The year of the dragon (88/01/01)
Happy New Year! Thank you for calling "Daily Word" on this first day of the year. Frankly, I'm a bit surprised that you called because the number of callers is always fewest on holidays. However, you have made a good start in this New Year and I hope you will make it a habit to call daily throughout the year. As you know, this is the year of the dragon in the old Chinese system of reckoning. According to an American reference book, a dragon is a mythological creature that has the combined characteristics of bird, beast end reptile. It is said to have eagle's wings, lion's claws and serpent's tail and to exhale fire. Such an imaginary creature is found in the folklore of many different peoples. In Chinese mythology the dragon may have a positive significance, but in the West, dragons stimulate negative reactions, probably because the dragon is used as a symbol of the devil, or Satan, in the New Testament book of Revelation, chapter 12. In Western thought, to slay a dragon is a heroic act and there is a famous legend of St. George who slew a dragon. Mythology aside, I hope that this New Year will be a blessed one for you and that you will make progress in your comprehension of my English messages God tries to communicate to make your life a happier one. (2444)
Kakizome (88/01/02)
According to the Japanese almanac, this second day of the New Year is the day for kakizome, which, in this case does not mean persimmon dyeing. Rather, it refers to the first writing in the New Year. Using a bit of "young water", or wakamizu, to make the black ink, significant Chinese characters are carefully drawn with a writing brush. The written characters or words may then be displayed in the home, dedicated to a Tenjin Shrine, where Michizane Sugaware, the patron deity of calligraphy is venerated, or burned in a special fire called sagichō. In the old days, it was considered important to sit facing the lucky direction for that year while writing. The word, "calligraphy", comes from a Greek word meaning "beautiful writing". In Japan, writing is not considered merely a means of communication, it is also a fine art. On this day of the "first writing", when beautiful writing is emphasized, it is important to remember that true beauty is an inner quality and that flowery words, whether written or spoken, that are not backed up by an honorable life are a kind of sham, or even a shame. True communication occurs when our words are illustrated in our lives. In the words of the first chapter of the Gospel of John, Word must become flesh.(2445)
Solid food (88/01/03)
According to my reference book relating to Japanese observances, during the first three days of the New Year it is customary to eat so-called "tooth-hardening" food. This hagatame custom may also symbolize the desire to live a long life. In a couple of New Testament books, a distinction is made between "milk", which is needed by infants and young children especially, and "solid food", which adults need for their daily nourishment. Spiritually speaking, "milk" refers to the simple teaching that is given to new believers while "solid food" is the more difficult teaching that mature believers can digest. In the Letter to the Hebrews, at the end of chapter 5, the writer scolds his readers for being so slow to understand and to make progress in their faith. "Instead of eating solid food, you still have to drink milk. Anyone who has to drink milk is still a child," he wrote. "Solid food, on the other hand, is for adults", he continued. Figuratively speaking, if you eat some "tooth-hardening" food at this time of year, you should be able to bite into some more difficult English words and expressions through this "Daily Word" telephone service as the year progresses. And I hope you can digest some of the "food for thought" which the messages include. Don't get discouraged in your effort to understand nor become a so-called "three-day priest"! (2446)
Goyō-hajime (88/01/04)
This fourth day of the New Year is called goyō-hajime . The Japanese word, goyō, may have different meanings. It may refer to the business, orders or commands of a superior or a guest. Interestingly enough, policemen may use this word when they make an arrest. But in this phrase, it refers to the honorable beginning of work or service. Government offices reopen today following the New Year's holidays. Among Japanese Christians, goyō is used for the ministry of a pastor or church worker who is serving the Lord. All of us have different kinds of work to do. Much of it does not seem particularly "honorable". But if we believe that God is in control of history and is working out some purpose in our lives, then even the common tasks of daily life are a kind of "goyō", or honorable service, to be accomplished with joy.(2447)
Dragons (88/01/05)
The Chinese character composed of a house over a sun over a woman is pronounced en and refers to a dinner or banquet at which sake is served. This fifth day of January is the traditional day for New Year's banquets, or shinnen-enkai; whether given by the Emperor or by others. This first Tuesday of the New Year is also the sixth Tuesday since our last "Daily Word" Listeners' Meeting, which means that, today, I will give the final theme for essays to be included in the next issue of 'Daily Word' Echoes which I hope will be ready for the next meeting of listeners on Sunday afternoon, January 31st. This year is the Year of the Dragon, according to the old Chinese almanac. What are your thoughts about dragons? Do I, you have a positive or negative feeling about them? What do you think about this year of the dragon in particular? What hopes or aims do you have for this year--for yourself, your family, your country or the world? I will correct those essays sent to me before publishing them. The other five themes for the coming issue of the Echoes are: Superstition, Autumn Leaves, Korea, Koreans and Korea-Japan Relations, Christmas Decorations /Music/Atmosphere in Japan and Purification Customs. Please send your essays to reach me by Saturday, January 16th. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463. (2448)
Twelfth Day (88/01/06)
The number twelve is a popular number in Western history. The word "dozen" refers to a group of twelve. There are twelve inches in a foot and twelve months in a year. The Twelve Tables of Roman law, written in 450 B.C., are considered the basis of modern law. To the Bible, there are twelve tribes of Israel in the Old Testament and twelve apostles of Christ in the New. According to the vision of John in the Book of Revelation, the wall of the heavenly city of Jerusalem has twelve foundations and twelve gates, in the city is a tree of life which yields twelve kinds of fruit. Finally, in the church calendar, there are twelve days of Christmas. Today, January 6th, is the so-called "Twelfth Day". Because the birth of Jesus was previously celebrated on this day, it is also known as "Old Christmas". Twelfth Day is now associated with the biblical story of the visit of the Magi, or Wise Men, from the East to worship the baby Jesus. It is also the day commemorating the baptism of Jesus and, from ancient times, has been called Epiphany, from the Greek word meaning manifestation or appearance. The divine nature of Christ was manifested in his baptism and the visit of the Gentile Magi indicates that this divine manifestation was for all peoples of the world. (2449)
Haristos Seikyōkai (88/01/07)
In Japan, some areas of the country continue to use the old lunar calendar when certain festivals or traditional rites are observed. Even New Year's Day may be celebrated on a day other than the present January 1st. Most Christian Churches follow the Gregorian calendar instituted by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 and celebrate Christmas on December 25th. However, the Russian Orthodox Church continues to use the old Julian Calendar in its celebration of Christmas. This calendar was introduced by Julius Caesar in the year 46 B.C. For churches following that calendar, today, January 7th, is observed as Christmas Day. In Japan, the Orthodox Church is called Haristos Seikyōkai. Haristos is a transliteration of the Greek word Christos, which is usually transliterated Kirisuto in Japanese and the sei of Seikyōkai does not mean "holy". Rather, it means "right" or "correct". In local churches of the Haristos Seikyōkai where there are no Russian believers, Christmas is celebrated on December 25th as in other churches. Since we do not know the exact date of Jesus' birth, it really makes no difference when his birthday is celebrated, but Christians should show the spirit of love and joy related to Christmas all year long. (2450)
"Animal", a nickname (88/01/08)
A number of English words are derived from anima, the Latin word for "soul". Animism is the belief that all natural phenomena have a soul, animate means "living" and an animal is a living organism other than a plant. Biologically speaking, human beings are animals, but in ordinary speech, this word refers to animals other than human beings. Calling a person an animal is an insult, implying that the person is brutish and inhuman. Thus, it was surprising to see the name "Animal" on the uniform of an American pitcher for the Hankyu Braves during the past two years. The real name of that 2 meter tall, 100 kilogram athlete is Bradley Lesley. The nickname was acquired years ago because of such antics as chasing the batter down the first-base line, giving loud yells or kneeling down and howling like a dog. At times, Lesley's showmanship seemed more noteworthy than his playing ability. Now, he will be able to give further expression to that side of his personality for instead of continuing with the Braves, he has signed a contract with the popular comedian, Beat Takeshi. Physically, human beings and animals are related, but the former have a moral sense that the latter lack and it is through developing that moral sense that we become truly human. (2451)
The Roman numeral "Four" (88/01/09)
When using Chinese characters for numerals, the first three numbers are written with horizontal strokes. In Roman numerals, they are written with vertical strokes, or capital I's. The Roman numeral IV is written with an I followed by a V. Old clocks in the West used Roman numerals on their dials to represent the hours. However, instead of using the usual number for "four", they used four capital I's. There is an interesting story behind this strange fact. It is said that, in the year 1370, a clockmaker delivered a clock that had been ordered by the French king, Charles V. This king enjoyed finding defects in the works of others, but although he carefully examined the clock, he found not a single flaw in it. Disappointed that he could not criticize the workmanship in anyway, he complained that there was an error on the face of the clock, that the number IV should be written with four I's. At the king's insistence, the number was changed, and from that time on Roman numerals on clock faces used four capital I's. Although Charles V is also known as Charles the Wise, I question the appropriateness of this appellation for a truly wise person would not be so pig-headed or stubborn. Sophocles, an ancient Greek playwright of the 5th century B. C., wrote, "Stubbornness and stupidity are twins." (2452)
New wine into old wineskin (88/01/10)
The flexible stem of a plant that creeps or climbs along a surface is called a vine. One kind of fruit produced by a vine are grapes. The word referring to the garden or yard where grapes are cultivated is a combination of "vine" and "yard", but it is pronounced "vineyard". The fermented juice of this fruit of the vine is called wine. In olden days, a bag for holding wine, made from the skin of a goat, was called a wineskin. When a wineskin is new and supple, it is able to expand as wine ferments but if new wine were put into an old and brittle wineskin, it might burst the skin as the wine fermented. Jesus used this illustration in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 2, verse 22, in response to a question about why his disciples did not follow traditional religious disciplines. The meaning behind this illustration was that the new teaching that he brought to the world could not be combined with old, established customs that were no longer flexible. The vitality of his teaching would cause the old forms to burst if they could not adapt to it. Today also, when vital Christian thought is introduced into old, established traditions, it may cause disruption. If old customs are unable to adapt to new teaching, then new customs need to be formed to contain it. (2453)
Kagami-biraki (88/01/11)
A mirror, in which we can see our own reflection, was considered something mysterious by ancient peoples. In fact, the English word comes from the same Latin root as "miracle". In many Shinto shrines, a mirror is enshrined as the object of worship. According to Japanese mythology, one of the three sacred treasures given by the sun goddess to her grandson when she sent him to rule this land was a mirror, which is said to be enshrined in the Grand Shrine at Ise. Among the traditional New Year's decorations in Japan are mochi rice cakes molded in the shape of mirrors. Although there is a Western superstition that breaking a mirror brings bad luck, in Japan, today, January 11th, is the traditional day for kagami-biraki, or "breaking the mirror (rice cakes)". If there were a divine mirror that reflected your thoughts so that others could see them, would you want to break it? (2454)
Jack London (88/01/12)
In Japan, it is common to remember the date of a person's death and to hold memorial services on that day, but in Western countries it is more common to commemorate the date of one's birth. That is the reason I often talk about a person on his or her birthday in these telephone messages. Today is the birthday of a man named London. Have you ever heard of him? He was not an Englishman, nor was he born in Britain. John Griffith London was an American born in San Francisco on January 12, 1876. When he was 17 years old, he came to Japan as a seaman. During the Russo-Japanese War, he was a newspaper correspondent. Since Jack is a common nickname for John, it is not surprising that he was known as Jack London. He became a popular American author of many romantic adventures. The Call of the Wild, which he wrote in 1903, is considered one of the best dog stories ever written. I agree with London's assertion that "The proper function of man is to live, not to exist", for there is a big difference between living a meaningful life and merely existing. However, it seems that London himself was not able to live a satisfying life. Plagued by mental depression, alcoholism and financial difficulties, he committed suicide in 1916, when he was 40 years old. (2455)
The day Christmas trees are dismantled (88/01/13)
In the United States, the Christmas shopping season is considered to begin the day after Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday of November. We do not see Christmas trees or other Christmas decorations in stores or public places before then. In Japan, the commercialized Christmas season seems to begin earlier than in the United States. In my experience, Christmas decorations begin to appear in American homes in early or mid-December, but some families decorate their Christmas trees on Christmas Eve. Although Christmas decorations in Japan are usually taken down the day after Christmas, to be replaced by New Year's decorations, Christmas trees remain in American homes into the New Year. According to the church calendar, there are twelve days in Christmas, beginning with Christmas Day, and Christmas decorations continue to be displayed throughout that period. In America, there is no general rule as to when Christmas trees are dismantled and I once knew a lady who used to keep her Christmas tree decorated until Easter, which comes in March or April. In Sweden, however, this twentieth day after Christmas is the day when Christmas trees are dismantled and in Norway also this day is considered the official end of the Christmas season. Although we must take down the Christmas decorations after a certain period, we should keep the Christmas spirit in our hearts all year long. (2456)
No smoke without fire (88/01/14)
In my home, the artificial Christmas tree and other Christmas decorations are put away to be used again the following year, but I understand that Japanese New Year's decorations are burned in a fire called sagichō. I don't find this word in my Japanese-English dictionary, but this is the period when such special fires are lit. It is said that eating mochi rice cakes cooked in such a fire will ensure good health for the year and that the direction the smoke blows will indicate whether this year's rice crop will be abundant or poor. In English, there is a proverb, "There is no smoke without fire." In this saying, "smoke" refers to rumors that are circulating about some matter. Because hearsay tends to become distorted as it is passed from person to person, we may often doubt the factual validity of some rumors. But this proverb implies there must be some truth in the rumor or it would not have been started. We should be especially careful about spreading unfounded or exaggerated rumors that may damage a person's reputation. In the New Testament book of James, chapter 3, the tongue is compared to a little fire that can set a great forest ablaze. We need to remember that it is dangerous to play with fire--whether in a physical, emotional or figurative sense. (2457)
Adult's Day (88/01/15)
Today is the Japanese holiday called Adult's Day. According to present Japanese thought, a person becomes an adult at the age of twenty. However, many people beyond that age still behave like children in their self-centered world. Maturity may come naturally to plants and animals, but for human beings, true maturity is not determined by age nor physical development but by mental discernment, emotional stability and a sense of individual responsibility. An American newspaper columnist once wrote, "We have not passed that subtle line between childhood and adulthood until we move from the passive voice to the active voice--that is, until we have stopped saying 'It got lost,' and say, 'I lost it.'" According to a recent newspaper article, there is now an increased interest in omajinai, charms and magical rites, on the part of children and young people in Japan. Such omajinai are employed to attract a sweetheart, make friends, get good grades or become rich. To my foreign, Christian eyes, much of traditional Japanese religion is related to omajinai. A healthy faith instills in us a new understanding of life and provides the incentive to actively work for a better world rather than relying upon magic. (2458)
Kites and tops (88/01/16)
One meaning of the word "kite" is a bird, called a tobi in Japanese. And one meaning of the word "top" is the uppermost part of something. To children, however, these words signify quite different things. A kite, made of paper or cloth stretched over a light framework and attached to a long string, is meant to fly high in the sky on a breezy day. And a top is a cone-shaped toy which is meant to spin on its pointed end. Kites and tops have been enjoyed by children and adults of many nations since ancient times and have a long history in Japan. Next week, a mission from Japan will visit a number of Middle Eastern countries to encourage a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. However, they will not be presenting kabuki dramas nor performing tea ceremonies. Rather, they will be taking with them many traditional Japanese kites and rare tops to exhibit as they lecture on kite-flying and top-spinning. They also plan to play games with the local children and to demonstrate how to make these items. It is hoped that this cultural exchange with ordinary people will help them understand and appreciate Japanese culture better. The French comic playwright, Moliere, has written, "Our minds need relaxation, and give way/Unless we mix with work a little play." (2459)
Inner purification (88/01/17)
As you know, Sunday is the day Christians gather together in churches to worship God and to enjoy Christian fellowship. We gather on this first day of the week in commemoration of the resurrection of Christ which occurred on that day. Most listeners to these "Daily Word" telephone messages do not attend church, so my Sunday telephone messages are usually related to the sermon I preach in my church in the city of Takahama on Sunday morning. Today's sermon is taken from the 7th chapter of the Gospel according to Mark. There we find a clear contrast between the traditional teaching of Jewish religious leaders and the new teaching of Jesus. Traditional Jewish teaching emphasized following certain rituals which had been handed down from their ancestors, including purification rites. Jesus' disciples did not follow these rites and thus were criticized by the traditionalists. In their defense, Jesus taught that it is not external rites that are important but the internal state of one's heart. He said that "There is nothing that goes into a person from the outside which can make him ritually unclean. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that makes him unclean."[Mark 7:15-16] The evil ideas in a person's heart are the real seeds of pollution which require an inner purification and Jesus' words need to be heeded today. (2460)
Daniel Webster (88/01/18)
A "wig", spelled w-i-g, is a headpiece made of artificial or human hair, but a "Whig", spelled W-h-i-g, was a member of a political party in England or America in the 18th or 19th centuries. This word came from a Scottish word meaning "cattle driver" and was used to refer to dissenters. One of the leading figures of the Whig Party in the United States was Daniel Webster, an outstanding lawyer, orator and statesman who was born 206 years ago today, on January 18, 1782. A couple of note-worthy quotations from Daniel Webster are the following: "There is nothing so powerful as truth and often nothing so strange." "Whatever makes men good Christians makes them good citizens." My final comment is that sometimes Christians and other good citizens must dissent against authority because of their devotion to the higher authority of Truth. (2461)
This telephone service inundated (88/01/19)
An article about this telephone service appeared in the Tokyo and Nagoya editions of last Tuesday's Asahi Shinbun. As a result, NTT's equipment, which could handle 9calls simultaneously, was overtaxed with some 4800 calls on that day. The next day, before "Daily Word" was introduced to Tokai viewers of NHK's 6:30 Evening News, NTT had provided an additional number for this service. That new number, which can handle 10 tails simultaneously, is 794-6433. The following day over 5000 calls were received. Since then, over 700 letters arrived, requesting copies of the messages. Can you imagine the time it takes to open that many letters, take out stamps and envelopes, fold and insert messages, stamp the return address on and seal them? Fortunately, my son and daughter living in Nagoya were able to help my wife and me with this task. Some people wrote letters, to which, unfortunately, I was not able to reply. As you know, this telephone service is neither my honshoku nor an arubaito. Until now, it has been merely a shumi. Along with NTT and the Postal Services, I am happy but also a bit tired as I recall the words of Ephesians 3:18, about God who can do "much more than we can ever ask for or even think of." (2462)
Imperfections (88/01/20)
0ne of the famous and most popular sightseeing spots in Japan is Nikko. And one of the featured attractions there is the beautiful "Gate of Sunlight", or Yōmeimon. A unique characteristic of this gate is that the decorative patterns carved on one of its pillars are upside-down. For some reason, this purposeful imperfection was included in this gorgeous edifice. Joseph and Jonathan Seiber, a couple of brothers in the American state of Massachusetts, have recently found out that being too perfect has its drawbacks. They had developed a computer program to produce the very beautiful lettering, known as calligraphy, which is used by elite families for wedding invitations. Their computer could quickly turn out flawless lines of ornate lettering that would take a calligrapher many painstaking hours to equal. However, this exceptionally beautiful lettering did not prove generally acceptable because it seemed to lack a human touch. It was only after the brothers programmed some imperfections into some of the letters that their system was well received. Now the lettering is more distinctive with its warmer quality of human imperfection. The true beauty of human character also is not seen in outward obedience to certain forms but in the inner spirit of love that can be transmitted despite our external imperfections. (2463)
Stonewall Jackson (88/01/21)
Today, January 21st, is the birthday of a Confederate general who was famous for his strategy in the American Civil War. His name was Thomas Jackson and he was born on this day in 1824. In one of the early battles of that war, General Jackson's forces were said to have stood "like a stone wall" against the troops of the Union, causing them to suffer a humiliating defeat. From that time on, this general was known as Stonewall Jackson. Nowadays, "stone wall" is sometimes used to refer to a firmly held idea that cannot be changed. People trying change President Reagan's mind regarding the Nicaraguan Contras are up against a stone wall. As a verb, "to stonewall" may mean to refuse to cooperate in an investigation as former President Nixon's associates did during the Watergate Affair. In the Old Testament book of Proverbs, chapter 24, verse 31, a stonewall which was broken down is one of the signs of a lazy farmer. On Sunday afternoon, January 31st, at 1:30, we will hold a meeting of listeners to these "Daily Word" telephone messages at the NTT Building, across the street from the Chunichi Shinbun Building and next to the Maru-no-uchi Chūgakkō, north of the Maru-no-uchi subway station. You are invited to attend.(2464)
Drinking prohibited (88/01/22)
Now that it is clear that smoking is bad for the health, even in Japan an increasing number of places prohibit smoking. Although this may make smokers unhappy, the general atmosphere is made more healthful for everyone. Can you envision a time in Japan when drinking is prohibited? You may know that this was attempted in the United States during the so-called Prohibition Era between 1920 and 1933, but it ended in failure. As a matter of fact, on this 22nd day of the 1st month of the 8th year of Jōgan, the Japanese government issued a communication prohibiting the drinking of alcoholic beverages. (For those of you who don't recall that particular era during the reign of Emperor Seiwa, it was 1122 years ago.) I'm not sure how long this order was enforced, but it applied only to the common people, not to the nobility. It is interesting that, in Japanese, a drinker may be called an "upper door", or jōgo, while a non-drinker may be referred to as a "lower door", or geko. Although I generally advise people to walk the high road and aim for the upper level, in this case, l consider the "lower door" preferable. In the New Testament book of Ephesians, chapter 5, verse 18, we read, "Do not get drunk with wine... instead, be filled with the Spirit." (2465)
Cabin attendants (88/01/23)
The word "stew" comes from an old French word meaning to bathe in hot water. These days, it refers to a dish, usually including meat and vegetables, which is cooked by boiling slowly, The word "steward", however, has nothing to do with "stew". This word comes from an Old English word meaning the keeper of a hall. It is now used to refer to a person who handles the property or finances of another as well as to a male employee on an airplane who looks after the comfort of passengers. Until now, it has been common to refer to a female airline employee as a stewardess. A stewardess is considered a beautiful young lady who leads an exciting life, being able to travel to many places, so many young girls dream of becoming a stewardess. A recent news article indicates that such feminine nouns are no longer considered appropriate. Neither non-Japanese airlines nor international aviation organizations currently use this word and now, the Japanese No. 2 airline, All Nippon Airways, has discontinued its use. From now on, its cabin crew members will be referred to as "cabin attendants". According to the New Testament book of 1 Peter, chapter 4, verse 10, Christians are considered stewards of God's grace who should use their gifts for the good of others. (2466)
The right side (88/01/24)
In the old imperial government of Japan, two high officials were known as the Minister of the Left, or sadaijin and the Minister of the Right, or udaijin. In this case, the Minister of the Left held a higher rank than the Minister of the Right. However, in Western thought, with its roots in biblical tradition, the right side is considered the higher position and the place of honor. My middle name of Benjamin, which was the name of one of Jacob's sons and one of the twelve tribes of Israel, means "son of the right hand". In biblical symbolism, the resurrected Christ is seated at the right hand of God. A story in the 10th chapter of the Gospel of Mark, beginning with verse 35, tells of the request of two of Jesus' disciples to let them sit on the right and the left of Jesus' throne in the kingdom they expected him to establish. In response to this request for privileged positions, Jesus taught that, in his kingdom, which is different than the kingdoms of this world, the way to an exalted position is the way of humble service to others. He said, "If one of you wants to be great, he must be the servant of the rest." Even Jesus himself, the Son of God, did not come to be served; he came to serve and to give his life for the salvation of others. And he is our Example as well as our Savior. (2467)
Robert Burns (88/01/25)
I'm sure you know the Japanese song which begins Hotaru no hikari which is often sung when people are parting. Do you know the name of the tune for this song? It is Auld Lang Syne, which is Scottish for "old long since", meaning "long ago". The words that go with that traditional Scottish tune were written by the famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns, who was born into a poor farmer's family 229 years ago today, on January 25th, 1759. Although he died at the early age of 37, Burns had already written many memorable poems and songs that expressed folk tradition and lovingly portrayed the life of rural Scotland. Many Scotsmen around the world will gather today to honor his birth at suppers with special menus and programs. Robert Burns once said, "Man's inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn." These words are true today. (2468)
A Stradivarius violin stolen (88/01/26)
As a verb, to fiddle may mean to move one's fingers or hands in a nervous fashion or to tamper with something in order to repair or adjust it. A nervous car owner may fiddle while watching the repairman fiddle with the car's engine. Since fiddle is an informal word for a popular musical instrument having four strings and played with a bow, to fiddle may also mean to play the violin. The most famous violins are those made by Antonius Stradivarius an Italian violinmaker who died in 1737. Stradivarius produced over a thousand violins during his lifetime, some 700 of which are still in existence, all of which are very valuable. Last November, a Stradivarius violin, worth between ¥70-100 million, was stolen from a store in New York. Last week, the man who stole it was arrested in Tokyo after trying to sell it to violin dealers there. The 31-year-old man claims to be an American of South Korean descent. In the New Testament book of Ephesians, chapter 4, verse 28, the following exhortation is given to indicate the kind of change that takes place when a person gains a healthy faith in the living God: "Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his hands, so that he may be able to give to those in need." (2469)
Alice in Wonderland (88/01/27)
In the Gospel of John, chapter 8, verse 32, we find the famous saying of Jesus, "You will know the truth and the truth will make you free." The Greek word used there for "truth" is alethia, and it is from this word that the feminine name, Alice, is derived. When you hear this name, who do you think of? One of the most popular children's stories in English is entitled Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. This story was written by an English mathematician who lectured at Oxford for many years and who was born 156 years ago today, on January 27th, 1832. His real name was Charles Dodgson, but he wrote under the pen name of Lewis Carroll. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland take place in a marvelous underground world where animals act and talk like human beings. In her dream, Alice found herself in this wonderland after following a rabbit into its burrow. Sometimes, truth may be communicated, through fictional stories. Next Sunday afternoon at 1:30, we will hold a meeting of listeners to these "Daily Word" telephone messages at the NTT Building, across the street from the Chūnichi Shinbun Building and next to the Maru-no-uchi Chūgakkō, a 7-minute walk north of the Maru-no-uchi subway station. You are invited to attend. The room may be cold, so please dress warmly. (2470)
Charlemagne (88/01/28)
This 28th day of January is a day of celebration in some French colleges called Saint Charlemagne's Day. On this day, Charlemagne is honored at breakfasts where speeches are made and champagne is served. The title, Charlemagne, meaning Charles the Great, was given to Charles I, king of the group of Germanic tribes called the Franks, from which France got its name. Becoming king in768, Charlemagne expanded his authority over surrounding areas. In the year 800, he restored a deposed pope to the papal throne and was then crowned by that pope as emperor of the West. Thus, the foundation was laid for the so-called Holy Roman Empire, which was not very holy nor really much of an empire. Charlemagne was a large man whose height was said to be seven times the length of his foot. According to the present American measurement, one foot consists of 12 inches, but I doubt that Charlemagne's foot was that long. The measurement of anything depends upon the standard used and God's standard is quite different than man's. In I Samuel 16:7, when the prophet Samuel was choosing a man to be the king of Israel, God told him not to be concerned about how tall the man was. "Man looks at the outward appearance, but I look at the heart", he said. (2471)
An obsession (88/01/29)
The English word "obsess" comes from Latin words meaning to sit on something or to possess it. In English, an obsession is a preoccupation with a persistent idea or desire. If an obsession becomes too strong, psychiatric treatment may become necessary, but some people have quite harmless obsessions. For example, Mrs. Lee Johnson, who lives in the American state of Washington, had a lifetime obsession to drive a huge construction vehicle of some kind. She longed to be able to drive a tractor that digs ditches, levels land or lifts heavy loads. A couple of weeks ago, her daughters arranged to have her dream come true. For her 70th birthday, Mrs. Johnson put on a hard hat, climbed into a gift-wrapped, 45-ton excavator and went ditch-digging for 30 minutes. It was one of the happiest birthdays she has had. In the book of Proverbs, chapter 23, verse 22, we read, "When your mother is old, show her your appreciation." Next Sunday afternoon at 1:30, we will hold a meeting of listeners to these "Daily Word" telephone messages at the NTT Building, across the street from the Chūnichi Shinbun Building and next to the Maru-no-uchi Chūgakkō, a 7-minute walk north of the Maru-no-uchi subway station. You are invited to attend. (2472)
Kakizome (88/01/02)
Solid food (88/01/03)
Goyō-hajime (88/01/04)
Dragons (88/01/05)
Twelfth Day (88/01/06)
Haristos Seikyōkai (88/01/07)
"Animal", a nickname (88/01/08)
The Roman numeral "Four" (88/01/09)
New wine into old wineskin (88/01/10)
Kagami-biraki (88/01/11)
Jack London (88/01/12)
The day Christmas trees are dismantled (88/01/13)
No smoke without fire (88/01/14)
Adult's Day (88/01/15)
Kites and tops (88/01/16)
Inner purification (88/01/17)
Daniel Webster (88/01/18)
This telephone service inundated (88/01/19)
Imperfections (88/01/20)
Stonewall Jackson (88/01/21)
Drinking prohibited (88/01/22)
Cabin attendants (88/01/23)
The right side (88/01/24)
Robert Burns (88/01/25)
A Stradivarius violin stolen (88/01/26)
Alice in Wonderland (88/01/27)
Charlemagne (88/01/28)
An obsession (88/01/29)
Franklin Roosevelt (88/01/30)
Watch (88/01/31)
The year of the dragon (88/01/01)