Announcements (87/12/01)
Today's message will include announcements I made at the meeting of listeners last Sunday afternoon. At that meeting, some regular members were unable to attend, but half of the 22 who did attend were first-timers. On November 13th, this "Daily Word" telephone was introduced on both NHK radio and television by Mr. Enokita of the Nagoya international Center. As a result of those introductions, about 800 calls were received on that one day. I also announced the Bible Class I teach on the first and third Tuesday evenings at the City Kyōikukan at Sakae. From 6:30 to 7:30 we study a Bible passage in Japanese and from 7:30 to 8:30, we consider the same passage in English. All who are interested are invited to attend. At the listeners' meeting, the 21st issue of "Daily Word" Echoes was on sale for ¥200. This publication contains essays submitted by listeners on themes suggested on Tuesday messages. The first theme for essays for the next issue is the same one we talked about at our meeting: Superstition. I will correct essays sent to me before printing them in the Echoes which will be on sale at our next listeners' meeting on January 31st. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463. (2413)
Foreign languages taught in the U.S. (87/12/02)
In Japanese high schools English is a required subject, but in American high schools, a foreign language is not required. Rather, it is an elective. A recent survey indicated that 31% of American high school students are studying a foreign language. This shows an increase of 10% from the survey made four years ago. Which languages do you suppose are most popular among American high school and university students? By far the most popular are Spanish and French. Following these two languages in order of popularity are German, Italian, Russian, Latin and Japanese. These are followed by classical Greek, Chinese, Hebrew, Portuguese and Arabic. The language showing the highest rate of increase over the past four years is Japanese. The number of students studying it has increased by 45% during that time, indicating the growing Japanese influence in American life. However, the report noted that many students drop out of Japanese classes during their first year because it is so difficult. Studying any foreign language requires dedication and perseverance. In the New Testament book of Galatians, chapter 6, verse 9, we find an encouraging word for those who may be discouraged: "if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest." (2414)
Substitute matchmakers (87/12/03)
A new, uniquely Japanese association is being established in Osaka, called Hana no Kai. Can you guess what kind of service this association will provide? It is not an association of florists nor is it related to the art of flower-arrangement. Rather, it will provide matchmakers at wedding ceremonies. This matchmaker is not a maker of the kind of matches used to light a fire. In Japan, matchmakers, or nakōdo, are the traditional go-betweens who make the marriage arrangements between individuals who are to be married. These days as more and more people are choosing their own mates, actual matchmakers are no longer needed, so a respected couple, such as a company executive or a school teacher and his or her spouse may be asked to serve as stand-in matchmakers for the ceremony. For newlyweds who don't want to be obligated to such stand-ins, this Hana no Kai will provide substitute matchmakers, who will appear under false names and contrived roles as requested for a fee of ¥110,000. This is another example of the Japanese tendency to maintain an empty form devoid of real meaning. Jesus called people of his day who kept the traditional forms without any content "play actors" or "hypocrites".(2415)
St. Barbara (87/12/04)
The English word "patron" comes from pater, the Latin word for "father". It may refer to a supporter, a benefactor or a regular customer. However, a patron saint is considered the guardian saint of a nation, place, craft, activity, class or person. In the Roman Catholic Church, certain special people have been designated saints, some of whom are considered patron saints. In that Church, this 4th day of December is the feast day of St. Barbara, who is considered the patron saint of firemen, artillery men, architects, stonemasons and mathematicians and the protectress against lightning, fire, sudden death and impenitence. Why is this so? St. Barbara is one of the many ancient saints about whom very little is known, but she is said to have lived in the 3rd or 4th century. According to one legend, her father, who had shut her up in a tower and then killed her for being a Christian, was struck down by lightning. For this reason she has become the patron saint of firemen and the protectress against lightning, etc. I know nothing about that St. Barbara, but I do know another St. Barbara who is living today, for Barbara is the name of my faithful and loving wife, whose special day is tomorrow. I'm sure her parents didn't know the meaning of the name they gave her, but sometimes I kiddingly remind her that it comes from "barbarian". (2416)
Disturbing woodpecker (87/12/05)
The English names of some birds indicates the color of their plumage, such as the bluebird, the blackbird and the cardinal. The name of the hummingbird comes from the sound it makes when flying rapidly. And, of course, the woodpecker is the bird with the chisel-like bill used for drilling holes in wood. The ta-ta-ta-ta of a woodpecker can be very disturbing to a person trying to sleep. Mrs. Lillemor Brandt, who lives in a suburb of Stockholm, Sweden, has found this out. Three years ago a woodpecker and its chicks took up their residence in her garden and have made her life miserable. They have pecked holes in her wooden house and have been so noisy at times that she was forced to sleep away from home. Not being able to scare them away by herself, she has called on the police for help, but the birds are still there. In Sweden, the woodpecker is a protected bird which cannot be killed without permission, so Mrs. Brandt has appealed to the government to have these birds shot, but the woodpeckers continue to disturb her. In English, "to peck" may also refer to criticize repeatedly or to carp and a so-called "henpecked husband" also lives a miserable life. In Proverbs 21:9, it is written: "Better to live on the roof than share the house with a nagging wife".
The first and the last (87/12/06)
You may know that the English word "alphabet" comes from the first two letters of the Greek alphabet, "alpha" and "beta". I wonder how many more letters in the Greek alphabet you can name. Do you know the last letter? It is neither "zed" nor "zee", but "omega". The text for my sermon today is found in the last book of the Bible, the Book of Revelation, chapter 1, verse 8, where it is written: "'I am the Alpha and the Omega,' says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." Later on, in that same chapter, the writer saw a vision of Christ, who said to him, "Fear not, I am the first and the last." A basic teaching regarding God as he is revealed in the Bible is that he is the almighty creator of all things. Not only is he at the beginning of all, he is also present now and is somehow working out his good purpose in the history of the world, despite the rebelliousness of his human creatures. However, the main point of my sermon is that he is also at the end of human history. He is the Alpha and the Omega! Therefore we may face the future with hope. If indeed the Christ who was born into this world on that first Christmas Day is also at the end of history, then we can accept his word to "Fear not", because he is the Savior.(2418)
The Ivory Coast (87/12/07)
Some animals have tusks, which are a pair of long, pointed teeth which extend outside of the mouth. From ancient days the tusks of elephants have been highly prized as sources of ivory from which carvings and ornamental decorations were made. These days, ivory is also used for piano keys and billiard balls. In the 16th century, European traders began exporting so much ivory from the western coast of Africa that that area became known as "the Ivory Coast". Later, France carved a colony out of that region and gave it that name. In 1960, the Republic of the Ivory Coast became an independent nation. Today is its national holiday commemorating that event. In the Old Testament book, The Song of Solomon, chapter 7, verse 4, the neck of a beautiful woman is likened to "a tower of ivory" but these days, an "ivory tower" refers to a place of scholarly retreat from the practical affairs of everyday life. (2419)
Autumn Leaves (87/12/08)
Since Sunday is a so-called working day for me, I consider Monday my day off and I usually play tennis on Monday mornings if the weather permits. Recently, after returning home from the tennis court, I have been getting more exercise doing a chore around the house. This is our first autumn in our present home and I now realize the reason why the autumn season is also called "fall". There are a number of trees around our house and this is the season when the leaves fall to the ground. Green leaves are pretty in the spring as they manifest the stirring of new life. Leaves of certain trees are beautiful in the autumn with their red and gold colors. But after falling to the ground, leaves are not so pretty. They must be swept up and disposed of. Yesterday, as I was sweeping up the leaves, I decided on the theme to suggest for your essays this week: Autumn Leaves. You also may have thoughts related to autumn leaves that you could put down on paper to share with others. I will correct essays sent to me for the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. I would like to receive an essay from you who have never written one before. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463. According to Psalm 1:3, those people with a healthy faith in God are like trees growing beside a stream whose leaves never dry up. (2420)
Sunflower (87/12/09)
A certain plant bears a large flower with bright yellow petals on its tall, coarse stem. This flower resembles the sun with rays of light surrounding it and, when blossoming, the flower turns toward the sun. Thus, it is not strange that these flowers are called sunflowers. You have probably heard of Van Gogh's famous painting bearing that name. A couple of days ago, a newspaper carried a picture of a rare, out-of-season sunflower, 20 centimeters in diameter, that was growing in a garden here in Moriyama Ward. This garden is filled with sunflowers in the summer, but a sunflower blossoming in December is very unusual. A sunflower association from the American state of North Dakota is now advertising sunflower-based products, such as oil, milk, crackers and soap, on Japanese television. Because sunflower oil contains high levels of vitamin E and linoleic acid, which helps the body digest cholesterol, it is said to be more healthful than other types of cooking oils. In the Bible, a person who was set apart by God for a special purpose was anointed with oil. The word "Messiah" comes from a Hebrew word meaning "anointed one" and from the Greek word for "anointed one", we get the word "Christ". It is the birthday of Jesus, the Messiah, or the Christ, that we will celebrate on Christmas Day.(2421)
Gorbachev and Reagan: What did they exchange? (87/12/10)
Along with most of the rest of the world, I was happy to see and read of the meeting of Soviet leader Gorbachev and U.S. President Reagan in Washington yesterday. However, I was puzzled by a sub-headline in the newspaper that referred to an e-ru kōkan. Since I continue to be uncertain of the meaning of the Japanese transliterations of some English words, I wasn't sure what it was that these two leaders exchanged at their meeting. Checking the dictionary, I find that e-ru can refer to either "ale", which is an alcoholic beverage a bit heavier than beer, or "yell", which is a loud cry or shout. Although both men may have felt like exchanging a shout of joy at that time, I presume it was an exchange of the beverage that was referred to in the headline. I trust that the ale will prove a stimulant to these world leaders to make continued progress toward better mutual relations and a more peaceful world. Now that the yearend season is approaching and drivers are being warned not to drink and drive, I am reminded of the English proverb that "Adam's ale is the best brew". Adam, of course, in the Bible story was the first man and "Adam's ale" refers to plain, unfermented water, which is the safest beverage to drink before driving.
Abdication of British King (87/12/11)
To abdicate means to formally give up one's high office or responsibility. Sometimes, an elderly king or emperor abdicates to permit a younger successor to take office, but 51 years ago today an abdication resulted from a political tug of war between a stubborn constitutional monarch and an obstinate prime minister. In January 1936, upon the death of George V, his eldest son, Edward, became king of England when he was 40 years old. He was still unmarried at the time and was popular king until he made known his intention to marry an American woman who was then suing her second husband for divorce. The prime minister and his cabinet opposed the marriage. While Edward maintained that he had the right to choose his own wife, the government insisted that its approval was required. Since both sides were insistent and no compromise seemed possible, on December 11, 1936, after reigning as king of England for less than one year, Edward VIII abdicated and his younger brother became king. Edward left his homeland for the Continent, was granted the title of duke of Windsor and married the newly divorced Wallis Warfield Spencer Simpson. This historical episode points up the difficulty that sometimes occurs when public persons wish to make private decisions. (2423)
Convenience stores (87/12/12)
The word "convene" comes from a Latin word meaning "to come together", so a person who convenes a meeting causes people to come together. "Convenient", from the same root, refers to something that is easily accessible, suited to one's comfort, purpose or needs. In recent years, so-called convenience stores have been sprouting up throughout Japan. Those stores which are open 24 hours a day are convenient for different kinds of people at different times of the day or night. Early in the morning, school boys buy magazines on their way to classes when book stores are still closed. During the day, elderly couples and bachelors come to buy food in small quantities. At night, people who work late do their shopping or drop in for a midnight snack. Single men frequent such stores to relieve their loneliness and boredom in an inexpensive way. They buy a bag of potato chips and browse through the magazines. When a popular weekly comic book is delivered shortly after midnight, the store is crowded with those who want to read the latest sequels to the continued stories. Speaking of convenience, Nietzsche has written: "We seldom break our leg as long as life continues a toilsome upward climb. The danger comes when we begin to take things easily and choose the convenient paths." (2424)
Hope (87/12/13)
Since I am not a smoker, I don't know the difference between various brands of cigarettes. Nor do I know how the brand names are chosen, but I think it's interesting that there is a Japanese cigarette called "Hope". Medical research indicates that smokers have less reason to hope for good health or a long life than non-smokers. My sermon today is about "Hope". This Advent Season preceding Christmas is a season of hope, as we consider the words of Old Testament writers who looked forward to the coming of the Messiah, or Christ. Throughout their history, the Jewish people looked to the future with hope because of their faith in God. In the 146th Psalm, we read that those who put their trust in people and place their hopes on them are bound to be disappointed, but the person who looks to God for help and fixes his hope on him is, and will be, happy, or blessed. As we consider our personal situation and conditions in the world at large, there are times when we think the situation is hopeless, but to those with a healthy faith in the living God, the future is always hopeful. Those who have experienced the true meaning of Christmas know that hope in God is not wasted. The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 5:5, "hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts."(2425)
Chūshingura (87/12/14)
The part of the rice plant that contains the seeds is called an "ear" in English, but in Japanese it is called a ho. There is a city in Hyōgo Prefecture called "Red Ear" or Akō. This was also the name of a district in old Japan which is usually associated with the drama known as "Faithful Retainers Storehouse" or Chūshingura . It was on this l4th day of the 12th month in the 15th year of Genroku, that 47 masterless samurari, or rōnin, of Akō entered the residence of Lord Kira in Edo, beheaded him and took his head to the tomb of their former lord, Asano, who had been forced to commit suicide. In this way, they took revenge on the enemy of their former lord. Revenge was considered a virtue in old Japan, but according to the New Testament book of Romans, chapter 12, we should never repay evil with evil Rather we should conquer evil with good. (2426)
Japan and Korea (87/12/15)
Tomorrow, an important election will be held in South Korea. The most important contenders in the election campaign are three Kims and a Roh. In that election for the nation's president, the voters will make a crucial decision regarding the future course of that republic. It is unfortunate that the opposition forces were not able to unite behind a single candidate to make the choice a simpler one. Although this country is Japan's closest neighbor and is fervently anti-communist, relations between Japan and Korea have been strained since Korea became an independent nation at the end of the war. What are your opinions regarding Korea and Japan-Korean relations? How do you view the historical ties between these two countries and what do you think of the treatment of Koreans presently residing in Japan, who make up the great majority of foreigners in this land? Korea and Koreans, including Japan-Korean relations and the state of Koreans in Japan, is the suggested theme for your essay this week. I will correct essays sent to me and print them in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463. One of the important teachings of Jesus was that we should love our neighbor as we love ourself. Do you think this may apply to nations as well as to individuals? (2427)
Gambling (87/12/16)
The recent news that the Seibu Lions' ace pitcher, who was also chosen as the Pacific League's Most Valuable Player this year, was caught gambling reminds us again of human weakness. The usual attraction of gambling is related to greed, but considering Mr. Higashio's salary, I don't think he was gambling because he needed the money. I presume there was a different motivation. Although the English words "gamble" and "game" come from the same root, gambling is usually a very disappointing game, and may be a dangerous game as well. For the amateur, gambling should not be considered an easy way to get rich. On the contrary, it's an easy way to get poor. In Letters to His Godson, English Lord Chesterton wrote, "Whoever plays deep must necessarily lose his money or his character." Speaking of character, it is interesting to note that the same initial character is used in the Japanese words, hakushi, or learned man, and bakuto, or gambler, but the wise man will avoid risking fame or fortune on a disreputable game of chance. John Hay has written that "True luck consists not in holding the best of cards at the table: Luckiest he who knows just when to rise and go home." My own advice in this regard is in keeping with the saying, "The best throw of the dice is to throw them away."(2428)
Bowler hat (87/12/17)
The English language has countless local variations depending upon the area. There are differences between American English and British English in the pronunciation, meaning and usage of certain words. In America, the stiff felt hat with a round crown and a narrow, curved brim is called a "derby". This word, which may also refer to a horse race, comes from the 12th Earl of Derby, who founded the famous English race at Epsom Downs. However, in England, this hat is called a "bowler". The story behind this name has nothing to do with bowls nor people who go to bowling alleys. A huntsman, named William Coke, became tired of having his top hat knocked off by low-hanging branches as he rode after the hounds in fox hunts. Thinking that a hard, low-crowned, round-topped hat would be more practical, he asked his hatmaker to design one. Beaulieu, the name of the French hatmaker, became the name of this new creation. However, as often happens to foreign names, this name was Anglicized to "bowler". The hatmaker later changed his name to that of the hat, becoming known as John Bowler. Although some people are concerned about hats, what is inside the head is more important than what is on top of it.(2429)
Republic of Niger (87/12/18)
Japan is not the only nation that has a disk in the center of its national flag to represent the sun. Today is a holiday commemorating the establishment of constitutional government in another nation with such a flag. However, the disk in this nation's flag is orange instead of red and it is in the middle of a white stripe that has an orange stripe above it and a green stripe below it. This country has the same name as one of the longest rivers in Africa, which is derived from the Latin word for "black". The Republic of Niger, located north of Nigeria, has a land area over three times as large and a population less than one-twentieth that of Japan's. Japan is surrounded by water and much of its land area is made up of mountains. Niger is a landlocked country, mostly desert, except along the Niger, which runs across its southwestern section. Since the discovery of uranium, its economy has improved, but even so, it is a very poor nation in which only one person in twenty is able to read. Comparing this country with our own should make us thankful for the blessings we enjoy as the result of the accident of birth. We did not choose to be born in a particular place, but those of us living in a prosperous land should recognize our responsibility to aid that part of the human family which is in need. (2430)
Poor Richard's Almanack (87/12/19)
When preparing messages for this "Daily Word" telephone service, I often make use of various almanacs. An almanac is an annual publication which includes calendars, noting special events and anniversaries, traditional customs, charts, lists and other kinds of useful information. Almanacs indicating religious feast days and seasonal changes have a long history in Europe, but the most famous almanac in American history was first published 255 years ago today, on December 19, 1732 in Philadelphia. Called Poor Richard's Almanack, it continued to be published for the next 25 years. Ostensibly written by a bumbling but wise man named Richard Saunders, it was actually the work of Benjamin Franklin, who was 26 years old when he began writing it. Many of the anecdotes and proverbs it contained have become a part of American tradition. Here are a couple of quotations, especially pertinent during this season of the year: "Reading makes a full man, meditation a profound man, discourse a clear man." "How many observe Christ's birthday! How few, his precepts! O! 'tis easier to keep holidays than commandments." These sayings should provide some food for thought for this pre-Christmas season. (2431)
A ventriloquist (87/12/20)
On this Sunday before Christmas, the fourth Sunday in the Advent Season, Christian churches have special Christmas services. At the church in Takahama where I serve as pastor, we will eat together following the morning Christmas worship service and then have our Christmas program. At this program, a guest ventriloquist will provide some meaningful entertainment. "Ventriloquism" comes from a Latin word meaning to speak from the belly and a ventriloquist is a person who speaks in such a way that words seem to come from the dummy he or she converses with. In Japanese, to speak from the belly may imply showing one's deepest feelings, but in English we use the expression, "speak from the heart". At Christmas, we celebrate God's speaking from his heart when he sent Christ, the Living Word, into the world to clearly reveal his own character and to provide salvation for all people. My sermon today is based on the 9th verse of the 4th chapter of the First Letter of John. Following his proclamation that "God is love", John wrote, "And God showed his love for us by sending his only Son into the world, so that we might have life through him." Here is the true meaning of Christmas and the reason it is such a joyful season: God showed his love for us by sending his Son that we might have new life through him.(2432)
Stalin (87/12/21)
Today, December 21st, is the birthday of the man who was the fearsome leader of the Soviet Union for almost 30 years. Born in 1879, the son of a cobbler, he was studying to become a priest when he changed the course of his life and became a revolutionary instead. When he was about 33 years old, he adopted the name of Stalin, which means "man of steel". Joseph Stalin won the struggle for leadership following the death of Lenin and became a ruthless dictator who cruelly executed those who opposed him and countless innocent victims as well. Stalin considered education a weapon to be used in promoting his biased ideology. This bad example should serve as a warning to democratic societies to carefully scrutinize suggested reforms in educational systems to make sure that questionable ideological emphases are not being introduced. (2433)
Christmas (87/12/22)
Today is one of the two natural turningpoints in the year. It is called a "solstice" in English, which comes from Latin words for "sun" and "stand". On the day of the summer and winter solstice, the sun seems to stand still. Today is the shortest day of the year, so from this time on the days will be gradually getting longer. As you may know, after Christianity became the religion of the Roman Empire, the Christian celebration of Christmas was purposely fixed to coincide with older pagan festivities related to the sun at the time of the winter solstice. Now, a reverse phenomenon seems to be taking place in Japan as non-Christian Japanese assimilate the external trappings of Christmas into their tradition. What are your impressions of the music, decorations and general atmosphere of the Christmas season in Japan which has a strong commercial or social significance rather than a religious flavor? What is your view of Christmas trees, Christmas cakes, Santa Claus and the strains of "Silent Night, Holy Night" that are heard through many loud speakers? I would be interested to read a short essay containing your thoughts on this theme, which I will correct and publish in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. Send your essay to: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463. Finally, I hope you have a meaningful as well as a merry Christmas(2434)
World chess championship (87/12/23)
Chess is a very popular game in the Soviet Union, where there are more than seven million registered players and where two ivory chessmen dating from the second century have been discovered. Last week, the final game in the world championship chess match held in Spain was completed. The match was between two Russians, 36-year-old Anatoly Karpov, who was the world champion from 1975-1985, and 24-year-old Gary Kasparov, who became the youngest world champion when he beat Karpov two years ago. At the end of the 23rd game of this ten-week contest, Karpov was leading 12 games to 11. To retain his championship, Kasparov had to win the final game to even the score, for in the event of a tie, the champion keeps his title. For most of the final game, Karpov was expected to hold Kasparov to a draw and thus regain the title, but following Kasparov's 64th move, Karpov resigned, Kasparov won the game and kept his crown. Life may be compared to a game of chess where the unexpected suddenly happens to completely change the outlook. Sir Thomas Buxton, an English philanthropist, has said, "In life as in chess, forethought wins." (2435)
Christmas Eve (87/12/24)
A candle is a solid, cylindrical mass of tallow or wax with a string wick embedded in it which is burned to provide light. The world's largest candle, 24 meters tall and 2.5 meters in diameter, was on display at the Stockholm Exhibition in 1897. Candles are often used in religious ceremonies, including the Jewish Feast of Lights, called Hanukkah. This year, this 24th day of December marks the end of this eight-day festival which commemorates the victory of the Maccabees in their battles for religious liberty in the second century B.C. During this festival, candles in an eight-branched candlestick called a menorah are lit daily to commemorate the relighting of the menorah in the Jewish temple in 165 B.C. In many Christian churches, Christmas Eve candlelight services will be held on this evening before Christmas Day. Candles, of course, are a symbol of light, and during the Christmas season, Christians remember the teaching in the first chapter of the Gospel of John that the eternal Word of God which became a human being brought light to a world of darkness which the darkness can never put out. In chapter 8, verse 12, of that Gospel, Jesus referred to himself as "the light of the world" and it is this light of truth and salvation that we remember on this Christmas Eve.(2436)
The meaning of Christ (87/12/25)
Although Bible scholars and historians are not sure of the month and day of Jesus' birth, since the fourth century, December 25th has been the day it is celebrated. This day is now a holiday, or a holy day, in over 140 countries in the world, but Japan is not one of them. The word "Christmas" is a combination of the words "Christ's Mass", "mass" being the word used in some churches for the celebration of the sacrament of Holy Communion. As you may know, Jesus is the given name of the man whose birth is commemorated today and Christ is not a name but a title. The name, Jesus, is the Anglicized form of the Grecized form of the Hebrew name, Joshua. This name means "The Lord is salvation" and, according to Matthew 1:21, it was given to the son of Mary because he would save people from their sins. The title "Christ" is the Anglicized form of the Greek word used for the Hebrew "Messiah", which means "anointed one". In the Old Testament, persons who were set apart for a special sacred purpose were anointed with oil and the prophets told of a future messiah who would come to bring salvation. Christians believe that Jesus was the fulfilment of these prophecies, so we call him the Christ and on this day we joyfully celebrate his birth. (2437)
A balloon from Fukushima (87/12/26)
The church I serve as pastor is located in a small city southeast of Nagoya named Takahama, or High Beach, although there is no longer a beach there. West of Takahama, across a narrow bay, is a town named Higashiura, or East Bay, where I hold a meeting in a church member's home twice a month. Last week, the principal of Higashiura high school made an announcement to its students about an unexpected gift received from a man in Fukushima Prefecture. During the school festival in September, 200 balloons were released into the air. Each one had a card attached requesting the finder to send it to the high school. One of the balloons was found by Masanobu Hario, who had become lost in the mountains. Finding the balloon gave him encouragement and, after walking for ten hours, he found his way out. The student council responded to his card and, in reply, a letter of gratitude was received with a book coupon worth ¥10,000 enclosed. We may never know the effect a little word or act of encouragement has on a discouraged person, but we should always be ready to give such encouragement. In the Gospel of Mark, chapter 9, verse 41, Jesus taught that even a drink of water given to a thirsty person will certainly be rewarded.(2438)
The Apostle John (87/12/27)
By far the most popular masculine name in English is John. In other Western languages, the spelling and pronunciation change, but the French Jean, German Johan, Dutch Jen, Spanish Juan, Irish Sean, Scotch Ian, Russian Ivan and Italian Giovanni all come from the same Hebrew name, meaning "the Lord is gracious". One of the main disciples of Jesus was named John. This John is traditionally considered the author of four books in the New Testament: the fourth Gospel, three letters and the last book of the Bible, called Revelation or the Apocalypse. Because he was one of the twelve disciples sent out by Jesus, he is called an Apostle and as the writer of one of the four Gospels, he is called an Evangelist. In some churches, today, December 27th, is celebrated as the feast day of St. John, the Apostle and Evangelist. John lived to a ripe old age and, according to an ancient Christian scholar, when he was very old and too weak to preach he still was visited by many pilgrims who had traveled far to see him, the last living Apostle. For them, John compressed to their essence the teachings of Jesus in these words, "Little children, love one another. That is the Lord's command: and if you keep it, that by itself is enough". (2439)
Iowa (87/12/28)
Three of the 50 United States of America have names consisting of four letters. How many can you name? The one located approximately in the middle of the country was admitted to the Union 141 years ago today, on December 28, 1646. Its name comes from the derogatory name of an Indian tribe and actually means "sleepy ones". However, the nickname of this state has quite the opposite meaning. It is called the Hawkeye State, probably from the name of a sharp-sighted Indian chief. The capital of the state has a French name that is taken from the river that runs through the city. Literally meaning "the monks", it is called Des Moines. Since my wife and I met each other while students at a college in this state, we have fond memories of it. It is the state of Iowa and its motto is: "Our Liberties We Prize end Our Rights We will Maintain". (2440)
Purification (87/12/29)
A recent news article told of the effort to remove sludge from the Horikawa River which runs through downtown Nagoya. Sludge refers to the mire or sediment that accumulates on a river bed. Nowadays, the Japanese word used to refer to such sludge is hedoro. Although written in katakana, this word does not come from a foreign language. Rather it is a new Japanese word that began to appear in newspapers 17 years ago when the pollution of rivers and bays with industrial waste became a problem. There are different theories regarding the origin of this word, but whatever its etymology, hedoro is polluting the rivers of Japanese cities and should be removed. The end of the year is the traditional time for Japanese housecleaning, a time to purify one's surroundings in preparation for the New Year. "Purification", a basic concept in Japanese religion and traditional life, is the theme for your essay this week; as the old year comes to a close. What does "purification" mean to you? What do you think about the various purification customs performed in Japan and of their effect in making it and its people purer? Send your essay for correction and publication in "Daily Word" Echoes to: "Daily Word", Post Office box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463. (2441)
Foreign languages taught in the U.S. (87/12/02)
Substitute matchmakers (87/12/03)
St. Barbara (87/12/04)
Disturbing woodpecker (87/12/05)
The first and the last (87/12/06)
The Ivory Coast (87/12/07)
Autumn Leaves (87/12/08)
Sunflower (87/12/09)
Gorbachev and Reagan: What did they exchange? (87/12/10)
Abdication of British King (87/12/11)
Convenience stores (87/12/12)
Hope (87/12/13)
Chūshingura (87/12/14)
Japan and Korea (87/12/15)
Gambling (87/12/16)
Bowler hat (87/12/17)
Republic of Niger (87/12/18)
Poor Richard's Almanack (87/12/19)
A ventriloquist (87/12/20)
Stalin (87/12/21)
Christmas (87/12/22)
World chess championship (87/12/23)
Christmas Eve (87/12/24)
The meaning of Christ (87/12/25)
A balloon from Fukushima (87/12/26)
The Apostle John (87/12/27)
Iowa (87/12/28)
Purification (87/12/29)
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Bells (87/12/31)
Announcements (87/12/01)