June (81/06/01)
June (81/06/01)
Today is the first day of the month of June. The name of this month is said to come from Junius, an old Roman family name. However, in Roman mythology, Juno was the wife of Jupiter. Since Jupiter was the supreme god, his wife, who was also his sister, became the queen of the gods. She was also considered to be the goddess of marriage. In the U. S., June is a very popular month for weddings. In fact, my wife also was a “June bride.” If I remember correctly, she came down the aisle with a smile on her face. The American poet, James Russell Lowell, wrote in “The Vision of Sir Lancelot,” “What is so rare as a day in June? Then, if ever, come perfect days.” There is obviously quite a difference in the idea of this sixth month in America and in Japan, where it is the beginning of the rainy season. Whether June is a month of enjoyable weather for humans or a time of essential precipitation for the crops, it is a time to give thanks to God for his love and faithfulness. (274)
A blind boy to play in an orchestra (81/06/02)
Takehiko Aoki is a 13-year-old boy in the 2nd year of junior high school. His home is in Nishiharu Cho, just north of Nagoya. From the time he was 8 years old, he began taking violin lessons. He has made good progress and in April, he passed his audition for the Nagoya Youth Symphony Orchestra. Last Sunday, was the first time he practiced with this orchestra which will give its regular performance in August. However, the fact is that Takehiko has been blind from imfancy and he has learned to play the violin from sound and touch alone. Until now, he has always played alone, but now he must learn to play with others and the main problem is for him to recognize when to begin without being able to see the conductor’s baton. In the Gospel according to John, chapter 9, Jesus said that a man was born blind so that God’s power might be seen at work in him. Takehiko should be an inspiration to those of us who can see, that God’s purpose might be accomplished in our lives also, for God has a purpose for each of us, whether we are handicapped or not. (275)
Cormorant fishing (81/06/03)
The cormorant fishing season has begun on the Nagara River in Gifu. The Chinese character for “cormorant,” pronounced “u,” is made up of two characters meaning “younger brother bird.” The English word “cormorant” comes from two Latin words referring to a raven of the sea. Cormorants are sea birds, related to the pelican. They have a pouch of skin under their beaks in which they keep the fish they capture under water. Cormorant fishing has been carried on in Japan from ancient times. It is first mentioned in a poem in the Kojiki, a record of ancient history compiled in the year 712. Cormorant fishing boats are manned by four men. One man steers the boat. Another attends the decoy fire which attracts the fish, while the master, called an usho, and his assistant together manage 16 birds that swim in the river and catch fish. A ring around the base of their necks keeps the birds from swallowing the fish. The master reins in the birds which have caught some fish and squeezes the fish out of their pouches. The first four men that Jesus called to be his disciples were fishermen. He said to them, “Come with me and I will make you fishers of men.” (276)
The Dragons (81/06/04)
For many people living in the Nagoya area, “dragons” refer to a baseball team. The original Greek word, drakon, however, refers to a mythological monster that is a combination of actual animals. It has a reptile’s body with eagle’s wings and lion’s claws. From its mouth comes out fire and smoke. Stories of dragons are found in myths and drawings of many ancient lands and the dragon was an emblem of the Chinese empire. Japan also has many legends about dragons. The miraculous sword, which is said to be enshrined in Atsuta Shrine, is said to have been found by Susano-O-no-Mikoto in the tail of an 8-headed dragon. In the New Testament book of Revelation, a 7-headed dragon is the symbol of evil and referred to as the devil [12:3,9]. In English, a fierce person, especially a fiercely, watchful female guardian is also called a “dragon” and the flying insect which, in Japanese, is called a tonbo, is called a “dragonfly.” Recently, the Chunichi Dragons have not seemed so fierce. They are usually conquered by the Giants. In the Old Testament book of Psalms, even the dragons, or sea monsters, are commanded to “praise the Lord” [148:7]. (277)
Digital Pachinko (81/06/05)
The Japanese people are known to be good at harmonizing. Differences of opinion are harmonized to reach a consensus. Old and new customs are mixed together. Even quite contrary religious traditions are combined. So, it is not surprising to find strange mixtures of abbreviated words of different languages in Japanese. Yesterday, I found a new, exotic term in the newspaper: dejipachi. It refers to a digital pachinko machine. The word “pachinko” comes from the sound made by the balls as they run through the machine. Because these balls hit metal pins on their way through, in English this machine is called a pinball machine. The English word “digit” comes from the Latin word meaning fingers or toes and refers to the numbers from 1 to 9. Thus a digital machine is one that displays numbers and, in this case, zero is also included. Playing the “dejipachi,” one wins when the balls cause a certain sequence of numbers to appear on the machine. People who try to make money by playing pinball machines or by other forms of gambling remind me of the English proverb that “A fool and his money are soon parted.” (278)
Fireflies (81/06/06)
Last night, the high school graduation ceremony was held at the Nagoya International School. It was different than graduation ceremonies at Japanese schools. There was no singing of “Hotaru no Hikari” to the tune of “Auld Lang Syne.” “Auld Lang Syne,” literally meaning “old long since,” in reference to “the good old days,” comes from a poem by the Scottish poet, Robert Burns, written almost 200 years ago. The Chinese character for hotaru consists of two fires over an insect. In English, this insect is called a “firefly” or a “lightning bug.” As city areas expand, however, the number of fireflies decreases. In Nagoya, the dry outer moat of Nagoya Castle, in which the Seto Line trains used to run, is one of the few remaining breeding areas of fireflies. With the cooperation of the prefectural government, this area is now enclosed by a fence to protect this breeding ground in the hopes of increasing the decreasing number of fireflies. The flickering light of the firefly is another one of the beauties and mysteries of nature created by God, the Source of beauty and light. Our lives also should be transmitters of beauty and light to the world around us. (279)
“Hige” (81/06/07)
Sumo wrestlers from Japan are now visiting Mexico. It is reported that the Mexicans were surprised that such huge men did not have any hige, for in Mexico, hige is a symbol of robust manliness. The Japanese word hige may be translated either as “moustache” or “beard.” A “moustache” refers to the hair that grows between the nose and the mouth. A “beard” refers to the whiskers growing on the chin or the sides of the face. There are three different Chinese characters which may be pronounced hige, indicating whether the hair is growing on the upper lip, the chin or the sides of the face. For those of you who have never met me, I have both a moustache and a beard. Following my return from a trip to the United States this summer, I hope to meet listeners to these “Daily Word” messages in the fall. I hope you will keep listening through the summer, even while I am gone. Frankly speaking, a beard or a moustache on one’s face does not make a man more “manly,” even as cosmetics do not make a woman more “womanly.” True strength or beauty comes from within. (280)
Religion in Japan (81/06/08)
I was interested in the report that appeared in the Asahi Shinbun last month of its survey of Japanese Religious Beliefs. During two days in April, the newspaper conducted a nation-wide survey among 8000 people. According to that survey, although the majority of those questioned indicated their belief in the supernatural and took part in certain religious rituals, most of them replied that they had no religion. 27% said they were Buddhists, 4% said they were Shintoists, 2% replied that they were both Buddhist and Shintoist and 2% said they were Christians. However, 62% said they had no religion. I think this is an interesting indication of the nature of Japanese religious character. In some ways, Japanese people are religious without feeling tied down to a certain religion. Personally, I believe it is more important to have a healthy personal faith that gives meaning to life than to go through meaningless religious rituals. In the 51st Psalm, David wrote: “You do not want sacrifices, or I would offer them. My sacrifice is a humble spirit, O God; you will not reject a humble and repentant heart.” (281)
“Keiryo kinenbi” (81/06/09)
Although I had never heard of such a day in the United States, in Japan, June the 7th was keiryo kinenbi, or “Measurement Memorial Day.” It was the 30th anniversary of the proclamation of the present measurement law. As one of the special activities of that day, visitors to the Higashiyama Zoo in Nagoya were asked to guess the height of a 5-year-old female giraffe named Aki and the weight of a 9-year-old male rhinoceros named Sanba. Quiz papers were distributed and the visitors indicated their estimates. Then, the giraffe’s height was measured and the rhinoceros was weighed. How tall do you think the giraffe was? In her bare feet, she was 4.15 meters tall. And the Indian rhinoceros tipped the scales at 1888 kilograms with no clothes on. The external measurements of an animal or human being are easy to make, but it is more difficult to measure spiritual qualities. How can love or hatred, joy or sorrow, honesty or gratitude be measured? Such inner qualities can only be measured by the all-seeing God. Therefore, Jesus taught his disciples: “Do not judge others, but leave such judgment to God.” (282)
National Time Day (81/06/10)
In Japan, June 10th was established as National Time Day in 1920. Its aim was to make Japanese people pay more attention to time. This is also considered a memorial day since the first clock (a water clock) was first used in Japan on this day. On this Time Day, my wife and I will pass through 7 time zones and cross the international date line on our way to the United States. We are scheduled to leave this evening at 6:30 from Tokyo International Airport and to arrive in Seattle at 11 o’clock Wednesday morning. We plan to return to Nagoya on August 21st. However, during our absence, these “Daily Word” messages should continue, since I have recorded them in advance. I only hope that the correct tapes are played on the right days and that they are understandable. After our return to Japan, I hope to have another meeting of “Daily Word” listeners, which I hope you will be able to attend. I will inform listeners of our plans when they are definite. On this Time Day, we should remember the Bible verse in Ephesians 5:16: “Make good use of every opportunity you have because these are evil days.” Goodbye for now. I hope you are still listening when I return. (283)
“Nyubai” (81/06/11)
According to the traditional Japanese almanac, today at 9:30 a.m., when the sun is at celestial latitude of 80 degrees, the rainy season begins. The rainy season in Japan is called baiu, which may mean either “plum rain” or “mold rain.” It is rain that falls during the season when plums are ripening; and this rain also causes mold to grow. So today is called nyubai, meaning “entering the plum rain season.” America does not have a rainy season as such. Different areas of the country have rainy times at different seasons of the year. In my home area, there was the saying that “April showers bring May flowers.” Samuel Johnson is quoted as saying “Rain is good for vegetables and for the animals that eat those vegetables and for the animals that eat those animals.” In the Bible, rain is a sign of God’s blessing. God gives us his showers of blessing. God’s impartial love is seen in his giving rain to those who do evil as well as to those who do good. In Isaiah, chapter 55, God’s Word is compared to the rain that comes down from the sky to water the earth, to make crops grow and to bring forth fruit. Let us thank God for the gifts of refreshing rain and his refreshing Word. (284)
Animated movies (81/06/12)
Although movie theaters around the country are suffering from poor attendance, animated films are very popular. Advance tickets that went on sale in Nagoya on Sunday for an animated movie to be shown in mid-July were sold out within an hour. An animated movie is made by photographing a series of thousands of drawings, each showing a stage of movement slightly changed from the one before, so that the figures seem to move when the drawings are shown in rapid succession. The word “animate,” like the word “animal,” comes from the Latin word meaning “breath,” “air” or “soul.” An animal is a living organism and “to animate” literally means to make alive or fill with breath. Thus, “animation” refers to something lively, energetic and spirited. Animated movies appear to show living, moving things, but actually they are only still drawings. Likewise, some living persons appear to be living a happy, active life, when actually they are sad and spiritually dead. The Bible teaches that it is through a living faith in the living God that a person is truly animated and begins to live in the deepest sense of the word. (285)
Babylon (81/06/13)
The country of Iraq is in the news these days. Although the present name of this kingdom is comparatively new, within its borders lies one of the oldest seats of civilization. “Mesopotamia,” the former name of this country, comes from two Greek words meaning “between rivers.” The two main rivers running through this land are the Tigris and the Euphrates. The latter flowed through the capital city of Babylon, center of the Babylonian Empire. There is a story in the Old Testament book of Genesis, chapter 11, on how the city got its name. It relates how people with a common language and proud hearts decided to build a tower, the top of which would reach to the heavens. God, however, frustrated their plans by confusing their language so they could no longer understand one another. Thus, the city was named Babel, from the Hebrew word for “confusion.” The English word “to babble” also refers to making indistinct or incoherent sounds. It may also mean, “to talk unwisely,” “to talk too much,” or “to reveal secrets.” Although man has learned how to tame and control wild animals, he still finds it difficult to control his own tongue, which continues to cause confusion as it babbles on. (286[26])
Flag Day (81/06/14)
According to the church calendar, Sunday, June 14,1981 is called Trinity Sunday and begins the Trinity Season, which lasts until November. The word “trinity” refers to three elements that form one unit. In Christian theology, the “Trinity” refers to God, who was revealed as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In the Japanese Church, this second Sunday in June is also celebrated as Children’s Day or Flower Day. In many churches, children bring flowers to the church, which are then distributed to people in hospitals or to others to whom they want to show thanks. In the United States, June 14 is called Flag Day. It commemorates the adoption of the “Stars and Stripes” as the American flag on this day in 1777 by the Continental Congress. The American flag now has 13 red and white stripes which symbolize the original 13 states and 50 white stars in a blue field for the present 50 states. Symbolically, red is the color of blood and symbolizes bravery. White symbolizes purity and blue, the color of the sky, symbolizes faithfulness. To be brave, pure and faithful is a good ideal to work toward. (287)
Benjamin Franklin (81/06/15)
Benjamin Franklin is an outstanding figure in American history. He was a statesman, a printer, a writer and a scientist. He was born in Boston in 1706, the son of a candle and soap maker. He left school at ten years of age to help his father, but disliked the work and became a printer and then a writer. He is famous for his common sense philosophy and his neatly-turned phrases printed in his Poor Richard’s Almanac. As a scientist, he invented bifocal glasses and a harmonica. On June 15, 1752, 229 years ago today, he performed his famous experiment of flying a kite in a thunderstorm to prove the identity of lightning and electricity. Later, he became active in American politics, helping to draft the Declaration of Independence and the American Constitution. One of his well-known sayings, written in his autobiography, is the following: “Human felicity [happiness] is produced not so much by great pieces of good fortune that seldom happen as by little advantages that occur every day.” (288)
Mystery (81/06/16)
The word for today is “mystery.” “Mystery” refers to something unexplained, unknown or kept secret. A mystery story or movie is one in which there is some hidden secret that is not fully understood until the end. In the Middle Ages in Europe, dramatic representations of Biblical stories were called “mystery plays.” Such plays originated in the church ritual, but later were performed in market places by semi-professional players. Even in the modern world with all of its scientific knowledge, there are still many mysteries that we do not understand. In the New Testament, the Greek word musterion is used to indicate the hidden purpose of God, but in Colossians 2:2, Jesus Christ is referred to as “the mystery of God” to indicate that in Christ the hidden purpose of God was made clear. In the life, death and resurrection of Christ, the loving purpose of God for the world and for you is clearly seen. If we truly know Christ, God and the purpose of our lives are no longer a mystery. (289)
Bunker Hill Day (81/06/17)
The city of Boston is one of the historic U. S. cities. It is the capital of the state of Massachusetts, the county seat of Suffolk County and the 18th largest city in the country with a population of some 637,000. However, it is in a metropolitan area with a population of some 2,900,000. June the 17th is a public holiday in Boston and Suffolk County. It is called “Bunker Hill Day” in commemoration of a battle between American patriots and British soldiers that took place on a Boston hill on June 17, 1775. Although the British troops finally won the battle after the Americans had run out of gunpowder. This early conflict proved to the Americans that they could stand up to the British and the American army, under General George Washington, ousted the British troops in the spring of the following year. There is now a “Bunker Hill Monument” on the battle site to commemorate the battle. One of the earliest monuments mentioned in the Bible is noted in Genesis, chapter 31, where Jacob erected a pile of stones to remind people that God would always be watching them even when they separated from one another. So that place was called Mizpah, meaning a place from which to watch. (290)
“Thank you.” (81/06/18)
When traveling or living in a foreign land, there are a number of basic expressions that one should learn and use. Although we may not be able to speak the native language fluently, we should at least be able to express our feeling of thankfulness for the kindnesses of others. In English, the common expression to show thankfulness is “Thanks” or “Thank you.” The root of the word “thank” is the same as that of “think.” The person who thinks deeply will find many things for which to give thanks. We should give thanks both to people who have been kind to us and to God who has greatly blessed us. In the New Testament book of Romans, chapter 1, the Apostle Paul notes that one of the sins of mankind is the failure to give thanks to God. In America, there is a special day for giving thanks to God called “Thanksgiving Day.” However, for those who think, every day should be a day for thanksgiving. (291)
You are welcome (81/06/19)
When a person says “thank you” to you, what do you say in reply? There are various responses we may give, but the most commonly used expression is “You’re welcome.” What is the meaning of “welcome?” It is made up of two words: “well,” meaning “will” or “pleasure,” and “come.” To “welcome” means to receive with pleasure. We may welcome a guest into our home or we may welcome some good news. Therefore, to tell another person “You are welcome,” means that that person is under no obligation for the favor given. It is to be received freely. According to the New Testament, this is the attitude of our loving heavenly Father toward all people who turn to him with a humble heart of faith. Jesus said in the Gospel of John, chapter 6, verse 37: “I will never turn away anyone who comes to me.” This is the attitude that God shows to all who truly seek him. “Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7), and God will say, “You are welcome.” (292)
West Virginia (81/06/20)
The American state of West Virginia is a mountainous state in the eastern part of the country. Its motto is “Mountaineers are always free men.” A “mountaineer” is not only a mountain climber. It is also a person who lives in a mountainous region. West Virginia was originally a part of the state of Virginia, which was named by Sir Walter Raleigh in honor of Elizabeth, the virgin queen of England. However, this mountainous western part of the state often objected to the rule of the easterners and when Virginia seceded from the Union in 1861, this area seceded from the state of Virginia to form a new state. It was officially admitted to the Union of States on June 20, 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln. June 20th is a state holiday in West Virginia, commemorating that event. West Virginia, which is extremely irregular both in outline and topography, has been called “a good state for the shape its in.” It is one of the major coal producing states, but economically, it is not in such good shape. Pearl Buck, the novelist, was a native of West Virginia. She wrote: “To serve is beautiful, but only if it is done with joy and a whole heart and a free mind.” (293)
Father's Day (81/06/21)
The third Sunday of June has been celebrated in the United States as Father’s Day since 1924. This celebration is said to owe its origin to Mrs. John Bruce Dodd of Spokane, Washington, as a tribute to her father who had raised his children by himself following the death of his wife. In the Bible, there are many terms used in reference to God. He is called a “rock,” which symbolizes his strength and permanence. He is called a “king,” a “judge” and a “shepherd,” which emphasize his authority, his justice and his loving care. In the teaching of Jesus, however, the most common word for God was “Father,” which included all of these characteristics. He taught his disciples to pray to “Our Father, who is in heaven.” As a heavenly father, God protects, guides, nurtures and provides for his children. However, the basic characteristic of God, the Father, who Christ revealed, is love. The Bible teaches that God loves you! On this Father’s Day, as you remember your earthly father and express your thanks to him, don’t forget your Father who is in heaven. (294)
Shepherd (81/06/22)
Today, we’re going to think about the person who takes care of sheep. Such a person is called a “shepherd.” A group of animals is called a “herd,” and the two words “sheep” and “herd” were combined to form the one word “shepherd,” but one of the “e’s” in “sheep” was dropped in the process. Although “shepherd” usually refers to a person who herds or cares for sheep, a “sheep dog,” that is a dog that has been specially trained to herd and protect sheep, may also be referred to as a “shepherd,” and thus there is now a breed of dogs known as “shepherd.” In the Bible, it is common to refer to people as sheep who are in need of some leader or guide to follow and the famous 23rd Psalm, written by King David, who was a shepherd in his youth, begins with the words, “The Lord is my shepherd.” The word “pastor” also means “shepherd,” for the pastor of a church congregation is the shepherd of that flock. What kind of shepherd are you following? (295)
Olympics Day (81/06/23)
The 23rd of June has been designated “Olympics Day.” It has a special meaning for Nagoya residents this year who hope that their city will be designated the site of the 1998 Summer Olympics by the International Olympic Committee in September. The Olympic games, which were originally foot races for men and boys, were first held on the plain of Olympia in Greece in 776 B.C. From that time on, they were held every four years until the 4th century A.D., when they were discontinued by the Roman emperor. The modern revival of these ancient games began in 1896 in Athens and are now held every four years in various cities of the world. They now include many different kinds of sports and women and girls may also participate. Although the spirit of the Olympics emphasizes the individual, it has become a competition between nations as well. The Apostle Paul no doubt had the Olympic games in mind when he wrote in I Corinthians, chapter 9, “Many runners take part in a race, but only one of them wins the prize. Run, then, in such a way as to win the prize. Athletes train to win a wreath that will fade, but we seek to win a prize that will last forever. ” (296)
St. John the Baptist (81/06/24)
June the 24th is celebrated as San Juan Day in the U. S. territory of Puerto Rico and as St. Jean Day in the Canadian province of Quebec. Although the Spanish and French pronunciations differ, both areas are celebrating the birthday of St. John the Baptist. San Juan is the capital and chief city of Puerto Rico, which means “rich port.” “Quebec,” the name of the largest of Canada’s ten provinces, comes from an Algonquin Indian word meaning “narrowing of the waters,” for the St. Lawrence River becomes narrower at the capital city of Quebec. Over the past few years, there has been a movement in Puerto Rico to bring that territory into the United States as the 51st state, but in Quebec, there has been movement in the opposite direction to take that province out of the confederation. St. John the Baptist, whose birthday is being celebrated today, was the forerunner of Jesus. He told people to turn from their sinful ways and be baptized to symbolize their new start in life. He warned that “every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown in the fire.” (297)
The summit of our aspiration (81/06/25)
Today’s word is “summit,” s-u-m-m-i-t. This word comes from a Latin word referring to the highest point of anything. So, in English, the highest point on a mountain is called the summit, and a meeting of the highest officials among a conferring group is referred to as a “summit conference.” In our lives also, we may refer to the highest goal toward which we are striving as the summit of our aspiration. We need to have some goal in mind, some summit toward which to climb. We need to have not only such immediate goals as graduation from school, employment in a famous company and a happy marriage, but a higher summit toward which to direct our entire lives. In the New Testament, God is referred to as “the Most High,” and Jesus said (in Luke 6:35): “Love your enemies, and do good, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish.” A loving God is at the summit of the universe and to be like him is the true goal of human life. (298)
The United Nations (81/06/26)
On June 26, 1945, in the city of San Francisco, the charter of the United Nations was signed by 50 nations. The term “United Nations” was first used by U. S. President Franklin Roosevelt in 1941 to describe the countries fighting against the Axis, which referred to Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy and Militant Japan. On January 1, 1942, 26 states joined in the Declaration by the United Nations, pledging themselves to continue their joint war effort and not to make peace separately. At the Yalta Conference in February 1945, agreement was reached to call a founding conference of all states which had declared war on Germany or Japan by March 1st. Many countries hurriedly declared war in order to be eligible to attend the conference. Thus, there were 51 charter members of this organization—including Poland, which could not send a delegate at the time. In September 1980, Zimbabwe became the 154th member of the U. N. The U. N. is an imperfect organization, but, as President Kennedy stated, “Until all the powerful are just, the weak will be secure only in the strength of this [U. N.] Assembly.” (299)
Bread (81/06/27)
The word for today is “bread,” (not “bled,” which is written with an “l” and is the past participle of “bleed,” but “bread,” b-r-e-a-d). Bread is a food made by mixing flour or ground grain with water, milk, etc. and then baking the mixture, usually after kneading it. (In this case, “knead” begins with a “k,” [k-n-e-a-d] and refers to mixing dough by pressing and squeezing with the hands.) To knead/need dough, therefore, may have quite different meanings depending on the spelling of knead/need, and the significance of “dough”—for “dough” is also a slang term for “money.” In the West, bread is considered a basic food and may be referred to as the “staff of life.” It was in this sense that Jesus, quoting the Old Testament, stated in Matthew 4:4, that “Man cannot live on bread alone, but needs every word that God speaks.” Bread is important for our physical lives, but God’s Word is needed for our spiritual growth. I hope this “Daily Word” will help you with your English understanding and also encourage you to develop spiritually. (300)
The sun (81/06/28)
Today is Sunday, June 28th. In both English and Japanese, the name given to the first day of the week is related to the sun. In the traditional Japanese mythology, the sun was personified as a bright, polite, elder sister known as Amaterasu Omikami, the Great Kami, shining in Heaven, who is memorialized in the Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture. As the star closest to the earth, the sun is a source of both light and heat for our world, so we can understand why the ancestors of the Japanese people revered the sun so highly. To them it represented divine goodness. The Christian perceives divine goodness, the light of God’s truth and the warmth of his love in another kind of Son, spelled s-o-n. In Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who lived on earth, we see clearly what God is like and experience his mercy. Christians worship in churches on the first day of the week to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. For them, Sunday is also the day of the Son, the Son of God. I pray that the light of God’s truth and the warmth of his love, given in his Son may be yours today. (7)
A blind boy to play in an orchestra (81/06/02)
Cormorant fishing (81/06/03)
The Dragons (81/06/04)
Digital Pachinko (81/06/05)
Fireflies (81/06/06)
“Hige” (81/06/07)
Religion in Japan (81/06/08)
“Keiryo kinenbi” (81/06/09)
National Time Day (81/06/10)
“Nyubai” (81/06/11)
Animated movies (81/06/12)
Babylon (81/06/13)
Flag Day (81/06/14)
Benjamin Franklin (81/06/15)
Mystery (81/06/16)
Bunker Hill Day (81/06/17)
“Thank you.” (81/06/18)
You are welcome (81/06/19)
West Virginia (81/06/20)
Father's Day (81/06/21)
Shepherd (81/06/22)
Olympics Day (81/06/23)
St. John the Baptist (81/06/24)
The summit of our aspiration (81/06/25)
The United Nations (81/06/26)
Bread (81/06/27)
The sun (81/06/28)
Chairman Mao (81/06/29)
Purification (81/06/30)