(suh-POHR-oh) – “As we start a new year, join us in praising the Lord for the many gospel seeds that were sown during the weeks prior to Christmas! Christmas events and parties at churches all across the city of Sapporo saw Japanese joining with Japanese Christians to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas. Most Japanese recognize Santa Claus as the only symbol of the season, but as churches and missionaries opened their doors and shared the Christ of Christmas with neighbors, students, young mothers with kindergarten connections, many learned about the true reason we sing songs of joy and want to remember the gift of love God sent to us. Tracts and Scripture portions were given out along with cups of hot cocoa!”