December (92/12/01)
Today is the first day of the final month of the year. The name of this month, December, is derived from the Latin word for "ten". In the ancient Roman calendar, the Year began in March and was divided into ten months, of which December was the last. Later, when two additional months, January and February, were placed at the beginning of the calendar, the other months kept their original names even though their numerical order had changed. The old Japanese name for this month is 'shiwasu', meaning "teacher running". Nowadays, however, this twelfth month is not only a busy time for teachers or priests. Everyone in Japan seems to get busy as the year draws to a close. There are "year-forgetting-parties", Christmas celebrations, year-end housecleaning, settlement of accounts and New Year preparations. "December" was the theme for our discussion at the "Daily Word" Fellowship meeting on Sunday and is the suggested theme for you who wish to write a short English essay. What do you associate with the word "December"? What plans do you have for December this year? What memories do you have of past Decembers? I will correct essays sent to me and publish them in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. --Clark Offner (4144)
Hot Rodders (92/12/02)
A recent news report indicated that hot rodding in Japan has declined since the revised Road Traffic Law went into effect last August. Do you know what a "hot rod" is? In the United States, this slang term is used for an old automobile that has been rebuilt or modified to make it more powerful and faster. When mufflers, which reduce the noise of an engine, are removed, the hot rod becomes very noisy. In Japan, "hot rodder" is the English term used for the 'bōsōzoku' who disturb the neighborhood with the loud noise of their mufflerless motorcycles. Before the revision of the traffic law, police could not take action against hot rodders unless they were certain the noise level from their vehicles exceeded legal limits. Now they can stop them simply if their vehicles do not have mufflers. According to the report, in the first seven months of this year, the number of hot rodders was about 16 percent higher than that period last year, but since August there has been a 17 percent decrease compared to last year. The number of complaints against hot rodding also was increasing until July, but has now dropped to 15 percent less than last year. Thus the revised law seems to have attained the desired effect. Some people, young or old, make noise to attract attention, but excessive noisemaking is a public nuisance. --Clark Offner (4145)
Poaching (92/12/03)
These are two different English words spelled p-o-a-c-h and both are pronounced the same, 'poch'. One of these words means to cook in a boiling liquid. In Western cuisine, eggs and fish are sometimes poached and the vessel used for that purpose is called a poacher. The other word means to hunt or fish in a forbidden area. In this meaning, people who hunt or fish illegally are called poachers. For many years, poaching has been a problem in certain African countries where poachers kill elephants to obtain ivory from their tusks. Now a report has been issued that poaching of wild tigers in India, Bangladesh and Nepal threatens these animals with extinction. Previously, wild tigers were killed to obtain their skins, but now they are also being slaughtered for their bones, which are used for making medicines throughout Southeast Asia. Unless the poaching of tigers is stopped, conservationists predict these wild animals may become extinct in ten years. In the struggle between preserving our natural environment with its beauty and variety of plants and animals and satisfying human greed, which will finally prevail? Our own life-styles may influence the outcome. -- Clark Offner (4146)
John Cotton (92/12/04)
Cotton is a plant grown in a warm climate. The soft, white fiber attached to its seeds is used to make cloth, which is also called cotton. Because cotton fluff easily clings to other cloth, in informal speech, to "cotton to" means to take a liking to or to be friendly with. We may say that some Japanese cotton to foreigners. In England, Cotton is also a surname and an Englishman named John Cotton, who was born 408 years ago today on December 4, 1584, became a popular Puritan clergyman in Boston. In contrast with the established church in England, he emphasized strict doctrinal and moral standards and when summoned to appear before an official body, he fled to the so-called New World in North America with some of his congregation. From the influence of this group, a city in the Massachusetts Bay Colony was named Boston and Cotton became pastor of the church there. As the leader of Congregationalists, he became known as "The Patriarch of New England". Congregationalists emphasize the independence of each local congregation, but Cotton firmly believed in the right of the minister to dictate to his congregation, advocating a theocracy, or rule by God, rather than a democracy, which is rule by the people. For this reason, some people did not cotton to Cotton. -- Clark Offner (4147)
The United States (92/12/05)
Today I will conclude this Saturday series of messages on our return trip to the United States in the summer of 1970. From Luxembourg, we stopped in Iceland on our way to New York, where we arrived in the evening. We had not made any lodging reservations, so I called the seminary I had attended twenty years previously to see if there were any rooms available in its dormitory there. Although the answer was "No", I was informed of a moderately-priced hotel nearby where we spent the night. The next day, we visited the United Nations Building and observed a meeting of the Security Council. We went to Times Square and up the Empire State Building, where our son remembered he left his cassette at the hotel, so I hurried to get it and met my wife and children at the bus depot where we boarded a bus for Washington D.C. There, we went sightseeing the next day, visiting the Capitol, the White House, the Smithsonian Institute, the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, in which we walked down the long stairway from the top. I also met and had lunch at the Washington Press Club with my university roommate, an African-American I had not seen for 22 years. That evening, we boarded a bus to Pittsburgh, where we took another bus to Cleveland, then to Chicago, where relatives picked us up and took us to the home we would live in during our year's residence in my hometown. -- Clark Offner (4148)
Challenged Traditions (92/12/06)
The fourth chapter of the Gospel according to John contains the story of Jesus' conversation with a woman of Samaria beside a well while his disciples had gone into town to buy food. When his disciples returned and found him talking with this woman, they were greatly surprised for, in that day, women were considered inferior to men and it was not only unusual but considered improper for a Jewish teacher to speak with a woman in a public place. Besides, this woman was a Samaritan and Jews had a strong prejudice against Samaritans, who were of mixed blood, and would not associate with them. Furthermore, this woman was living an immoral life. Thus, in various meanings, Jesus was breaking tradition in talking with her. This is one instance of how Jesus taught by example as well as by words. Jesus boldly challenged a variety of long-standing traditions of his day which were unjust or unloving. Usually, he did so quietly and unobtrusively, but often his daily behavior--his attitude expressed in action was as powerful an influence as his spoken words. Jesus' followers today should follow his example and witness to their faith, no only by words but by actions which challenge unreasonable or discriminatory traditions in their society as well. -- Clark Offner (4149)
Mugwump (92/12/07)
The Japanese word 'tenbin' denotes a scale for weighing things. On both ends of a horizontal rod supported by a central vertical pole, trays are hung. A weight is placed in one tray and in the other the object to be weighed. The Japanese saying 'ryō-tenbin o kakeru' is used of a one who seems to support both sides of an issue, but such a person may "fall between two stools" like the one "who runs after two hares and catches neither", 'nito o ou mono wa itto omo ezu'. The English word "mugwump", which is derived from the Algonquin word for "chief" and signifies a politician who acts independently, has also been used for a "fence-straddler" who sits with his mug, or face, on one side of the fence and his rump, or buttocks on the other. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus taught that we must ultimately make a clear choice between two alternatives. --Clark Offner (4150)
'Rakugo', 'Manzai' (92/12/08)
Have you ever heard of a raconteur, spelled r-a-c-o-n-t-e-u-r? Don't be surprised if you haven't for I, myself, was not acquainted with that word until I found it as the English translation of a Japanese word. The English word means "a person who tells stories and anecdotes with skill and wit". Can you imagine what Japanese word it is the translation of? In Japan, there are professional storytellers who deliver comic, anecdotal monologues which include puns, humorous plays on words, unexpected twists in their stories and witty surprise endings. They are called 'rakugo-ka'. Japanese 'rakugo', which can be traced back to the entertainers of warlords in the 16th century, developed into a formalized but popular form of entertainment. A similar performance by two persons engaged in a humorous dialogue in called 'manzai'. What do you think of these two peculiarly Japanese forms of amusement? Have you attended live performances of such entertainers? Do you enjoy listening to 'rakugo' or 'manzai' on television or radio? 'rakugo' and/or 'manzai' is the suggested theme for those who wish to write an English essay and send it for correction and publication in "Daily Word" Echoes to: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. -- Clark Offner (4151)
Japanese Translations (92/12/09)
Japan enjoys trade surpluses with many countries of the world in many areas. In the case of reading materials, however, the opposite is true. A recent Finance Ministry report revealed that in 1990, Japan imported books and magazines worth an estimated ¥50.3 billion, but exports were worth just ¥36.8 billion. The number of books translated from Japanese to other languages is much smaller than those translated into Japanese. It was also reported that only 82 Japanese books were translated into English and published in the United States in 1990. On the other hand, about 4000 foreign books, of which 3000 were originally written in English, were translated and published in Japan in the same year. A new organization has now been established to promote the translation and publication of more Japanese books. In recent years, there has been an effort to introduce Japanese culture overseas, but the emphasis has been on traditional Japanese arts. Translations of modern Japanese literature should be encouraged, for true internationalization or cultural exchange involves both giving and receiving. In fact, according to the words of Jesus, quoted in Acts 20:35, "There is more happiness in giving than in receiving." --Clark Offner (4152)
Mississippi (92/12/10)
One hundred seventy-five years ago today, on December 10, 1817, the twentieth state was admitted to the United States of America. This state, with a conservative outlook, is in the heartland of the Deep South. It was the second state to secede from the Union following the election of President Abraham Lincoln. Before the Civil War, it ranked fifth among the states in per capita wealth but fell to last place in the postwar period. It now ranks 31st in population and 32nd in area. It has the same name as the long, famous river that divides the country into eastern and western regions. Now you must have guessed its name, but do you know how to spell it? I have always found it easier to remember its spelling by saying the letters in a kind of singsong cadence: M-i-s-s-i-s-s-i-p-p-i. This name comes from Chippewa words meaning "great river" or "gathering in of all the waters". Because of its many magnolia trees with their beautiful white, pink, purple or yellow followers, the state's nickname is Magnolia State. In his famous speech in 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr., stated: "I have a dream that...one days even the State of Mississippi, a state sweltering in the heart of injustice [and] oppression will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice." This dream should now be broadened to include the whole world. -- Clark Offner (4153)
Peanuts; Song (92/12/11)
The headline of a recent article in an English-language newspaper was "Six drawings bought for peanuts turn out to be authentic Van Goghs". Do you understand the meaning of "peanuts" in this headline? The first sentence in the article stated: "Six landscape drawings bought for a song from a French antique dealer three years ago have turned out to be the work of Vincent Van Gogh". In this sentence, do you understand the meaning of "a song"? Both expressions, to buy something "for peanuts" or "for a song", mean to pay a very small, trifling amount of money for something. The article told of the good fortune of the man who purchased these drawings for 400 francs (about ¥10,000) in 1988. They have recently been recognized by specialists as genuine drawings of the famous Dutch painter. Although the drawings themselves will not change, the fact that they have been authenticated as the work of a famous painter will increase their value tremendously. This article reminds us of how easily we change our opinion or estimation of something or some person as a result of an external name rather than any essential change in the thing or person. In John 7:24, Jesus cautioned his listeners not to judge superficially. -- Clark Offner (4154)
"X'mas" in Japan (92/12/12)
My young wife and I first arrived in Japan in the middle of November 1951. Thus, we were still getting settled and trying to adjust to our new life in Tokyo when the Christmas season began. At that time, Japan was still suffering from the aftermath of the disastrous war, but we were surprised to see many Christmas decorations in the stores along the Ginza and in other shopping areas. We were impressed that this non-Christian country was celebrating a Christian festival. Yet, as we viewed the decorations and advertisements, we were also impressed with the lack of religious significance in most of them. There were many ornamented evergreen trees and many figures of Santa Claus with his flowing white hair and beard in a red suit along with his sleigh and reindeer. But we saw very few representations of the baby Jesus, whose birthday was supposedly being celebrated. We thought the predominant use of the term "X'mas" instead of "Christmas" was significant, for to us it seemed that "Christ" had been replaced by an "X". In fact, the "X" of "X'mas" is the first letter of 'Christ', but in Japan, it seemed to us to represent an "unknown quantity". Even today, we still have doubts about the Japanese assimilation of only the commercialized version of this sacred season. -- Clark Offner (4155)
Light, Salvation and Peace (92/12/13)
During this Advent Season preceding Christmas, many preachers choose Bible passages from prophecies related to the coming of the Messiah as the texts for their sermons. One such prophecy is found in Luke 1:78-79, at the conclusion of the song of Zecharia, the father of John the Baptist. There, he speaks of God's mercy and prophesies that God will cause the bright dawn of salvation to rise and shine upon all who live in darkness "to guide our steps into the path of peace." The Bible teaches that in the birth of Jesus, the Christ, light from heaven shown into the spiritual darkness of human society and that those who accept that light into their hearts by faith will gain eternal salvation. Related to this light of salvation is the Christian emphasis upon peace. There are two kinds of peace taught in the Bible. First, there is peace between sinful people and the holy God who created them. The work of Jesus, the Christ, opened the way for peace between human beings and their Creator. But to walk in "the path of peace" is to live in peace with our fellow human beings also. Christmas is a celebration of the advent of the light of salvation and peace. I pray that, during this season, you also may experience the true meaning of Christmas, expressed in such terms as light, salvation and peace. -- Clark Offner (4156)
Fight and Flee (92/12/14)
It is natural to commend a brave, courageous man and to criticize a coward. There are times, however, when a retreat from battle is the path of wisdom. This is recognized in old proverbs in both Greek and Latin which are the basis of the English saying, "He that fights and runs away may live to fight another day." It seems that such a maneuver was also recognized in old China, where there were said to be 36 different kinds of military strategies, for the Japanese form of a Chinese saying, "sanju-rokkei nigeru ni shikazu", means "it is better to run away than to carry out the thirty-six plans". The problem remains regarding how to determine when we should fight and when we should flee. According to the Letter of James, chapter 1, verse 5, if anyone lacks wisdom, he should pray and God, who gives to all people generously, will give it to him. --Clark Offner (4157)
Ethical Standard (92/12/15)
In our daily lives, we make use of various kinds of standards of measurement. In the metric system, meters are used to measure length, grams to measure weight and liters to measure volume. In each of these cases, there is a certain definite standard according to which we decide whether something is long or short, heavy or light, much or little. When it comes to an ethical standard, however, matters are much more complicated. How does one measure the morality of a person's actions, what is right or wrong, good or bad? Certain religions teach that a moral standard has been revealed by God. Judaism, Christianity and Islam all base their teachings on scriptures which include ethical principles by which good and bad, right and wrong, are determined. In Japanese society, what do you consider to be the standard of morality? In regard to political ethics, business ethics or common social ethics, is there a criterion by which morality can be measured? On what basis do you yourself make moral decisions? I would like to read the thoughts of listeners to or readers of these messages on this theme. I will correct essays sent to me and publish them in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. --Clark Offner (4158)
Buckingham Palace (92/12/16)
Fortunately for Queen Elizabeth and her family, a new book entitled 'All the Queen's Men', does not include any scandalous implications. It merely provides inside information on how Buckingham Palace, the Queen's London residence, is managed. It takes more than 300 people to care for the palace, which has 361 rooms, 78 bathrooms and toilets, and its garden. By tradition, the housemaids who dust and clean must not be seen by their royal highnesses and are thus obliged to dodge into alcoves or hide behind curtains if they come along. Since some of the elaborate servants' uniforms are both very costly and very old, footmen for state occasions are chosen to fit the uniforms rather than vice-versa. They must be 1.75 meters tall with 96 centimeter chests. Precision is considered of great importance at royal banquets. One senior servant carries a ruler to measure the correct distance between knives, forks and spoons and all the Brussels sprouts served must be the same size. Kitchen sinks are made of wood to avoid chipping crystal glasses and delicate china. Although the responsibilities of servants may have changed over the centuries, medieval titles are still used. Wages are said to be low, but servants are provided with room and board at the most famous address in Britain. --Clark Offner (4159)
Roads (92/12/17)
There are three different English words pronounced 'rôd'. The most common word, spelled r-o-a-d, denotes an open way for the passage of people, animals or vehicles. In residential areas of cities, roads may be called streets, avenues or boulevards, while a main, public road between cities may be called a highway. Another word, spelled r-o-d-e, is the past tense of ride, which means to go from one place to another in a vehicle or on an animal. We may ride in a car, a train or an airplane or on a bicycle or a horse. The third word with the same pronunciation, spelled r-o-w-e-d, is the past tense of row. As a verb, "row" means to propel a boat by means of oars. Boats with oars attached are called rowboats. Thus, I could say that I rode a bicycle on the road over the bridge while people rowed a boat underneath. Speaking of roads, John Oxenham has written the following poem: "To every man there openeth a way, and ways, and a way, And the high soul climbs the high way and the low soul gropes the low; And in between, on the misty flats, the rest drift to and fro; But to every man there openeth a high way and a low, And every man decideth the way his soul shall go." -- Clark Offner (4160)
Death Penalty (92/12/18)
Dorothea Morefield, a 58 year-old American mother representing an organization called Parents of Murdered Children, came to Tokyo last month to speak at a symposium for the abolition of the death penalty in Japan. Six and a half years ago, her 19-year-old eldest son was shot to death at the restaurant where he worked part-time to pay for his education. The murderer was arrested soon afterward and is now in prison. At the time of her son's death, her heart was filled with anger at the murderer and she wanted to kill him. She came to realize, however, that her anger and desire for revenge was making her whole life miserable and that even if the murderer were himself killed, her son would not return. Now she is supporting the campaign of Amnesty International to abolish the death penalty, believing that killing people is wrong even when it is done by a government. At present, 46 countries have abolished the death penalty and 20 have suspended it for ten years. On November 10, Japan suspended capital punishment for three years. Mrs. Morehead and many others would like to see this suspension made permanent. According to Romans, chapter 12, we should not pay back evil for evil. Rather, we should conquer evil with good. -- Clark Offner (4161)
Christmas in Tokyo (92/12/19)
It was a little over a month after my wife and I arrived in Japan in 1951 that we celebrated our first Christmas in a foreign land. Until we got married, two years previously, we had always spent Christmases at home with our families. Our first Christmas away from home was spent in New York City, where I was still attending seminary. The following Christmas, we flew back to the Chicago area and divided our short time there between our two homes, about 80 kilometers away from each other. But whether in New York or Illinois, we enjoyed singing Christmas carols in churches or outdoors and were happy to be able to follow that same custom in Tokyo. During our language school days, we participated in the activities of the Tokyo Union, located not far from Harajuku Station. This church held Sunday afternoon worship services in English and had a Young Club that met in the evening. Many of the members were language school students like ourselves. On Christmas Eve, we went out caroling with this group to the homes of various senior missionaries, following which we had refreshments and a devotional period at the church. That first Christmas in a foreign land was a meaningful time when we experienced the unity of our faith with those of other Christian denominations from various countries. -- Clark Offner (4162)
Candles (92/12/20)
This year, this 20th day of December in the Gregorian calendar is the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which is the first day of Hanakkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. During this 8-day festival, traditional Jewish families light one candle on the first evening, two on the second evening and so on until all eight candles in the special menorah, or candelabrum, are lit on the final day. In some Christian churches, on this Sunday before Christmas, the 4th Sunday in Advent, the last of four Advent candles is lit. Candles are symbols of light. In both Jewish and Christian belief, the Source of light is God and people who are in contact with God should be transmitters of God's light into the moral and political darkness which surrounds them. But even as candles grow shorter as they burn, so the sharing of spiritual light implies sacrificing oneself to bring truth and love to others. In Christian belief, the Christ, who said, "I am the light of the world" [John 8:12], also called his disciples "the light of the world" [Matthew 5:14]. During this Festival of lights and the Christmas Season, when gifts are given and received, all of God's people should give of themselves to make the world a brighter place. -- Clark Offner (4163)
Time and Tide (92/12/21)
Toenmei was a 5th century Chinese gentleman. When he was 41, he left government service, returned to his rural home area and wrote poetry. The Japanese saying, 'saigetsu hito o matazu', years and months do not wait for one, is attributed to him. 'Saigetsu', of course, is a poetic expression for "time". In English, we have the saying "Time and tide wait for no man." "Tide" now denotes the regular rise and fall of the surface of the ocean but originally it signified a time or season. So a poetic term for evening is "eveningtide" and "Christmastide" is the Christian festival that lasts for 12 days from December 25th to January 6th. Either of these two meanings of "tide" will fit the sense of the English proverb. Because neither time nor tide wait for us, we should decide quickly and act promptly when an opportunity arises for "He who hesitates is lost." -- Clark Offner (4164)
Emperor's Birthday (92/12/22)
As you know, tomorrow is the newest holiday in the Japanese calendar. It is the birthday of the present emperor. What do you think of this new holiday at this busy time of year? The birthday of the late Emperor Showa in April has now been changed to 'Midori no Hi', or "Green Day". Do you think it is a good custom to celebrate the birthday of the reigning emperor as a national holiday? If or when a new emperor begins to reign, do you think this December 23rd holiday should be continued under another name or should it be abolished? In the United Kingdom, the actual birthday of Queen Elizabeth II is April 21 but her official birthday is celebrated in June when there is greater expectation of fine weather. Would you approve of celebrating the emperor's birthday at a different time of year? I would be interested in reading your comments on the theme of the Emperor's Birthday - - including thoughts about whether it should be celebrated, when and how it should be celebrated and whether it should continue to be celebrated after the emperor's death. Essays on this theme sent to me will be corrected and printed in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. Clark Offner (4165)
Long-Awaited Heir (92/12/23)
Fifty-nine years ago, in 1933, Japan was in a confused social and political state. The assassination of Prime Minister Inukai the previous year had brought an end to democratic government and militarists were in control. The Japanese Army was invading China. Japan was withdrawing from the League of Nations. And there were plots to remove the peace-loving emperor in one way or another. One of the irrational charges against the emperor and his legitimate wife was their failure to produce a male heir to the throne. Having fathered four imperial princesses (who, for some reason, are called 'naishinnō' literally meaning inside-parent-king), the emperor was strongly advised to seek to solve the problem with the aid of a concubine--advice which he adamantly refused to accept. From the time the public announcement was made that the empress was pregnant once again, the whole nation was united in hope and prayers for a long-awaited male child. On December 23rd, sirens blared throughout the land signaling the joyful news that a son and heir to the throne had been born, just two days before the commemoration of the birth of another long-awaited heir to a different kind of throne. On this 59th birthday of the present emperor, I pray that he also will know the spiritual peace that comes through the "Prince of Peace". --Clark Offner (4166)
Christmas Eve (92/12/24)
One meaning of the expression "to take for granted" is to anticipate correctly. A Japanese translation is: 'mochiron no koto to omou'. You probably took it for granted that I would say something about Christmas Eve in this message of December 24th and in keeping with your expectation, I will do so. Eve, a poetic synonym of evening, which is the period between afternoon and night, is commonly used to denote the evening or day before a special holiday. Thus Christmas Eve is the evening or day before Christmas, while Christmas evening is the evening of Christmas Day. It is the custom of many Christian churches to hold special services on Christmas Eve. At candlelight services, worshippers are each given a candle which is lit after electric lights are turned off. The darkened church is then gradually illuminated with the light of the individual candles which are held while Christmas carols are sung. We are reminded of the light that came into the world on that first Christmas Day and of our individual responsibility to share the light we have with those around us. In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 5, verse 16, Jesus told his disciples, "your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven." -- Clark Offner (4167)
Christmas (92/12/25)
Nowadays, Christmas has become a popular celebration, not only among Christians but among non-Christians as well. Historically, however, the celebration of Jesus' birth was the last of the major festivals to be observed by the Christian Church. The first and most important festival commemorates not Jesus' birth, but his death and resurrection in the springtime, on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Secondly, the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the church 50 days later, on the Day of Pentecost, was celebrated. Although the day of Jesus' birth is unknown, Christians eventually celebrated it in connection with a traditional Roman festival related to the sun. Not only did they adopt the December 25th date from pre-Christian tradition, pagan customs of various areas were assimilated into Christian tradition as well. The customs of giving and receiving gifts, decorating evergreen trees, burning yulelogs, hanging sprigs of mistletoe or holly all have pre-Christian roots in various nations. Although some present customs may have a non-Christian origin, it is hoped that those who, in some way, participate in celebrating Christmas will also remember the real meaning of the celebration, which may be expressed in the words of 1 John 4:9: "God showed his love for us by sending his only Son into the world, so that we might have life through him." I hope you have a merry, meaningful Christmas. -- Clark Offner (4168)
The Yearend (92/12/26)
In Japan, the yearend is one of the busiest periods of the entire year. Housecleaning, gift-giving, settling accounts, sending New Year's cards, preparing special New Year's food and related activities combine to make a person so busy that, according to a Japanese expression, one's eyes spin, 'me ga mawaru hodo isogashii'. My personal memories of this time of year in the United States, however, are quite different. The period after the Christmas celebration until school or work begins again in the New Year was a very relaxing time. As a child, I enjoyed playing with toys, reading books or making use of other gifts I had received at Christmas. It was also a time for going outside and playing in the snow, throwing snowballs, making snowmen, going sledding or skiing. There are no mountains in the American midwest, but in my hometown there were certain places with steep or gradual sloping land which were suitable for sledding or skiing when covered with snow. Furthermore, we sometimes visited relatives or friends at this time of year. As one year ends and another begins, this is also an appropriate time to think about the passage of time and about eternity. -- Clark Offner (4169)
Incarnation (92/12/27)
In Japan, the Christmas Season seems to end with Christmas Day and these final days of the year have quite a different atmosphere. In the Christian Church calendar, however, the Christmas Season actually begins with Christmas Day and lasts for 12 days until the Season of Epiphany, which begins on January 6th. During this season, also called Christmastide, it is common for Christians to meditate on the significance of Jesus' birth, which may also be called an incarnation. This word, along with carnal, carnage, carnival and carnivorous, is related to the Latin word for meat or flesh. It means to be made flesh or to be endowed with a human body. Christians believe that the eternal God, who is spirit, appeared in human form in the person of Jesus, the Christ. This is the teaching of the first 14 verses of the Gospel according to John, where it is written: "In the beginning was the Word ... And the Word became flesh ...." In the historical person and ministry of Jesus, Christians see the character of the invisible God. Through the incarnation of this Word of God, the infinite, self-giving love of god by which we are saved from sin and its consequences was revealed. Christians should manifest the love, joy and peace of Christmastide throughout the new year and throughout their lives. -- Clark Offner (4170)
In Vino Veritas (92/12/28)
A vine is a plant with a long, thin stem that climbs or creeps along a surface. A certain kind of vine, called a grapevine, bears grapes. Fermented juice of grapes is called wine, which is rooted in the same Latin word as vine. According to an old Latin proverb, 'in vino veritas', in wine there is truth. This suggests that a person is more likely to reveal his or her true thoughts when drunk rather than when sober. When sober, a person usually guards his tongue and may hide her feelings, but strong drink often unseals one's lips. The Japanese proverb, 'sake wa honshin o arawasu', has the same implication. In Japan during this year end and New Year season, much rice wine is imbibed. One of the dangers of getting drunk is to lose control of one's self and the cost of a short time of good feeling may be a long period of ill feeling--for oneself and for others. --Clark Offner (4171)
"December music" (92/12/29)
Today is the 29th day of December. Nine is not a very popular number in Japanese tradition because it has the same pronunciation as the character meaning pain or suffering. In December, however, "the Ninth" or 'dai-ku', usually stimulates a positive response for it refers to the ninth symphony of Beethoven, an especially popular musical selection in Japan at this time of year. Although this final symphony of Beethoven, which was composed when he was deaf, is considered one of his greatest compositions, it is only in Japan that it is associated with the yearend. In the United States, the classical musical selection most often rendered in December is Handel's 'Messiah', I believe. Of course, carols and other Christmas songs are sung during the Christmas season and in Japan, the year ends with the tolling of temple bells. What are your thoughts or memories regarding the theme of "December music". What kind of music do you enjoy during this final month of the year? Do you prefer Japanese or Western kinds of music? How do you compare or contrast them? Do these musical selections or temple bells stimulate a certain feeling in your minds or hearts? I will correct essays on this theme 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, Nagoya 463. -- Clark Offner (4172)
Hot Rodders (92/12/02)
Poaching (92/12/03)
John Cotton (92/12/04)
The United States (92/12/05)
Challenged Traditions (92/12/06)
Mugwump (92/12/07)
'Rakugo', 'Manzai' (92/12/08)
Japanese Translations (92/12/09)
Mississippi (92/12/10)
Peanuts; Song (92/12/11)
"X'mas" in Japan (92/12/12)
Light, Salvation and Peace (92/12/13)
Fight and Flee (92/12/14)
Ethical Standard (92/12/15)
Buckingham Palace (92/12/16)
Roads (92/12/17)
Death Penalty (92/12/18)
Christmas in Tokyo (92/12/19)
Candles (92/12/20)
Time and Tide (92/12/21)
Emperor's Birthday (92/12/22)
Long-Awaited Heir (92/12/23)
Christmas Eve (92/12/24)
Christmas (92/12/25)
The Yearend (92/12/26)
Incarnation (92/12/27)
In Vino Veritas (92/12/28)
"December music" (92/12/29)
Working Women (92/12/30)
Bells (92/12/31)
December (92/12/01)