“Japan has long been known for pottery. Shiga Prefecture, located in the Kansai region, is famous for its production of Shigaraki pottery. There are kilns here that have been in use since the Edo period (1603-1867). One such kiln is producing snake figurines because 2025 is the year of the serpent, according to the Chinese zodiac. These soft white ornaments are known for their warm appearance and are used for decoration. When snakes are mentioned in the Bible, they can be symbols of temptation and cunning and serve to remind us of the battle between good and evil. Or, they can also represent healing and a way to wholeness. The serpent enticed Adam and Eve to sin. But, at another time, Moses made a bronze snake which he mounted on a pole. When someone was bitten by a snake, if they looked at the bronze snake, they were healed. In John 3:14, Jesus promised that all who look to him would be saved from the penalty of their sins. Pray that multitudes of Japanese would look to Jesus, the Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world by taking our judgment upon Himself.”