"The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone." (Isaiah 9:2, ESV)
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone." (Isaiah 9:2, ESV)
I have asked a number of nonChristian friends what their Christmas plans are and they don't say much, maybe baking a cake or going to work just as any other day. Christmas Day is a school day in Japan. But the malls are packed for shopping like we saw today. It was a great time to talk to neighbors. One neighbor and his family walked out of Big Hero 6, or "Bay Max" in Japan ( set in the city of San Fransokyo, a hybrid mix of hilly SF and futuristic Tokyo!) and we saw each other. He asked why we were there - in the hall of the movie theater, moving chairs. I showed him our Grace Harbor Church sign. He seemed shocked that we are really doing something like that. We want to this to become normal not so surprising - like of course we are worshipping Jesus together at Christmas time at churches everywhere in Tokyo. I invited him and his family to come sometime. He also met my teammate. By the way, please pray for our Harbor Christmas Party on Tuesday night (on the Emperor's Birthday, a holiday, unlike Christmas Day here.) We will have three jazz musicians play music for us, two of whom are on our worship team.
Written above is the bible verse I want to focus on this Christmas. Inspired by this verse, below is the hymn I am focusing on, too. It speaks of Jesus coming into the darkness, revealing his light, and shining on those who live in a land of deep darkness. May this good news be known in Tokyo and by the Japanese people. By the way, if you want to hear a beautiful modern version of this hymn, listen to Jill Phillips and Andy Gullahorn's fantastic Christmas album! It also arises out of Isaiah 9:6-7, which is all about who Jesus is and His rule.
Nations that long in darkness walked
Have now beheld a glorious light;
On them who dwelt in shades of death
The light hath shinèd heav’nly bright.
Have now beheld a glorious light;
On them who dwelt in shades of death
The light hath shinèd heav’nly bright.
For lo! the virgin’s Child is born;
To us the Son of God is giv’n.
Upon His shoulders shall be laid
The government of earth and Heav’n.
To us the Son of God is giv’n.
Upon His shoulders shall be laid
The government of earth and Heav’n.
His Name is callèd Wonderful,
The Counselor, the mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace,
Peace dearly purchased with His blood.
The Counselor, the mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace,
Peace dearly purchased with His blood.
His government shall know no bounds,
But far and wide o’er all extend;
And happy peace, the glorious fruits
Of His just reign, shall know no end.
But far and wide o’er all extend;
And happy peace, the glorious fruits
Of His just reign, shall know no end.
O’er David’s kingdom, on His throne
To rule, and ’stablish it secure
With judgment clear, and justice right;
His reign forever shall endure.
To rule, and ’stablish it secure
With judgment clear, and justice right;
His reign forever shall endure.
- "Nations That Long In Darkness Walked", words by John Barnard, New Version of the Psalms, 1752
