2013 Last Month in Chicago, Christian Thoughts

It has been cold and windy days in December of Chicago.  Over 15 days were under the freezing, around 15 to 20 degrees during the day, and minus o degree in the night.

Hiroko’s my dentist’s wife, Okinawa-san and Hiroko had the tickets for the Opera, “La Trabiata” on the one of the coldest days.

Since Hiroko had to go see the Opera, she decided to check up the new Ramen restaurant in the Macy’s and taking photos here and there.  Sushi and Sashimi have always been interested by Americans, but now is Ramen, too.  There are so many Ramen Restaurants in the downtown Chicago.  You all know the Santohka ramen shop in Mitsuwa which is so crowded that it is not easy to buy the Ramen.

This is the Ramen Shop in the food court of Macy’s.  The name of the Restaurant is Takashi.  Hiroko heard this is the most expensive restaurant in Chicago, but this March’s restaurant menu is not too bad.  The cost of one bowl ramen starts around $5.00.  Hiroko called Arboretum-san to meet at this restaurant to enjoy eating Ramen and catching up what we are doing.

Now, Hiroko wanted to see Macy’s Christmas windows and The Chicago City Hall court.

Since Macy’s took over the Marshall Field, their Christmas windows had not been very interesting, but this year’s windows should be good, Hiroko heard.  Hiroko thought she took the Title window, but there wasn’t in her camera, so Hiroko can’t remember the exact Title of the Christmas windows.  

It has the story for those windows that made interesting.

Hiroko’s poor Arthritis fingers were very, very cold, because she couldn’t take photo with gloves on.

Another interesting place to go is Chicago City Hall court.  Every year, German town has been placed in here.  Specially, in the news, some people against Christmas put something by the Nativity scene.

Can you see “A” made with wire?  This “A” is the symbol of Atheist.  Some argued against their idea and said, “Isn’t it an Idol?  You said you are Atheist, but you made the Idol and worship in the public.”

Right next to the “A” symbol, there are the Nativity scene as usual.

Here is the Nativity scene.  Mary/Joseph and Baby Jesus in the manger are placed in the center of the scene, and around that there are Shepherds, Wise Men, and Angels.

About Joseph, Hiroko would like to write in the continuation.

2013 Chicago City’s Christmas Tree.  Every year, the lighting ceremony has been held at the end of November.  It might be of interest to attend the ceremony.

Hiroko’s friends and Hiroko enjoyed the Opera after this.

The following day of Opera day, it was snowing.  Hiroko would like to know how to take the photo of the falling snow.  Can you see the falling snow from these photo?

Dan-san has been coughing for the last couple weeks, so he was sprinkling the salt on the path which was shoveled at the first snow.

The meteorologically speaking, it is a record to this cold and snow weather in December.

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This devotional thought was given to the one of the meeting at church.

Devotional: Pastor John led a devotional based on the life of Joseph.  Even though God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus, we often forget that God chose Joseph to be the earthly father of Jesus.  Joseph was a kind, loving, and godly man.  Even though he did not play the major role, he was extremely important.  He protected, provided and cared for Mary and Jesus in Nazareth, Bethlehem, and Egypt.  That was quite a task for a not very well traveled ordinary guy.  It took a lot of guts and a lot of faith.  God can use ordinary people like you and me if we just say yes.

Hiroko is always thinking about these ordinary people like Joseph, Mary, Apostles, and disciples including women in those days.  Go back to over 2,000 years in the Judea, and put yourself in the position with Jesus, even though you heard the voice of the Lord or see the angels in your dream, it is not so easy to follow Jesus.  Joseph heard the voice of God, and immediately took the actions; married Mary who bore the child who wasnot his, and so on.  Of course, right now too, it is very hard to follow the voice of God.  Pastor John said guts and faith, and Hiroko wants to add humility and courage. 

Here is the story of Joseph in the Christmas quoted from the Bible

Matthew 1:18-24 and 2:1-23

There are so many other verses regarding the story of the birth of Jesus.  If you are interested to know more about Him and His love please go to the church to find out.