Another word we've heard a lot about since 3-11 is 'kizuna', which means bonds, relationship, connection.
In fact, 'kizuna' was recently selected as the word of the year in Japan. This year Japanese have become aware of the importance of 'kizuna' in a new way. For many, they've lost family members, friends, co-workers, and they deeply miss and grieve for the loved ones who are gone. Many, many have been displaced from their homes--the loss of community has left them feeling lost and disconnected, leading to depression, loneliness and isolation. Others, whose family was spared, have realized how precious those bond are, and they treasure their loved ones more than ever.
I've been thinking about the 'kizuna' or bonds that we have in Christ. It goes beyond that of location, or common experience, or even family. It's a bond that has been purchased with the life, death and resurrection of Christ. It ties us together as believers around the world, and even more, it ties us into the very family of God--with Jesus, our elder brother. Most amazing, it's a bond that is eternal. Nothing--no natural disaster or any other tragedy we can imagine--can break the bond we have as brothers and sisters in Christ...or the promise of eternity together in perfect, complete 'kizuna' with God himself.
I'm thankful for the 'kizuna' we enjoy now as a family, as a body of believers, and as fellow sojourners in this life. but it's just a small foretaste of all that is to come. This Christmas I rejoice in the "kizuna' God has made possible in Christ!
