between their two countries. The first of these exchanges took place this week. This exchange made use of satellite television. While a Soviet rock group played in Moscow, a young audience in Minneapolis clapped and sang along in a prayer for world peace. Young singers and actors from the United States and the Soviet Union sang duets and asked each other questions about their nations while taping the hour-long program, which was referred to as a "children's summit". Singer John Denver, who was the host for the U. S. side of the international production said, "Talking to each other...we can create the world of peace we dream about." This program was dedicated to Samantha Smith, the American teen-ager who visited the Soviet Union as an unofficial peace envoy in 1983 and who died in a plane crash last year. The Soviet host, Vladmir Pozner said that Samantha "embodied the young of America that we want to be good neighbors with." Hopefully, such cultural exchanges will help to break down the walls of suspicion and misunderstanding.(1751)
Quinoa (85/12/06)
The staple food of Japanese is rice, but it is not so easy to indicate the staple food of Americans. For some of them, it is also rice, and for others it is pasta. In my home, the "filler food" was either bread or potatoes. Potatoes are now grown in many areas of the world, but their native ground is the Andes mountain range in South America. In January, another food from that area will be introduced to North Americans when one pound bags of a small seed called quinoa [keen-wa], spelled q-u-i-no-a, will go on sale in health-food stores for about $3. Quinoa looks something like canary feed. It is cooked like rice and has a squashlike taste. It contains up to 20% protein, almost twice that of most grains, and has a balance of the essential amino acids which other grains lack. It is a high-fiber food with no cholesterol and can be used as a meat substitute. An agronomist at Colorado State University, who is trying to develop a strain of the plant that can be grown in the Rocky Mountains, says, "If you had your choice of one food to survive on this would be the best." According to the 6th chapter of the Gospel of John, Jesus, the Christ, is "the bread of life", and "the one who eats this bread will live forever." (1752)
Delaware (85/12/07)
Do you know which of the 50 states in the U. S. A. is known as the "First State"? It is neither a large state nor a populous state. In fact, it is the 2nd smallest in area and the 4th from the bottom in population. However, 198 years ago today, it became the first of the 13 original colonies to ratify the new Constitution and thus gained the title of "First State". The state of Delaware is only a little larger than Aichi Prefecture. In 1610, a cape at the entrance to a bay was named in honor of Baron De la Warr, governor of Virginia. Then, the bay, the river running into the bay and even the Indians in the area were called Delaware, which also became the name of the colony and of the new state. Because of its pride in being the first state to ratify the Constitution, the date it did so, December 7, 1787, is printed on the state flag. States, countries or people can be listed in various ways--according to size, importance, spelling of name, financial status, etc., but according to the teaching of Jesus, those at the top of God's list are those who serve others. By his life as well as his words, Jesus taught that true greatness comes through humble service. (1753)
Festival of Lights (85/12/08)
According to the Jewish calendar, today is the 25th day of the month of Kislev. Consequently, it is the first day of an eight-day festival called Hanukkah, meaning "dedication" in Hebrew. This feast commemorates the rededication of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem in 165 B.C. following its desecration by a Syrian king three years earlier. It is also called the Festival of Lights because of the custom of lighting candles on each of the festival days. One candle is lit on the first evening, two on the second, three on the third, and so on until all eight candles are burning on the last evening. These candles are placed in a special candelabrum, called a menorah. Each night, as the candles are lit, the following blessing is recited: "Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who performed wondrous deeds for our fathers in ancient days at this season." It is well to remember the blessings of God upon our ancestors and to be thankful. Recalling God's past blessings, we are encouraged to entrust ourselves into his care both in the present and in the future. In Isaiah, chapter 40, verse 8, we find these words, which are a part of my sermon text for today: "Grass withers and flowers fade, but the word of our God endures forever."
Amnesty International (85/12/09)
In Japan, the week from December 4 to 10 is known as Human Rights Week. Its purpose is to focus attention on human rights and on problems related to those rights. Tomorrow, December the 10th, is observed as Human Rights Day by most members of the United Nations, for it was on that day in 1948 that the General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Despite this unanimous declaration, however, the human rights of many people, especially those belonging to minorities or to groups out of favor with the ruling powers, continue to be violated in many countries throughout the world. To bring moral pressure to bear on the violating authorities, a group known as Amnesty International was founded 24 years ago in London. Now having local groups in most countries of the free world it works for the release of so-called "prisoners of conscience"--the term given to those who have been imprisoned simply for exercising the rights guaranteed by the Human Rights Declaration. The Nagoya Group of Amnesty International meets on the 3rd Wednesday evening of the month at the City Geijutsu Sōzō Senta- at Shinsakae. Tomorrow evening, on Human Rights Day, a special meeting will be held there from 7 to 9. You are invited to attend. (1755)
Emily Dickinson (85/12/10)
Today, December 10th, is the birthday of one of America's classic poets. Emily Dickinson was born on this day 155 years ago in Amherst, Massachusetts, where she lived most of her life. Much of her poetry is in the form of short, striking lyrics, which are easy to remember. Following an unhappy love affair when she was a young woman, she withdrew from society and spent most of her adult life in the family home, where she communed with nature and her own soul. Although she wrote over a thousand poems, only a handful of them were published during her lifetime. Her style and use of words was unconventional and, consequently, the peculiar power of her poetry was not immediately recognized. Her uniquely phrased, profound and somewhat mystical thoughts were recorded with exquisite precision and economy. The following examples of Emily Dickinson's poetry should cause us to reflect on the nature of fame and on the importance of our words. "Fame is a bee./ It has a song--/ It has a sting--/ Ah, too, it has a wing." "A word is dead/ When it is said,/ Some say./ I say it just/ Begins to live/ That day." (1756)
Renewing Drivers License (85/12/11)
Last week, I went to the Drivers License Bureau in Hirabari to renew my Japanese Drivers License. If you live in Nagoya and drive a car, you have been to that place also. Since I had brought a snapshot with me, I immediately went to Window #1, where I paid the required fee and received an application form. Hurridly filling out this form and pasting my snapshot on it, I went to the end of a line that snaked around the room in front of Window #2. There, I handed in one form and received another to take to the next barrier where my eyes were checked. After demonstrating my ability to bend down, stand on my tiptoes and flex my fingers, I was permitted to go to the next window, where I received another card and then had my picture taken. Finally, I waited for over an hour to receive my new license. Everything was done efficiently, but because so many applicants go to that one facility, much time is wasted. It would be better to have a number of such offices in various areas of the city, so that so many people need not waste so much time. Adlai Stevenson has written that "The lowest of jewelry thieves is the robber of that precious jewel of another's time." Incidentally, I renew my American Drivers License by mail. (1757)
Kenya (85/12/12)
The Republic of Kenya, located on the east coast of Africa, is about 1 1/3 times larger than Japan but has only 13% of Japan's population. Kenyans come from many different tribes, but the main languages used throughout the country are Swahili and English. 22 years ago today, on December 12, 1963, Kenya was granted independence from Great Britain following years of a bloody rebellion, so today is celebrated as Republic Day in Kenya. Her major exports are coffee and tea, but an important factor in the Kenyan economy is tourism. Before 1977, some tourists were wild animal hunters who went on safaris, but now the killing of such animals is prohibited so photographic safaris are organized to shoot the animals with cameras instead of guns. In the national park sanctuaries, such wild animals as lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and gazelles roam freely. In our present world, there is conflict between animals as well as people, but in the ideal, future world envisioned by the Old Testament prophet in Isaiah, chapter 11, both wild animals and wild people will be tamed and all will live together in peace.(1758)
Superstitions (85/12/13)
Today is Friday, the 13th day of December. In the superstitious tradition of the West, Friday the 13th is the unluckiest day of the year because Jesus died on Friday after eating his last supper with his twelve disciples. This is the second Friday the 13th to occur this year. Last year there were three such days, but next year there will be only one. According to Chinese tradition, which is also followed in Japan, there is a six-day cycle of lucky/unlucky days. Today is an unlucky day in that tradition also, for it is a "red mouth day", or shakkō-nichi. If our family were superstitious, we would have urged our son to change his travel plans, for he is scheduled to arrive from the United States this evening to join us for our Christmas and New Year's celebrations. Last year, our daughter left to return to the States, following her yearend visit, on Friday, the 13th of January, a butsumetsu-nichi. It is strange that foolish superstitions continue among educated people. Francis Bacon has written that "In all superstition wise men follow fools." A healthy faith frees us from superstitious fears. In Galatians 5:1, Paul wrote, "Christ has set us free! ... do not allow yourselves to become slaves again." (1759)
Alabama (85/12/14)
There are now fifty states in the United States of America. How many of them can you name? The names of states are derived from six different sources. 28 names came from native words, including 26 from Indian words and one each from Eskimo and Hawaiian words. Eleven state names are English, six come from Spanish, three from French, one from Dutch and one from American history. When written in alphabetical order, the state that comes first is Alabama, whose name comes from Indian words meaning "thicket cutter", in reference to one who clears the land and gathers food from it. 166 years ago today, on December 14, 1819, Alabama became the 22nd state to enter the Union. 42 years later, it was one of the key southern states to secede from the Union and Montgomery, its state capital, became the first capital of the Confederacy. It is proud of its southern heritage, and between 1961 and 1976, it continued to fly the Confederate flag above the U.S. flag on the state capitol. Its pugnacious state motto is "We dare defend our rights." While it is commendable to defend our legitimate rights, we also must take care to fulfil our responsibilities. (1760)
Analogies for God (85/12/15)
The names of a number of fields of study end in l-o-g-y, from the Greek word logos, meaning "word" or "reason". Biology refers to the study of life, geology--to the study of the earth, psychology--to the study of the mind, anthropology--to the study of man and theology--to the study of God. Unlike the other fields, however, theology has no physical object which can be studied, so we use analogies to speak of God. Old Testament analogies include rock, refuge, king, shepherd and judge. The favorite figure used by Jesus was father, which has become the common word for God used by Christians. It implies both God's stern authority and his loving care. In the First Letter of John, found near the end of the New Testament, two more abstract analogies are found: "God is light" (chapter 1, verse 5), and "God is love" (chapter 4, verse 8). Both of these statements become especially meaningful in the Christmas season, when the light and love of God found concrete expression in the life of one who manifested the character of God, the Father, in both his life and his death. The best way to learn about God is to look at Jesus Christ. (1761)
Beyond War (85/12/16)
An educational movement was begun in California three years ago to convince people that war is obsolete. Named Beyond War, it now has some 8,000 members and presents an annual Beyond War award. Previous recipients of the award were the Catholic Bishops of the United States and the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, which also received the Nobel Peace Prize this year. Last Saturday, six world leaders, creators of the Five Continent Peace Initiative, received the 1985 Beyond War award in an unusual ceremony that originated simultaneously on the five continents of North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Europe. Recipients were the presidents of Mexico, Argentina and Tanzania and the Prime Ministers of India, Sweden and Greece, who had earlier issued a worldwide call for a rethinking of "traditional doctrines of war in a world where new weapons have made them obsolete". They were united during the ceremony by ten satellites and 6.4 million kilometers of signal paths. The complicated program cost more than $500,000, but the event demonstrated that the high frontier of space may be a platform for world peace as well as world war. (1762)
John Greenleaf Whittier (85/12/17)
The city of Whittier, California, southeast of Los Angeles, was founded by Quakers 98 years ago. It is the hometown of former President Richard Nixon, who was born into a Quaker family, The city was named after John Greenleaf Whittier, a famous Quaker poet, journalist and social reformer, who was born 178 years ago today, on December 17, 1807. Whittier, who lived most of his life in New England, had little formal education, but from his youth, he was drawn to poetry and has been called "America's finest religious poet". His religious convictions motivated his humanitarian zeal as a social reformer. He was especially active in the abolitionist, or anti-slavery, movement. As a journalist, he wrote many articles advocating justice and tolerance for all. His poems reflect his religious faith and he wrote almost a hundred hymns, three of which are found in the Japanese Sanbika. This is the first verse of his most famous hymn (#317 in the Sanbika): "Dear Lord and Father of mankind,/ Forgive our foolish ways;/ Reclothe us in our rightful mind,/ In purer lives Thy service find,/ In deeper reverence, praise." That's a good prayer for us also.
Hiccup (85/12/18)
Do you know how to say shakkuri in English? We say hiccup, spelled h-i-c-c-u-p. Although some people spell it h-i-c-c-o-u-g-h, this word is not related to coughing. Rather, it is derived from the sound made when hiccuping. Hiccups are usually a temporary spasm of the diaphram, but many remedies have been suggested for curing them, including the following: take a spoonful of sugar; eat a banana; place a clean handkerchief over the top of a glass of water and drink the water through the handkerchief; drink half a glass of any nonalcoholic liquid in small sips, continually swallowing, swallowing, swallowing without pausing. I have never tried any of these methods. I take a deep breath and hold it for a while which seems to work for me. A witty person has defined hiccups as "messages from departed spirits", making a pun on the word "spirits". At this time of year, people attending "year-forgetting parties" may be sharing such "messages from departed spirits", but in chapter 13, verse 13 of his letter to the Roman Christians, the Apostle Paul wrote, "Let us behave with decency: no revelling or drunkenness, no debauchery or vice, no quarrels!" That's good advice for today also.
Salvation Army (85/12/19)
It feels like winter has really arrived, doesn't it? The current cold wave has resulted in much snow in some areas, causing transportation problems. Some people dreaming of a White Christmas will get their wish, but it depends on where they live. The Japanese term, kanpa, written in Chinese characters, literally means "cold wave", but another kind of kanpa, written in katakana, is also used in Japanese. It is the shortened form of campaign, which, in English, refers to systematic activities to attain some military, political, social or commercial goal. In Japanese, it refers exclusively to fund-raising campaigns. At this time of year, many such campaigns are conducted for social welfare purposes. In the United Kingdom and the United States, such fundraising campaigns for needy people are carried out by the Salvation Army, an organization engaged in religious and social welfare activities. In those countries, it is common to see a person in a Salvation Army uniform on a busy street-corner, ringing a bell and standing beside a large vessel, into which passersby are invited to place their contributions. The Christmas season, when we are reminded of God's great love for us, is an appropriate time to share our blessings with those in need. (1765)
Assassination (85/12/20)
One of the ten commandments given to the Israelites by Moses was "You shall not kill". Since the killing of animals for sacrifices is also commanded in the Mosaic law along with capital punishment, it seems clear that this commandment refers to the unauthorized killing of a human being. Killing a person is called murder, but when the killing is unintentional, it is referred to as manslaughter. The premeditated murder of a prominent person, especially for some political purpose, is called assassination and the murderer is called an assassin. A secret order of Muslims that terrorized and murdered Christians during the Crusades used to stimulate themselves by eating or smoking the narcotic drug, hashish, before making their attacks. They were called hashashin, which entered English as "assassin". The word "assassination" is also used in a figurative sense for the act of destroying another person's reputation or character. Napoleon I wrote that "There are different ways of assassinating a man--by pistol, sword, poison, or moral assassination. They are the same in their results except that the last is more cruel." In his Sermon on the Mount, recorded in Matthew, chapter 5, Jesus indicates that slander is a kind of murder which will also bring judgment to the slanderer.
Benediction (85/12/21)
In Japanese, the word te-ate, literally meaning hand-touch, can refer to medical treatment or special financial benefits. At this time of year in Japan, many people receive a yearend te-ate, commonly called a bonus, which refers to something given over and above what is usual. A bonus is not limited to money. Other kinds of benefits, given over and above what is expected, may also be called bonuses. It is not the custom, in America, to give regular, semi-annual bonuses as in Japan. The word "bonus" comes from the Latin word meaning "good". The French greeting to someone going on a journey, Bon voyage, meaning "good voyage", is also used in English. Bonanza, referring to a source of great wealth, comes from a Spanish term meaning fair weather or prosperity. English words that include the stem, bene, come from the same Latin root. Thus, benefit refers to some advantage, and a good-hearted person may be called benevolent. A benediction is, literally, "a good word", but now usually refers to a formal blessing pronounced at the end of a worship service. Hoping that this message has been beneficial for you, I will close with a benediction the Apostle Paul wrote at the end of some of his letters: Grace be with you all.(1767)
Love of God (85/12/22)
Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent, the Sunday before Christmas. The sermons preached at special Christmas services in most churches throughout the world today will be related to the birth of Jesus, whom Christians believe to be the Christ, the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Probably, most of those sermons will be based on the stories related to Jesus' birth, found in the first chapters of the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. My sermon today, however, is taken from the 4th chapter of the First Letter of John, where it is written: "God is love. And God showed his love for us by sending his only Son into the world, so that we might have life through him." I think the true meaning of Christmas is found in these words. Although many people speak of love these days, many of them don't know the real meaning of love. The love of God revealed in the birth, life and death of Jesus, the Christ, is a self-sacrificing love for all people, including sinners like you and me. One of the key verses in the Bible is that found in the Gospel of John, chapter 3, verse 16: "God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life." It is this great love, revealed in God's precious gift on that first Christmas Day which makes this a happy, gift-giving season.(1768)
Christmas Eve Service (85/12/23)
Today is the day before the day before Christmas. Will you buy or make a Christmas cake to celebrate the occasion? Christmas cakes are a peculiar Japanese addition to the Christmas festivities. My wife has already begun her preparations for our Christmas dinner on Wednesday, when we expect some fifteen people to be present, including our three children and other friends, but a Christmas cake is not on the menu. Rather, we will have a traditional pumpkin pie, which will be eaten after the turkey dinner. Of course, we will also enjoy various kinds of Christmas cookies which my wife has made. In Japan, the term Xmas is often used to refer to Christmas. Do you know why? "The meaning of Xmas" will be the title of my talk at the Christmas Eve Service to be held tomorrow evening at our church in the city of Takahama, just south of the Shimin Senta-. We will hold a candlelight service there beginning at 7 o'clock. We would be happy for you to attend, but however you celebrate Christmas, I hope it will be a happy and meaningful time for you. Although we usually hold a meeting of listeners to these "Daily Word" telephone messages on the fifth Sunday of the month, since next Sunday is inconvenient for many people we plan to meet on the second Sunday of January instead. Mark the date on your calendar and plan to attend.
Christmas Eve service (85/12/24)
In some countries, this day before Christmas is a national holiday. Each of the so-called Christian nations has its own traditional customs related to Christmas Eve celebrations, including a mixture of religious, family and merely festive activities. Many people will attend church services this evening, where Christmas carols are sung by candlelight. The use of candles during the Christmas season is a reminder of the light that Christ brought in to a world darkened by human sin. A famous Christmas Eve service is held in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Israel, which stands over the grotto where, it is said, Jesus was born. That church is now owned jointly by Orthodox, Armenian and Roman Catholic churches, each of which hold Christmas services in turn. The Roman Catholic mass begins just before midnight on December 24th and pilgrims from all over the world gather in Bethlehem to take part in the celebration. Protestant services are held in Shepherd's Field, a short distance outside the town, where, tradition holds, shepherds were keeping watch over their flocks on that first Christmas Eve when an angel informed them of the birth of the Savior, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2. The angels sang about peace on earth, which we continue to pray for at Christmas time. (1770)
Bethlehem in the U.S. (85/12/25)
Since the Bible and other historical records do not indicate the date of Jesus' birth, we are not sure on what day it occurred. In fact, we are not even sure of the year of his birth. Hundreds of years later, this 25th day of December was chosen as the day to commemorate his birth in the western church. That decision was not the result of historical investigation. Rather, it was influenced by pagan Roman celebrations which took place at this time of year related to the worship of the sun. In the United States, a group of Moravian Christians settled in the state of Pennsylvania about 250 years ago. On December 24, 1741, a Christmas Eve celebration was held there and the community was named Bethlehem, the name of the town where Jesus was born. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, now a city of over 70,000 people, is known as America's Christmas City. The city is filled with Christmas decorations and a huge Nativity scene, called a creche, is erected in a public place. Some people send their Christmas cards to Bethlehem to be mailed from the post office there in order to receive the Bethlehem postmark. Although Jesus was born in a humble stable in Bethlehem centuries ago, his spirit continues to be reborn in the humble hearts of those willing to receive him even today. (1771)
Boxing Day (85/12/26)
The end of the year may be called seibo in Japanese. This is also the term used to refer to the yearend gifts given to people to whom one feels indebted. In the United States, Christmas is the gift-giving season, and most gifts are presented on or before Christmas Day. In Canada, Great Britain and a number of other European countries, this first weekday after Christmas is a national holiday known as Boxing Day. The word "box" can refer to a small tree or to a separated compartment for a small group in a theater. "Boxing" can refer to the sport in which people fight with their fists, but Boxing Day has nothing to do with such things. The most common meaning of box, of course, is a receptacle into which some thing may be put. In British English, box is also used specifically of a Christmas gift and Boxing Day is the day when gifts are given to faithful employees or to service workers such as postmen who do their jobs faithfully throughout the year. Showing gratitude to others for faithful service is commendable, but such expressions of gratitude should not be limited to certain people. They should be shown to all who have shown kindness to others. Those of us who believe in the providence and faithfulness of God should also show our gratitude to him by sharing his love with those around us. (1772)
"Ron-Yasu" relationship (85/12/27)
Foreigners who come to Japan as adults find it difficult to accurately use the Japanese language. We tend to inadvertently lengthen vowels, sometimes insulting an aunt by calling her a grandmother, and we confuse wa's and ga's. Besides such pronunciation and grammar problems is the problem of when to use polite forms and when to use more familiar ones. To keep on the safe side, I tend to use polite forms in all conversations, which sounds strange at times but reflects my desire to show a respectful attitude toward all people. However, too formal or polite speech can keep the atmosphere cool when it should be getting warm. When do I begin to call my friend Ito Kun instead of Ito San? President Reagan and Prime Minister Nakasone early established a so-called "Ron-Yasu" relationship, with both leaders calling the other by his nickname. Now, the American secretary of state and the Japanese foreign minister have also begun using first names after a three-year association and 20 meetings. A recent letter from Mr. Shultz began "Dear Shintaro" and Mr. Abe's reply began "Dear George". Whether or not using first names will help solve outstanding problems, any deepening of mutual friendships is to be encouraged. (1773)
Japan's contribution to the U.N. (85/12/28)
In the fall of 1945, the year the Pacific War ended, the United Nations Organization was founded to maintain world peace. 51 countries are charter members of that organization, but now there are some 160 members. Japan joined the U.N. in 1956, 11 years after it was founded, thus next year will mark the 30th year of Japan's membership. In that year, Japan will become the second largest financial contributor to the organization. The biggest contributor is the United States, which provides 25 percent of the budget. In 1986, Japan's contribution will amount to 10.8 percent, surpassing the Soviet Union's share of 10.2 percent (which does not include the contributions of two of the Soviet Socialist Republics within the U. S. S. R. which are listed as separate nations). West Germany ranks fourth with 8 percent, followed by France (6 percent), Britain (5), Italy (4), Canada (3), Spain (2) and the Netherlands (1.7). As this listing of the ten top contributors indicates, Japan is now one of the richest countries of the world. Since its military budget is comparatively low, I think more of its economic power should be used to help poorer nations. (1774)
A peculiar people (85/12/29)
Do you think Japanese are a peculiar people? The word "peculiar" may have the meaning of unusual, eccentric or odd. With this meaning, people do not like being called "peculiar". However, basically, the word refers to something special, distinctive or particular. Prior to and during the war, Japanese were taught to believe that they were a special chosen race with a divine purpose to fulfil. Actually, Japanese are a peculiar people with a particular tradition, an exceptional language and distinctive customs. Yet, all other nations are also "peculiar" in their own ways. In the King James Version of the Bible, Christians are referred to as a "peculiar people" in Titus, chapter 2, verse 14--the text for my sermon today. Since our faith and values are different than those of the materialist or secularist, we may be considered odd as well as distinctive. In the chapter just mentioned, we are instructed to give up worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives. According to a modern translation of the cited verse, Jesus Christ "gave himself for us, to make us a pure people who belong to him alone and are eager to do good." Purity and an eagerness to do good should be distinctive characteristics of the peculiar people known as Christians. (1775)
Atlas (85/12/02)
Gilbert Stuart (85/12/03)
Rhinoceros (85/12/04)
A Cultural Exchange (85/12/05)
Quinoa (85/12/06)
Delaware (85/12/07)
Festival of Lights (85/12/08)
Amnesty International (85/12/09)
Emily Dickinson (85/12/10)
Renewing Drivers License (85/12/11)
Kenya (85/12/12)
Superstitions (85/12/13)
Alabama (85/12/14)
Analogies for God (85/12/15)
Beyond War (85/12/16)
John Greenleaf Whittier (85/12/17)
Hiccup (85/12/18)
Salvation Army (85/12/19)
Assassination (85/12/20)
Benediction (85/12/21)
Love of God (85/12/22)
Christmas Eve Service (85/12/23)
Christmas Eve service (85/12/24)
Bethlehem in the U.S. (85/12/25)
Boxing Day (85/12/26)
"Ron-Yasu" relationship (85/12/27)
Japan's contribution to the U.N. (85/12/28)
A peculiar people (85/12/29)
Harai at yearend (85/12/30)
Janus with two faces (85/12/31)
Advent (85/12/01)