(suh-POHR-oh) – Christmas in Sapporo begins with the illumination in downtown Sapporo in the first week of December. Japanese love to see the lights, the colors, and the decorations of Christmas time. They even recognize many of the songs, both Christian and secular. This is a wonderful time for churches to have outreach events for children and parties after the Christmas Eve worship services. Pray that this year many Japanese believers will be bold in inviting friends and family to these events, sharing the joy they have in celebrating the true reason for the season, Jesus Christ! Pray that as churches welcome new people to these events, they will offer a place of acceptance and a true community of love and joy. Pray that pastors will share the hope that Jesus brought into a dark world to those who might be struggling. Pray that the testimony of those being baptized at Christmas will break through any barriers to hearing the good news of the gospel.