My Gospel Story

I was a happy kid, but still a kid who was in the world, of the world, and influenced by the world.  My schooling was a continuous competition against others.  I was living a life meticulously planned to protect my best interest and pursue a “happy” future that was perhaps set by the society and my own parents.  

But in God’s providence, the door to church was easily accessible to me since many of my Korean school friends and neighbors were Christians.  They would invite me and I was easily sold to some storytelling about Jesus.  I was drawn to the nice people, fun games, good music, and free lunches.  So I began to attend church regularly because my friends included me. 

Over time, I slowly came to like what I heard and sang about Jesus.  He seemed like a “nice guy” who also welcomed me as part of His family.  My heart was gradually softening.  

But there were a couple of personal experiences that grew me in the faith: 

JOY

During my whimsical church outreach to Cambodia in high school,  I discovered the joy of abiding in Christ, the beauty of Christ-centered community, and spiritual experience during group prayer.  In Philippians 4:4, Paul said, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"  This verse encourages believers to maintain a joyful spirit in all circumstances and find joy in their relationship with the Lord. On that mission trip, I experienced something more than happiness—which was joy. 

MERCY

Through a powerful sermon, I learned about Jesus' mercy and compassion as He experienced abandonment and persecution leading to crucifixion.  In Luke 23:34, "Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  This powerful statement was made when Jesus was on the cross. Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Jesus' forgiveness and sacrifice was given to us not when we were perfect and deserving, but while we were ungrateful, prideful and broken.  And in truth, mercy, compassion and forgiveness are in essence a form of His love for us. And realizing the depth of His love made me not only realize my own brokenness and sins but I began thirsting for a journey of sanctification. 

SOVEREIGNTY

Over time, there have been many other times I witnessed, experienced and became convinced of God’s sovereignty.  I’m a pretty independent individual who likes to plan, pave my own way and make things happen.  But while the world we live in encourages us with false doctrines like, “You are the owner of your life” or “You can make anything happen,” I’ve come to realize my human limitations time after time.  Isaiah 55:8-9 says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."  

At first, I wrestled with God’s sovereignty because I like my autonomy.  I like to be in control; but after years of walking with God, I realize that His plans are indeed much more beautiful, sometimes coupled with growth pains but still, more wonderful than my own. 

I am so grateful that God found me and He’s given me faith, that although unseen, is anchored deep within me.  And while I’m still a work in progress, this faith in God prompts me to be different in my thoughts and behavior.  Every day is a battle between the flesh and the Spirit.  I’m learning to be joyful not just in my highs but also in my lows.  I’m asking God to lead me through the maze of life instead of surrendering to temptation and distractions.  I’m putting down the heart that serves self, so that I can glorify God.  I’m breaking through my old habits to pursue Christ-likeness, and that’s really tough but I know He doesn’t look at our outward performance but our hearts. 

We are in Tokyo, Japan where only about 1% are Christians, and yet God has brought me to The Bridge Fellowship where I can find many friends who are convinced of the same Gospel.  They have passion to know God and to follow Him.  I truly thank God for allowing me to join this church and have an encouraging community—for everything good comes from above.  I truly look forward to walking in Christ together for His glory. 

Chaewon Kim (or C.K) is a beloved member of The Bridge Fellowship and co-leader of Bridge Community Group.

Still a Long Way off

This post was previously published at Resound blog By Joey Zorina

“And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him” (Luke 15:20).

Still a long way off. 

In the story, the prodigal son came home because he lost everything and needed food and shelter.  Having experienced the consequences of a wayward life, he returned with a ready-made speech.  Our coming to the Father is often with half-hearted repentance.  Like the prodigal, I am “still a long way off” in becoming like Jesus.  I see areas where my sanctification is painfully slow.  I am growing weary of the sin that grows older with me.  Yet “while he was still a long way off, his father saw him.”  

Still, the Father sees.  

We may still be a long way off, but our Father sees us.  What does He see in us?  The Father sees all our flaws, weaknesses, illnesses, grumblings, frustrations, heartaches, guilt, shame, discontentment, disappointments, regrets, wounds, fears and tears.  Yet, His gaze is not one of condemnation.  His eyebrows are not raised.  He is not rolling his eyes—annoyed and ready to scold.  It is not a look of suspicion, wondering if we have ulterior motives for approaching Him.   Upon seeing His returning son, the Father “felt compassion.”  Our Father feels compassion when He sees us stumbling forward.   We don’t have to have the right motives first before we can come to our Father.  

Still, the Father embraces. 

When the Father saw his son He didn’t merely empathize from a distance.   He “ran and embraced him and kissed him.”  The prodigal was eager to run away; but the Father was eager to run to him.  The prodigal was eager to kiss goodbye.  Yet, the Father was eager to embrace him.  Our Father is slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and mercy (Psalm 145: 8).  His love never grows cold even when our hearts grow faint and distant. “For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103: 14).   He knows we are dusty, fragile, prone to sin, crack and break.  

Still, a celebration of grace. 

How ironic that those in the Father’s house can also be farthest from Him!  Even the elder brother was “still a long way off.”  Perhaps, he thought he had arrived.   He was quite at home in self-righteous anger—unable to celebrate grace.  It’s easy to talk about God’s grace for our sins while looking down on others who sin differently than us.  Yet, the Father is always ready to entreat us (Luke 15: 31).  His posture is no longer one of wrath but of grace.  Because “God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us”  (Romans 5: 8).   He knows we could never come in our best elements.  While we were still sinners Christ died for us.  

Do you feel you’re “still a long way off” as a church member, parent, child, spouse, leader or pastor?   Do you feel unseen, helpless or under-appreciated?  The Father sees you.  He embraces you in His Son.  He has exchanged your filthy rags with righteous robes.  He sees the righteousness of Jesus.   No whip, but a celebration of grace.  Not a feast of the fattened calf, but of the sacrificial lamb.  Jesus, our true elder brother, bleeds compassion on that cross.   Oh yes, one day we will finally arrive when He returns!  No longer “a long way off.”  Our sanctification will be complete!  It will be face to face, glorified with Him!  Therefore, look at the smiling face of your Father. 

As Richard Baxter, the puritan reformed pastor, once said,

“Think and speak as much about the mercy you have received as you do about the sin you have committed. Similarly, focus as much on the mercy offered as on the mercy you need”

— (Depression, Anxiety, and the Christian Life, pg. 92).

While we were “still a long way off” dead in our sins, Jesus came to lead us home.  A grand feast awaits us on that day (Rev. 19: 6–9).  

Fear Not, Little Flock

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12: 32).  

Do you often feel small, powerless and fearful?  The Bridge Fellowship is a “little flock”—with little influence.  We are few in number and weak with limitations.  We often fear that we might not have enough people or resources.  When first time visitors come, they may be tempted to despise our smallness—-in a marketplace of competition, comparison and consumerism.  

But our great Shepherd does not despise us. He says, “Fear not, little flock.”  We are small but He is great!  He sees us as a “little flock” because we are dear to Him.  Our Shepherd feeds and provides for us (vv. 22-29).  We need not fear of lacking resources or manpower simply because we are “little” in number.  Even the disciples were a “little flock” in comparison to the religious leaders and the powerful Romans.  But it was for His “little flock” that the great Shepherd laid down His life.   

From the earliest of times, God has always worked through little people.  He chose a weak elderly childless couple (Abraham and Sarah) and created the nation of Israel.  He said to the Isrealites, 

“It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set His love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples” (Deut. 7: 7).   

Therefore, we can take comfort and courage that the Lord often chooses the smallest.  He can take our weak church and turn us into trophies of His grace.  He has set His love on us and chosen us, not because we are more in number than other churches.  We might even be among the fewest of the churches in Tokyo.  When we consider the needs of gospel mission in a nation with only about 1 % Christian, it can feel intimidating.   

But Jesus says to us, “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”  Though we are little, our Father is pleased to give us the kingdom in which Christ our shepherd King rules.  He has given us a kingdom that cannot be shaken or destroyed.  Just as He used fearful disciples to turn the world upside down, He can take a small church to advance His kingdom.   

Remember Jesus Himself!  Jesus came from Bethlemen of Ephrathah—”the smallest of the clans of Judah” (Luke 2: 5, 7, Micah 5: 2).   His power is displayed in and through little people.  When we pray, “Your kingdom come” (Luke 11: 2) He is advancing His kingdom for His glory.  Therefore, let us not fear because of our smallness.  Fear not, The Bridge Fellowship!  Your heavenly Father is pleased to give you His kingdom. 

With love,

Pastor Joey.Z

What gives our Sunday Worship A Gospel Shape?

Isaiah 6: 1-8 gives our worship a Gospel-shape.  

Praise | 

In Isaiah’s vision of God, he sees creatures praising God in His holiness and glory.   

CONFESSION |

In response to God’s holiness, Isaiah confesses his sin and seeks renewal. 

RENEWAL |

God speaks His Word to Isaiah. Isaiah receives forgiveness and cleansing.

COMMISSION |

Isaiah then responds by committing to serve the Lord. 

Therefore, we approach God in awe, we see our sin, we hear the good news of what Jesus has done, and we respond in faith and obedience. 

Worship from the Heart |  

God is the only Audience.  Worship must be in spirit and truth (John 4: 23).  The songs we sing are biblical and Gospel-centered, instructing the mind and affecting the heart.  The loudest sound in the worship are the voices of the congregation (see Psalms).  The entire worship team is the congregation. The instruments serve congregational voices.

God cares about our hearts most in our gathering:  “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Col. 3: 16).   

Evangelistic Worship |

God cares about unbelievers in worship.  Paul said when “an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you” (1 Cor. 14: 24, 25).  

Worship SERVICE TEAM |  

When we set up chairs, banners, sound system or camera without grumbling and complaining, it’s an act of worship to God.  Praying for the people who are going to sit in the chairs, praying for the sound systems to serve rather than distract, praying for banners that they point us to why we do what we do, praying for the camera so that the Gospel goes out and reaches people can be a helpful way to worship while setting up. When Abraham offered to sacrifice his son Isaac, it was an act of worship to God (Gen. 22: 5). 

The various elements in our worship “the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” are centered around the Gospel (Act 2: 42).

When we are sent out with Gospel blessings from Monday to Saturday, all of life in our homes and workplace is to be a living sacrifice—an act of worship to God (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 10:31). 

WHY each element in our worship MATTERS.

The Gathered Church

What is at the center of God’s purpose for the universe?

From “Reformed Systematic Theology, Volume 4: Church and Last Things.”

“The gathered church is God’s house, where He manifests His special presence on earth. God Himself appears in our midst, and His voice is heard in the preaching of the Word. The church is like a portal between heaven and earth, a Beth-el, or ‘house of God,’ because it is joined by faith to Christ (Gen. 28:10–19; John 1:51).

When we draw near to God in the church’s worship while exercising faith in Christ, we enter the holy places (Heb. 10:19–22). In the offering of worship, the exaltation of Christ, the pursuit of holiness, and the fellowship of saints, the church is an earthly expression of heaven.

What an immense privilege it is to approach heaven while on earth! We should treasure every opportunity to participate in the church’s worship services and prayer meetings. God created all things for the sake of His Son (Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2). He sent the Lord Jesus to redeem His people (Gal. 1:4–5; Titus 2:14). He exalted Christ to the highest place and ‘gave Him to be the head over all things to the church’ (Eph. 1:22).

Therefore, the church stands at the center of God’s purpose for the universe. God’s mysterious plan, ‘which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by J&&&&&&&&&&t,’ is to make known ‘by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord’ (Eph. 3:9–11).

It is God’s intent to display His ‘glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages’ (Eph. 3:21). Therefore, God’s purpose for creating the world can be summarized as follows: to display His glory in Christ through the church. This thought should fill our minds with wonder: the purpose of the Creator in making all the universe revolves around the church of J&&&&&&&&&&t.

Since God is sovereign, all things are working together to make Christ the preeminent Son among many redeemed brothers and sisters who bear His image in God’s family (Rom. 8:28–29). If you desire to have a part in God’s great purpose for the universe, be part of His church.” (4: 51–52)

Listening To Jesus Daily

Listening To Jesus Daily  |  Luke 10:38-42  

Welcoming Jesus. 

Is Jesus welcome into your house, apartment or room?  When Jesus entered Martha’s village, it says “Martha welcomed Him into her house” (v. 38).   Walking with Jesus starts each day by welcoming Him where we live.  Welcoming Him is being aware of His presence in our homes before we rush off to our phones, emails and to-do-lists.  

But when Jesus came into Martha’s house, it was Mary “who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to His teaching” (v. 39).   Are you a good listener?  Clearly, Martha was not a good listener.  While Martha was quick to welcome Jesus, she was too distracted doing for Jesus.

Serving Jesus. 

It says, “40 But Martha was distracted with much serving.”  Our hearts are addicted to distractions and busyness.  It is easy to be so busy for Jesus and miss what Jesus has come to do.  In her distraction, Martha even questioned the caring nature of Jesus.   She said in frustration, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?  Tell her then to help me.”  Clearly, Martha needed help.  But the help she needed was not merely physical.  It was deeper than what she could see.  Jesus said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things” (v. 41).   We frequently fail to listen even to our own anxious and troubled hearts.   Our anxious and troubled hearts are unable to catch up with our most urgent tasks.  This is why we need to slow down to pause and reflect.

So, while Martha was troubled about “many things” Jesus showed Martha what she was missing. He said to her, “but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (v. 42).   What is the “one thing necessary” that Martha really need?  To sit down at Jesus’ feet and listen to His Word.   This is the good portion that Mary had chosen. 

LEARNING TO LISTEN.

To sit down at Jesus feet is a sign of humility.  It’s a sign of a teachable heart.  Like in any relationship, to grow in relationship with Jesus we must learn to listen well.  We make choices everyday.  We always choose what our hearts desire most.  We must listen to our desires to see if there are desires that compete with Jesus.  We must learn to slow down, sit down to listen to our scattered thoughts.  In humility, we can ask Jesus to bring our hearts to a stand still and wait in silence.   We can welcome Him into our hearts, in our rooms, and thank Him for the new morning mercies for the day.  We can open His Word to listen to what He has to say to our hearts.  Then, we can respond in prayer to what He says.   This is the good portion we can choose each day because Jesus has chosen to enter our lives.

jesus came to serve US.

Remember it was Jesus who came to Mary and Martha’s village. Jesus has chosen to enter our busy hometown and cities affected by sin, chaos, anxieties and troubles.   Martha was busy serving, but Jesus came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10: 45).  When we sit down to listen to His Word, Jesus serves us by speaking into anxious and troubled hearts.  He speaks peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:7).   When Jesus fills our hearts with His own peace, we too can serve others from a place of rest, love, peace and joy!  Serving can come from the overflow of our intimacy with Jesus as we spend time with Him daily. 

Ask yourself:  Do I listen to reply?   Do I listen to speak?  Do I listen to be fully present with Jesus?  Do I listen to understand and know Him?   Do I listen to worship Jesus?  When I listen to sermons do I listen to worship and be changed?  Do I listen to Jesus’ Word—to know Him intimately?  Do I listen to trust and obey Him?   Jesus said, “Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” 

I recommend Daily Light in The Daily Path | Classic Devotional by Samuel Bagster. FREE here.

Pastor Joey.Z

New Beginnings!

NEW YEAR, new days, new beginnings

New Year’s Day in Japan is called Ganjitsu or Gantan.  Each year, many Japanese travel to shrines and temples to pray for blessings for the year ahead to an “unknown god” (Acts 17: 28).  Even Japanese Christians with unbelieving families can fall into group  pressures of praying before shrines and miss a wonderful opportunity to share the good news of Jesus.  

But the God of the Bible does not live in temples made by human hands (Acts 7: 48). The first line in the Bible says, “In the beginning God” (Gen. 1:1).  Before anything was created God was there!  He is before and above all things and most worthy of worship! 

Later, John 1:1 simply says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”   Jesus is the Word that became flesh to live with us and in us by His Spirit. 

Jesus came not seeking anything from us but to give us the life we could never have apart from Him.  When Jesus came, He came not to modify our old lives or make slight improvements.  He came not to make bad people into good people, but to make people entirely new inside out.  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Cor. 5: 17).  

Even in our sufferings, hardships and trials, we can trust that He is faithful and makes all things beautiful in its time! One day Jesus will return and make all things new (Rev. 21: 5).

As you prayerfully anticipate 2024, 

1. What has Jesus changed in your heart this past year?  What areas of your heart need a fresh touch from Him?  

2. Starting this January, how might your daily life reflect the God of all new beginnings? 

3. How does being made new in Jesus change how you use your time, talent, gifts, skills, ability and treasures?  

We recommend starting a new Bible reading plan or daily

meditations from scripture below.

a) Start with New Testament with 5 Minutes a day in 5 Days a Week | PDF Here. Or Daily ESV Reading Plans | PDF Here. Or access 10 other plans here. TGC Daily Devotional Reading Plan | PDF Here. These are all free plans.

b) Daily Light on The Daily Path | A Devotional Classic by Samuel Bagster | Free of charge. Sign up to read here with the App. This is a personal favourite for the soul. It takes you to different Bible themes each morning and evening, with parallels, good for memorization, short reflection or praying the scriptures even in the midst of busy schedules.

c) Finally, 100 % of our lives and belongings come from God’s hand. If you want to give back to God 10 % monthly to advance His glorious Gospel in Tokyo, you can now give via credit cards in Japan, or bank transfer (furikomi) or via our office in the U.S. Read Gospel-motivated giving here.

こたつと飼葉桶

こたつと飼葉桶

ゾリーナ・ジョーイ牧師

(この考察は2021年に書かれたものを、再掲載しています。) 

READ ENGLISH VERSION HERE.

昨年の10月、私たちは老朽化したアパートから、典型的な日本らしい家に引っ越しました。ー こたつを除いて。多くの日本の家には「玄関」と「こたつ」があります。こたつとは、テーブルの裏に暖房器具がついており、布団をかけて暖まるものです。凍てつく冬の夜、家族がこたつに足を入れてくつろぐ、暖かさ、快適さ、親睦の象徴です。クリスマスは私たちの目を、飼い葉桶に向けさせます。赤ちゃんが「天国のこたつ」の快適さを離れ、私たちの厳しい世界に生まれてきました。

クリスマスの慌ただしさ、イルミネーションや飾り付けの中で、その漠然とした、よく知る場所を見過ごしてしまいます。 慣れ親しんでいると、驚くべきことがぼやけてしまうのです。飼い葉桶は、普通の赤ちゃんにさえ似つかわしくない、相応しくない場所でした。しかしそれが、神が私たちを探しに来られた場所だったのです。

人類の歴史は、役目を果たしてくれる救世主を探し求めることに奮闘する終わりのない旅です。政治家、経済界のリーダー、富豪、有名人、金融投資家、知識人、宗教指導者、導師、哲学者、医療や技術の専門家など、様々な人々の中から、私たちは救世主を探し求めます。彼らは私たちの最も差し迫った必要に、一時的な解決策を提供してくれるかもしれません。しかし、私たちの最も深く、最も大きな病に対する答えを誰が与えてくれるでしょうか？

クリスマスとは、一見退屈で、寒く、見過ごされ、平凡で漠然とした場所、つまり日常生活の何気ない瞬間に、神であるイエスが私たちと共にいてくださることを意味します。天使の聖歌隊は、教会や神殿ではなく、野原にいるごく普通の羊飼いたちに現れました（ルカ2：8）。イエスは、見過ごされ、疎まれ、嫌がらせを受け、無力な者と同一化するために生まれました。社会のはみ出し者、最も弱い者、最も無視された者のところに来られたのです。

イエスは御父の家のこたつの快適さを捨てられました。弱い赤ちゃんとして、私たちの冷たい世界に来られたのです。王衣ではなく、布に包まれて。宿屋にイエスの居場所はありませんでした。（ルカ2：7）しかし、イエスは私たちにこう言います。「わたしの父の家には、住む所がたくさんあります。そうでなかったら、あなたがたのために場所を用意しに行く、と言ったでしょうか。」(ヨハネ14：2） イエスはヘロデの宮殿ではなく、飼い葉桶で生まれました。シーザーの家系ではなく、ダビデの家系でした。飼い葉桶には、プロの神学者も、宗教指導者も、祭司もいませんでした。イエスだけでした。

シーザーは他者を抑圧するために権力を握りました。イエスは私たちを救うために権力を手放されました。シーザーは玉座に上がりましたが、イエスは飼い葉桶に降りて来られました。 「ことばは人となって、私たちの間に住まわれた。」（ヨハネ1：14）。飼い葉桶から木の十字架にかけられた救い主は、いばらの冠をかぶりました。ー 罪人たちと一緒に。「ひとりの男の子が私たちに与えられる。」（イザヤ9：6）。

イエスは私たちへの贈り物です。私たちが罪を持っていくと、イエスは赦しを与えてくださります。痛みを持っていくと、癒しを与えてくださります。悲しみを持っていくと、喜びを与えてくださります。悩みを持っていくと、平安を与えてくださります。私たちが汚れたぼろ布を持っていくと、義の衣を与えてくださります。イエスは飼い葉桶の中で、私たちと共におられます。十字架の上でも共におられます。墓の中でも私たちと共におられます。イエスは、最も孤独で、最も暗く、最も苦しい時に、私たちと共にいてくださります。時代の終わりまで、私たちと一緒にいてくださる神なのです。

イエスは私たちの心の部屋に居場所を見つけられるでしょうか？イエスは私たちの心の奥底にある考えや想像を占めてくださるでしょうか？クリスマスの日を超えて、私たちの予定にイエスの居場所があるでしょうか？部外者が私たちの交わりの中でイエスを見ることができるでしょうか？ 私たちはイエスの恵みの食卓につくでしょうか？ 慈愛に満ちた母親に抱かれ、守られ、そこに赤ちゃんのイエスは横たわっておられました。イエスは私たちをそのように扱っておられます。そっと、優しく、一人息子を決して見捨てない母のように、私たちを気遣ってくださります。私たちの涙がこぼれる静かな音を聞いてくださります。 私たちの鼓動を感じてくださります。イエスは近くにおられます。「 兄弟以上に親密な友人もいる。」（箴言18：24） それはイエスだけです。

内省のための質問 | 

• 2024年のカレンダーを見るとき、あなたのスケジュールの中にイエスと過ごす時間はありますか？
  

• あなたの心の客間に居場所のなかったイエスが、御父の家にあなたの居場所を持っておられるとしたら、あなたの心の中で閉ざされていて、隠れている、イエスを迎える必要のある領域は何でしょうか？
  

• 今年のクリスマスに、あなたの家庭、近所、職場や教会で、親切な行為、肯定的な言葉、惜しみないプレゼント、励まし、祈りや助けの手を用いて、誰を祝福できるでしょうか？

All copyrighted | Advent Reflections, Joey Zorina, previously published on 11th Dec. 2021

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The Kotatsu and the Manger

The Kotatsu and the Manger

By Joey Zorina

(This reflection was previously published in 2021 and republished here).

Read Japanese version HERE

Last October, we moved from our dilapidated apartment to a newer traditional Japanese house—minus the kotatsu table.  In many Japanese houses, there’s the genkan (entrance), and a room with a kotatsu table.   The kotatsu table is a symbol of warmth, comfort, and fellowship in icy wintry nights, as family members tuck their feet under warm electric blankets.  Christmas takes our eyes away to that manger, where a baby leaves the comforts of a “heavenly kotatsu” to be born into our harsh world. 

Amid the Christmas rush, lights and decorations, it is easy to overlook that obscure familiar place.  Familiarity can blur the wonder!  The manger, an unlikely and unsuitable place even for an ordinary baby, was where God came looking for us.   

Human history is an arduous and endless journey of searching for functional saviours.  We look for them among the politically powerful, among the marketplace leaders, among the rich, the famous and the financial investors; among public intellectuals, religious leaders, gurus and philosophers; among medical and technological experts.  They may provide temporal solutions to our most pressing needs.  But who can provide answers to our deepest and greatest maladies?  

Christmas means Jesus is God with us in the seemingly boring, cold, overlooked, lowly and obscure places—in ordinary moments of everyday life.  The angelic choir did not appear at the synagogues or temples, but to ordinary shepherds— out in the field (Lk. 2: 8).  He was born to identify with the overlooked, sidelined, harassed and the helpless.   He came to the outcasts, the weakest and most ignored members of His society.  

Jesus left the comforts of His kotatsu table in His Father’s house.  He came as a vulnerable baby into our cold world.  Wrapped in swaddling clothes, not in royal robes.  No place for Him at the inn (Lk. 2: 7).  Yet He tells us: “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” (Jn 14: 2).  Born in a manger, not in Herod’s palace.  He came from the house of David, not Caesar’s household.  No armchair theologians, no religious leaders or priests in the manger.  Only Jesus.  

Caesar rose to power to oppress others.  Jesus gave up power to rescue us.  Caesar rose to a throne, but Jesus came to a manger.  The Word became flesh and dwelt among us (Jn. 1: 14). From the manger to a wooden cross, we find our Saviour with a crown of thorns— in the company of sinners.  “For to us a son is given” (Is. 9: 6)). Jesus is a gift to us.  We bring our sins, He gives us forgiveness.  We bring our pain, He gives us healing.  We bring our sorrows, He gives us joy.  We bring our troubles, He gives us peace.  We bring our filthy rags, He gives us robes of righteousness.  He is with us in the manger.  He is with us on the cross.  He is with us inside the grave.  He is with us in the loneliest, darkest and most painful moments.  He is God with us even to the remotest ends of the age.  

Will He find room in the chambers of our hearts?  Will He occupy our inmost thoughts and imaginations?   Will He find a place in our calendar beyond Christmas Day?  Will outsiders find Him in our fellowship?  Will we come to His table of grace?  Held and protected in the tender care of His affectionate mother—there lay baby Jesus.  That’s how He deals with us. Gently and tenderly He cares for us, like a nursing mother who will never forsake her only child.  He hears our silent tears trickle.  He feels our heartbeats.  He is near.  There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Pr. 18: 24).  ​Only Jesus.  

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION |

• As you look at your calendar for 2024, is there space to spend time with Jesus in your schedule? (Recommended free online Daily Light on The Daily Path Classic Devotion).

• If Jesus who had no place in the guest room has a place for you in His Father’s house, what closed and hidden areas in your heart do you need to welcome Jesus?

• Who are the people in your homes, neighborhoods, workplaces or church you can bless with acts of kindness, words of affirmation, generous gift, encouragement, prayers and helping hand this Christmas?

All copyrighted | Advent Reflections, Joey Zorina, previously published on 11th Dec. 2021

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Why Each Element in Our Worship Matters

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Every Sunday, several people come early to set up despite their own weaknesses and struggles. They are truly commendable because they set up to minimize distraction during our worship. We can all relate with Martha who was distracted, anxious and troubled about many things while serving (Luke 10: 41). Jesus said to Martha, “one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (v. 42). We see that Mary was commended for sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening (Luke 10: 39). We bring nothing before God but our weaknesses, struggles, heartaches, sins and sufferings. But God’s lavish grace meets us in our mess. The warm welcome of Jesus is for weary, wounded and exhausted sinners. He is not seeking perfect saints and those who have it all together to worship Him. Our restless hearts can now find their rest in Jesus’ finished work on the cross.

For this reason, coming early for corporate worship has certain benefits! In an age of digital distraction our attention span has been drastically cut short. It is easy to miss the various elements in our worship. Therefore, creating that sacred space to catch our breath and reset our minds in prayer before worship starts can be really beneficial! We have one hour and thirty minutes on Sunday to worship together as a church family.

Therefore, it can be beneficial to arrive at least 10 to 5 mins before worship starts and hear the welcome of Jesus and the call to worship. It’s even better if we are able to come earlier to greet people and engage in pre-worship fellowship if God has given us the strength. And/ or stay for post-worship fellowship to reach out to people we haven’t met, to listen to one another, encourage one another and pray for one another. Below is why each element in our worship matters!