by Pastor Larry Sorrells, Rockville, Trinity UMC

I’ve been reading about how Japan celebrates Christmas, which has become a significant event over there. They put up decorations, exchange presents, send cards, sing yuletide songs, decorate trees, and serve special seasonal treats. Especially popular treats are strawberry-decorated cakes. The Japanese make a big fuss over St Nick, Rudolph, and Frosty. Santa commonly dresses like a Samurai. I don’t know if he carries a sword. It is also imperative for single adults to have a date for a romantic dinner on Christmas Eve. And for reasons I couldn’t determine, an important Christmas tradition is attending a Beethoven’s 9th Symphony concert. Honoring Christ is the one thing the Japanese do not do at Christmas. That’s because Japan is nearly 99% Shinto and Buddhist. Recently someone asked a missionary to Japan if Christmas was Santa’s birthday. Only 1⁄2 of 1% of Japan’s population is Christian. So where do you think they got this commercial version of Christmas? From us. They are attracted to the glitter and romance of the American version of Christmas and have adopted nearly everything except the season’s spiritual significance.

Sadly, many Americans would be quite comfortable with a Christmas in Japan as they too don’t look to Christ as their central focus of Christmas. But keep in mind, He is Emmanuel, “God with us,” the very reason for the Christmas season. This week, let’s remember it is because of Christ coming to us to offer us salvation; we have Christmas. Merry Christmas and blessings to all.