Christmas in Japan

Spending my first Christmas Eve as a missionary was lonelier than I anticipated. Though I love being surrounded by my family and communities, I enjoy solitude very much. I’ve lived independently from my family for several years, so I assumed that though Christmas might be sadder than usual, I wouldn’t feel lonely. 

In the Philippines, we usually spend the 24th with our families. The whole day is spent preparing food for Christmas Eve, listening to and singing Christmas songs, and just enjoying the company of being together. If you have experienced Christmas in the Philippines, you’ll know that it’s so different from any other place in the world. 

We also have so many songs about Christmas! And I thought of playing some while working on a project when it finally hit me. I’m away from my family. The songs, rather than helping me stay in touch with my culture, made me feel so far from them. It was the first time I truly understood the meaning of “homesick”. I’m glad that I have a friend who comforted me through Facetime. Thank you, Anj!

I wondered why God would call me to serve in Japan during these months, especially since there will be a lot of events in our church and my family. My elder sister’s baby shower will also be next month. Indeed, being a missionary would mean missing the pleasures in this world for a greater calling. 🙂

I attended a candle service and sang Christmas songs with my receiving church. It was the first time I did it in my life. I thought it would be a good Christmas culture to build for my future family – singing Christmas carols together and playing the piano! Meditating on the night Jesus Christ was born. I also wanted to bake a cake that night for Christmas Eve as a part of that culture but it was moved to the next day due to the time being late already.

I had a quick dinner together with my churchmates at Burger King. It was also my first time meeting and discussing with them outside of church. Then I traveled back home– used the train and walked in a very cold night humming “Silent Night”. 

Japan doesn’t celebrate Christmas as a nation. They’re a Buddhist country. So unlike the Philippines, there are almost no Christmas trees, lights, or “songs” in public. The only things that give the Christmas vibes are the cold weather and the Christian homes I got invited into. 🙂

The first Christmas Eve was also cold, distant (from family and friends), and most likely silent after Mary gave birth to Jesus. It was an ordinary day made holy because of the birth of our Lord.

Someday, the whole of Japan will spend Christmas remembering the birth of Jesus Christ too.

I spent the midnight with my housemate. We watched the movie “Journey to Bethlehem” and lit a candle for Christmas. Thank you, Meg!

The 25th

Christmas Day was perfect. I can’t even explain how great this day was. The weather, the worship time I had in the morning, the smell of the cake I baked, the laughter and conversations with missionaries, the games we played together, the delicious lunch, and the walk through the river and Edogawa. This day was so perfect. 

There were only several times that I truly felt like I belonged somewhere. (With TakeNote, Shield Department, clowns, etc.) I always feel out of place in most groups that I’m part of. Always trying to blend in, to understand, and be understood. The only times I felt like I belonged were with the people who loved me wholeheartedly and with whom I could truly be myself. 

Today, I realized the same thing. I can be truly myself without the fear of being judged, criticized, dismissed, or laughed at. I felt like I belonged. I am loved. Like I am exactly in the right place.

It is bittersweet to write about this now. Haha. Yesterday, I missed my family the whole time but today, I am just so grateful for these blessings. Even though I am surrounded by people I only met this month, I have never blended in so much better in my life. Like I fit in, the whole Rachel, all my weirdness and joyfulness, just fit in. I can’t explain it in words but I’m just so blessed to be surrounded by people with the same calling and passion for Jesus and working for His Kingdom in Japan.

Janet and Peter invited us to spend the day with them. We had turkey (my first time eating one!) and loads of amazing foods, drinks, and desserts! We all have different ministries in Japan but we’re all on a mission to spread His light and love here. 

The first time I had dinner with a missionary family, I already observed how different it was. There is no gossip and no judgments towards anyone in and out of the group. Conversations are filled with love, encouragement, and building up of one another. Having lunch with another missionary family and other missionaries, it is the same if not better.

We also spent time to walk through the river, tour around Edogawa, play games, and learn origami! I love Janet, our host today, as she sees the beauty in little things. Her creativity is also reflected in the beauty of their apartment!

To be a missionary means we have no permanent “place”. We come and go as the Lord calls us. We can only make the most out of where we are and be faithful.

Encouragement

When we follow the Lord, it often means that we have to leave things behind. Some temporarily, some permanently. Some are very important, some are of no value. Most of the time though, it will hurt. We will miss a lot of special events and of course, our families and friends. 

It is never easy to follow the Lord. But one thing is for sure, it will be the most fulfilling and satisfying journey. God will fill in what we have to leave behind with something greater – His presence.

Happy Holidays, friends!

Baked a cake for Christmas Day! 🙂