Christmas Highlights

Okay, I am a little late at getting to this, but here are a few highlights from Christmas 2011 in Kumamoto.


Kumamon, the mascot for Kumamoto says, "Merry Christmas!"



Tsuruya, a local department store.

Downtown and Kumamoto Castle

Kuwamizu Lutheran Church

Kuwamizu Lutheran Church's Advent Christmas Tree--We added new decorations each week of Advent.

By far, my favorite activity this Christmas was seeing my kindergarten class perform their Christmas pageant.  They were amazing!  It was so touching to see these young children sharing the story of our faith.

An angel visited Mary to tell her that she would have a baby, the Savior of the world.

The time came for Mary to have her baby, but no rooms were available in Bethlehem.

Meanwhile, the shepherds were watching their sheep at night.

Suddenly, angels appeared to tell them the good news...The Savior was born!

Many people came to worship Jesus, including wise men from far away.  Thousands of years later, we too can celebrate the birth of Jesus!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!

Preparing for Christmas

This is the chapel speech I gave Monday morning.  As you read it, please consider what you are doing to prepare for Christmas this year.

Today’s Bible reading is from 1^st Peter 1:13.  “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

What do you prepare for?  You prepare for rain by carrying an umbrella.  You prepare for cold weather by wearing a coat, scarf, and gloves.  You prepare for a test by studying.  You prepare for a championship game by practicing extra hard.

Everyone knows that there are four seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter.  But, did you know that churches also have seasons?  This is the season of Advent.  Advent is the month before Christmas when we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Jesus was born over two thousand years ago, but people were excited about his birth long before that.  People waited and prepared the way for the birth of Jesus.  Every baby’s birth is a miracle, but Jesus’ birth was the best miracle of all. 

Jesus was God’s one and only son.  Everyone waited for the birth of Jesus because he came to Earth to save us.  He sacrificed his life so that we could spend eternity with God in heaven.  Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Jesus, but it’s also about celebrating our salvation through Jesus Christ.

So, how do you prepare for this amazing holiday?  I usually decorate my apartment and bake Christmas cookies to give to friends.  I play Christmas music to remember the joy of the Christmas season.  I read about the birth of Jesus in the Bible, and I celebrate that birth at Christmas Eve church services.  This year, as you prepare for Christmas, please remember why we celebrate Christmas—JESUS!

Let us pray.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for sending your son to Earth.  Thank you for the Christmas season to remember Jesus’ birthday.  Help us prepare for Christmas by remembering that Jesus is the reason for the Christmas season.

In Your name we pray, amen.