Good evening everyone.

Happy holidays! Did Santa Clause come to visit you this past Christmas? Did anyone receive a Nintendo Wii Video console? Did anyone receive a Play Station 3? Michi Clause gave me a Christmas present. She game me 4 brand new under wear pants… Oh, oh. They are very useful but, not very romantic as far as present go…

As I mentioned 2 weeks ago at our last Dharma school service, Michi and I went to a romantic place for Christmas eve. We drove to Lake Tahoe to see the snow… On December 24^th, fortunately, the weather was clear, so we had a nice drive. The snow lay 20 inches deep. So we enjoyed both seeing and playing with the snow…

Only, once a year, I say “Good evening everyone”. It is at this Joya-e year end evening service… When this season comes, I look back upon the whole year of 2006… Please everyone close your eyes… Did you enjoy the year of 2006? There will never be another year of 2006 again… What was the most significant event of this year for you? I’m sure there were many times of both happiness and sadness.

On the New year’s eve, it is a good opportunity to think about our lives… Please open your eyes.

I hope everyone has a wonderful year in 2007.

After the service, please join us in ringing the Kansho bell in the garden.

And lastly, I want to thank everyone for taking time from your busy schedules and coming to our Betsuin tonight. I hope everyone will come also tomorrow morning for our New Year Day service “Syusho-e”. We will serve Japanese Sake, so please try to come.

Good New Year’s Eve to everyone!

Gassho