Yesterday, the first time in my life, I found people in my town sold real branches of plants for Christmas. When I was in the Netherlands, people celebrated Christmas season with no doubt using natural branches of Christmas tree. Though, in Japan, people do not have a long historical background of celebrating Christmas. They decorate the towns, shops and home well, but it usually does not mean celebrating on the birth of Jesus Christ, consequently the life for all the creatures on this earth, nor appreciation for being together with family.

Since I came back here, each time I saw a plastic Christmas tree with unnecessary too childish decorations, my heart was broken. It sounds exaggerating, but I am honestly talking so. With them, I could not feel gratitude for God who gives life to us to make this planet shrive.

Did the universe notice my pain and grief, and let the branches manifest in front of me? Recently, by the learning project of Christmas, I tried to lead my students and their parents into the deep feeling of gratitude and love, and their contribution to the world. Did he show the branches to the children who live far from nature, so that they could feel the power of His creation?

The branch I bought yesterday looks like a Christmas tree, but it is not. Still, it releases the rich scent of the forest just as a Christmas tree. I feel the nature, purely cleansed air and the breath of the mother earth.

I am grateful.

Lord our God, we praise you for the light of creation:

the sun, the moon, and the stars of the night.

We praise you for the light of Israel:

the Law, the prophets, and the wisdom of the Scriptures.

We praise you for Jesus Christ, your Son:

he is Emmanuel, God-with-us, the Prince of Peace,

who fills us with the wonder of your love.

Lord God,

let your blessing come upon us as we illumine this tree.

May the light and cheer it gives be a sign of the joy that fills our hearts.

May all who delight in this tree come to the knowledge and joy of salvation.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Magnificat. 2020 Magnificat Advent Companion

Magnificat. Kindle Edition