Christmas

Last Wednesday we had a few of Alistair's kindergarten friends (along with some mothers) round for a Christmas party. It was great fun and a great way to get to know them better. Lorna was also able to share the Christmas story very simply and the kids all listened really well. Today it was a public holiday here in honour of the Emperor's birthday so we invited our neighbours and some others to come round for a 'British-style Christmas party'. We were very encouraged that some came, in fact more than we thought would come and the numbers were just right. It was all fairly low-key and relaxed as we chatted, thought a little about the meaning of Christmas, sang one or two carols and shared some food together. Some people that we have got to know a little over the past months, we now know better and have been able to invite them into our home - not always easy for a Japanese person to accept. As we look back on these past months there have been several 'God-appointed opportunities' to meet people and these people were among the folks who were here today. We look forward with hope and encouragement to the new year.