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English for Wizards

Find the true meaning of Christmas

By John Moore


クリスマスの過ごし方

皆さんは今年のクリスマスをどう過ごしますか?プレゼント交換やツリーを飾る習慣は日本でも定着していますが、教会に行ったり、聖書を読むのもクリスマスの祝い方です。今週はクリスマス関連のサイトを紹介します。

Christmas season is in full swing. Colonel Sanders is in his red suit outside Kentucky Fried Chicken shops; Christmas cakes are on sale at convenience stores; and classy hotels are promoting romantic package deals for couples. By the way, did you know that all three of these Christmas traditions are unique to Japan?

You might be interested to read some foreigners' impressions of Christmas in Japan. For example, one interesting Web site, the "Blog from Another Dimension," has a good page at http://www.blogd.com/archives/000369.html.

My son Peter is going to spend a traditional old-fashioned Christmas in America this year, with his grandparents. That means lots of great food and sweets, a huge tree with lots of presents, and stockings hung before a roaring fire. Grandma's Christmas is also a serious religious celebration. Yes, there's nothing more traditional and old-fashioned than going to church.

Hey, if you want to do something different this Christmas, and practice your English at the same time, I suggest you go to church, too. There are many English-speaking churches here in Japan, after all. You'll find a handy list at http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-7107.html, and you can click on each church's name to visit its Web site.

Sure, going to church when you don't know anybody there might be sort of scary, but you can find out about the church before you go, thanks to the Internet. I have been to Tokyo Union Church, and it is a very friendly place. Check it out online (www2.gol.com/users/tuc). It has lots of information for newcomers.

If you plan to go to church, though, it makes sense to know the real Christmas story first. I found a great online slideshow at http://topmarks.co.uk/christianity/nativity/. It tells the original story of Jesus' birth in easy English with pictures. Reading this story will help you with a lot of special Christmas vocabulary, such as "nativity" and "manger."

If your English level is somewhat more advanced, you could even try reading the actual Bible story. First go to Bible.com (http://bible.com/bible-read.html). You'll see there are many different versions, including one in "basic English." If you scroll down, of course, you'll also see two Japanese versions. Whichever one you choose, you'll find the Christmas story in Luke, the third book of the New Testament. Start with Chapter 2.

At midnight on Christmas Eve, the church will have scented candles and gorgeous decorations. It's very romantic. And you can have your cake later.



Shukan ST: Dec. 19, 2003

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