Salvationist 19 December 2020

SALVATIONIST

No.1787 Price 70p

For everyone linked to The Salvation Army www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 19 December 2020

Our Saviour King!

While feeble lanterns twinkle in the skies, And envy how the interloper gleams, Poor shepherds shake with fear and with surprise To hear a sound beyond their wildest dreams: God’s messengers announce a royal birth In voices that reverberate and ring, Then joyously proclaim God’s peace on Earth, For born this day is Christ – our Saviour King!

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

OPINION: CHURCHES HAVE THE NETWORKS TO HELP POOR IN TIME OF NEED

UNDER-18s SET TO BE BANNED FROM PLAYING THE NATIONAL LOTTERY IN NEW GAMBLING CRACKDOWN

WELBY DOUBTS AID CUTS WILL BE REVERSED BY CHANCELLOR

There is so much to be done to help those in need at this time [writes Nicky Gumbel] ...

The government must play its part but it cannot provide the personal support which is also needed. Churches have the local connections to provide volunteers on the ground who will be ready to help at this critical time.

There are more churches than pubs in the UK, each representing a web of relationships that stretch through the streets and housing estates around them ... There are wonderful Catholic, Pentecostal, Salvation Army, Baptist, Methodist, Coptic Orthodox and other churches … In March this year the #LoveYourNeighbour initiative was started by a national partnership of churches from every denomination at the beginning of the pandemic…

Now that growing body of churches has launched ‘Love Christmas’, a plan to deliver a million Christmas gift boxes to those most affected by Covid-19…

The Salvation Army’s national Christmas Present Appeal is distributing toys to children whose parents are unable to afford presents…

Love and kindness are central to the work to which Jesus has called his Church. We are to be his heart, hands and feet at this time. And he calls us to love the poor.

More than half of UK adults considering adoption would prefer to adopt a child of the same or similar ethnicity, a new Savanta ComRes survey suggests.

A survey of 10,631 adults ... was conducted ... on behalf of the Christian charity Home for Good. More than one third (34 per cent) of those questioned said that they would consider adoption, fostering or long-term care for the child of a friend or family member in the future.

Of the 1,800 adults (17 per cent) who said that they would be open specifically to adoption, 52 per cent said that they would prefer to adopt a child of a similar ethnicity to themselves. This preference was strongest within the black community...

Black adults were also the most open to considering adoption, fostering or longterm care of a child in general...

Two thirds of all UK adults (66 per cent), however, said that they would consider adopting a child of another ethnicity if they were given support to understand the child’s cultural heritage.’

The Times

Church Times

SALVATIONIST salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

Staff are working from home and may not be contactable by phone or able to deal with non-electronic correspondence

EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts – 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford – 020 7367 4891

The age requirement for playing the national lottery will be raised from 16 to 18 next October, as part of the government’s ‘major and wide-ranging review’ into the industry. The crackdown may result in further measures being imposed, including limits on online stakes and restrictions on advertising.

Culture secretary Oliver Dowden said that with the rise of the digital age, the gambling industry had ‘evolved at breakneck speed’ and that it was time the government updated the law...

‘We’re committed to protecting young people from gambling-related harm,’ added sports minister Nigel Huddleston.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has expressed doubt over the government’s assertion that its cut to the budget for international aid will be only temporary.

The chancellor, Rishi Sunak, announced during his spending review ... that the UK would reduce temporarily the amount that it spent on overseas aid from 0.7 per cent of gross national income to 0.5 per cent...

In an article in the Financial Times ... Archbishop Welby described ‘temporary’ as ‘a slippery word’.

‘Income tax was introduced by William Pitt the Younger in the 18th century as temporary. Waiting for a better time to be virtuous reminds me of St Augustine’s prayer for God to make him chaste, but not yet.’

Premier

Church Times

MOST UK ADOPTERS WOULD ONLY CONSIDER A CHILD OF THE SAME ETHNICITY, SURVEY SUGGESTS

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GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – 020 7367 4896 PROOFREADER Chris Horne

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Salvationist 19 December 2020

THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Mal Davies

CONTACT SALVATIONIST 020 7367 4890 salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk Find Salvationist on Facebook SalvationistOnline Find Salvationist on Twitter @SalvationistUK

Please note: the next Salvationist will be published on 2 January 2021

REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL ‘WHAT is he up to now?’ mutters the woman as she comes out of her front door and sees her neighbour up a ladder at the front of his house. ‘You all right, Christine?’ the man calls cheerfully, as he untangles the festive lights that he’s about to put up. The man then turns to the camera and says, ‘I guess Christmas is going to be different this year, so let’s really make the most of it.’

That’s the opening scene of Asda’s Christmas TV advert. Later, the man’s family watches as he switches on the lights, just as the neighbour comes home. ‘What do you think, Christine?’ he asks. ‘Oh, nice,’ she replies. ‘When’s it coming down?’

It seems Christine has joined Scrooge in the Christmas grumpy club. In A Christmas Carol, Scrooge responds to his nephew’s cheery ‘Merry Christmas’ with another two words: ‘Bah! Humbug!’ He goes on to say: ‘Every idiot who goes about with “Merry Christmas” on his lips should be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart.’ Perhaps Christine isn’t so bad after all!

Christmas will be different this year. The pandemic has brought a lot of pain into people’s lives – physical, emotional, financial and more. So what is there to be cheerful about in the midst of all this?

The Territorial Commander reminds us on page 6 that real joy ‘isn’t dependent on circumstances but upon a right relationship with the one who is Immanuel, God with us’. Joy is found in Jesus. It’s a deep-down experience that, because it is not given by the things that happen to us, cannot be taken away by them either.

In his Christmas message on page 4, the General reflects on the peace that Jesus brings. Like joy, it is a deep inner experience. ‘We need to ensure we are living in relationship with God and receive his peace that is beyond our understanding,’ he says. ‘Then we are able to experience the peace of God in the storms of life and share that peace with others.’

On pages 10 and 11 Major Tracey Palmer looks back at last Christmas, which was her first in Sri Lanka. Despite the difficulties of this year’s Christmas, she is inspired to face it with the same ‘quiet courage, determined joy and love’ shown by her brothers and sisters there.

On pages 14 and 15 Commissioner Elizabeth Matear highlights many of the ways in which Christmas will be different, but suggests that because of Jesus we can have ‘light and hope in our hearts’ and can make a positive difference for him in our families and communities.

Ron Thomlinson is a member of the Christmas grumpy club, as he admits on page 18. But his ‘old mate Jim’ reminds him that ‘the coming of Christ is God’s pledge to us that the story of humanity has an ultimate meaning’. That’s a reason to be cheerful, if ever there was one!

Christmas will be different this year, but we can make the most of it by finding real joy, lasting peace and ultimate meaning in Christ, by facing our challenges in his strength and by reaching out to others with the gospel in word and deed. We can then truly have a joyful Christmas and look forward to a peaceful new year.

CONTENTS Quotes from the media

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The General’s Christmas message

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News feature 5 The Queen thanks Army for its work during pandemic Message from the Territorial Commander

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News

7 and 8

Advent reflection 9 A boy was born, King of all the world

by Major Bruce Smith

Feature Colour and joy

10 and 11

by Major Tracey Palmer

Photo feature 2020 in pictures

12 and 13

Christmas meditation 14 and 15 Christmas will be different this year

by Commissioner Elizabeth Matear

Bible study Born for all

16 and 17

by Major David Howarth

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17

by Lieut-Colonel Brenda Oakley

Reflection Grumpy at Christmas

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by Ron Thomlinson with the Rev James Macfarlane

Poets’ corner

19

Staff greetings

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New commitments

21

Announcements and adverts

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Prayer matters

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COVER DESIGN Louise Phillips POETRY Stephen Pearson

From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS Scripture quotations in Salvationist are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated

Salvationist 19 December 2020

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THE GENERAL’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

A people of peace

T

HE year 2020 has been unique, interesting and challenging. We have lived through a global pandemic, the ramifications of which continue to impact our lives. We have witnessed the best of humanity as communities came together and helped to care for the vulnerable and those who needed to shield. We have seen the worst of humanity as racism cost lives and led to violent protests by demonstrators from varying viewpoints.

All of this has combined to both exhilarate and exhaust us throughout this year.

It is into our messed-up, complex, ever-changing, uncertain and perplexing world that Jesus comes as the Prince of Peace. Jesus was familiar with prejudice, oppressive political regimes, institutionalised religion and suffering.

So, although the man Jesus lived 2,000 years ago, his words still have relevance because he, as the Son of God, has an eternal perspective.

So, what did Jesus teach us about peace? In the Sermon on the Mount, as he began his teaching ministry, Jesus said: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God’ (Matthew 5:9). Then, in preparing his

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disciples for his departure and the arrival of the promised Holy Spirit, Jesus says: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid’ (John 14:27).

This is the same Jesus who spoke to the wind and waves, saying, ‘Peace, be still!’ (Mark 4:39 King James Version).

To the woman who anointed his feet at Simon’s house, Jesus said, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace’ (Luke 7:50). After explaining many things to his disciples, Jesus said, ‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world’ (John 16:33).

Peace distinguishes the earthly existence of Jesus. In announcing his birth, the angels declared, ‘Glory to God in the highest Heaven, and on Earth peace to those on whom his favour rests’ (Luke 2:14). As Jesus appeared to his followers after the Resurrection he would declare: ‘Peace be with you!’ (John 20:21).

If Jesus was so intent on sharing the peace of God with others, we must do the same, but we cannot share with

others what we do not first have for ourselves. Consequently, we need to ensure we are living in relationship with God and receive his peace that is beyond our understanding, yet which keeps our hearts and minds secure in Christ Jesus (see Philippians 4:7). It is from this position of peace, of keeping our focus upon God (see Isaiah 26:3), that we are able to experience the peace of God in the storms of life and share that peace with others. We are called children of God when we are peacemakers, peace-bringers and peacebuilders because we share the very essence and nature of God with others.

So, in this Advent season and beyond, let us be people of peace. May our very presence bring peace into rooms, situations and lives because we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. May our words be words of peace because we share the words of God. Wherever you are and whatever situation you find yourself in, may you experience the peace of God today.

BRIAN PEDDLE GENERAL

NEWS FEATURE

The Queen and members of the royal family meet Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill and Bandmaster Paul Sharman

The Queen thanks Army for its work during pandemic WINDSOR THE Queen, accompanied by other members of the royal family, thanked The Salvation Army for its frontline work during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Queen, with the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Earl and Countess of Wessex and the Princess Royal, listened to Regent Hall Band play a selection of carols at the event for charity and key workers held in the grounds of Windsor Castle. The occasion was organised as a thank you for their work during the pandemic and over Christmas.

Territorial leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill spoke to the Queen about the Army’s work supporting vulnerable people in communities across the UK. The TC said: ‘It was an honour to meet Her Majesty on behalf of The Salvation Army and as a representative of all voluntary organisations who have done so much incredible service throughout the pandemic.

Regent Hall Band play carols at Windsor Castle

I am greatly heartened that The Salvation Army’s support for rough sleepers, survivors of human trafficking, struggling families and isolated older people throughout this very difficult year has been recognised.

‘Salvation Army volunteers, officers, members and employees have worked tirelessly since March, from providing food parcels for hungry families, to helping rough

sleepers keep warm, to providing vital doorstep friendship for the isolated – they have been there no matter what. The Army has innovated and adapted to ensure our frontline support has been there for those who need us.

‘Playing carols for the royal family is also a wonderful highlight during our busiest of seasons.’ – AR Salvationist 19 December 2020

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A MESSAGE FROM THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

The joy of his presence

J

OY naturally bubbles over at Christmas. See how many times you find the word ‘joy’ or the experience of joy in Christmas carols.

Joy is at the heart of Christmas because real joy comes from the presence of Christ in the world and within us.

Joy, deep joy, is contentment. It isn’t dependent on circumstances but upon a right relationship with the one who is Immanuel, God with us.

Last week it was our great honour to enjoy a short time with the Queen and other members of the royal family. We were there to receive the Queen’s gratitude for the work of Salvationists, employees and volunteers during the coronavirus pandemic. It was humbling and a blessing to receive those words of gratitude on behalf of everyone in The Salvation Army, and I pass them on to you. I hope this encourages you, blesses you and fills you with joy as it did Commissioner Gill and me.

Much of the work and ministry that goes on in the name of Jesus through the Army is unseen and unacknowledged.

But God sees. I believe he expresses his joy and gratitude when we speak his word, when we offer cups of water or tea, when we clothe the naked or hand out a sleeping bag, when we give refuge to people who have no home, when we deliver toys, when we give out hot meals, when we comfort people who are lonely, anxious or bereaved, when we see to the needs of people in our care and when we look out for our neighbours.

Colossians 3:17 says, ‘Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.’

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Whatever our work may be, when we do it for him, it is pleasing to him.

There are no verses of Scripture obviously indicating that God expresses his gratitude to us. We know, however, that there is thankfulness within the Trinity. Jesus gave thanks to the Father, so it seems unthinkable that God does not express his pleasure and thanks to us. When we serve him with an act of mercy and kindness to someone, and they thank us, it can be as if God himself has thanked us. A sense of satisfaction and joy stirs within us.

Sometimes God expresses his gratitude in other ways. Some years ago, when Gill and I were involved in divisional youth work in the West Midlands, our team based youth councils around the theme ‘The Fight’. I hired a full-size boxing ring and placed it in the middle of the auditorium. The drama, the teaching, the testimonies were all given from within that ring. When the appeal was made for individuals to come and join the fight, our hearts were stirred as we saw row upon row of people kneeling around the ring, and some stepping into it, as they dedicated themselves to God. The next day, as I was driving back from the venue, I had an unexpected and overwhelming sense of the presence of God in the car. It was as if he were present with me, whispering in my ear two words that surprised me: ‘Thank you.’

It was an awesome moment in my life and in my ministry, realising that God smiles upon us as we minister in his name. Whatever that ministry or service looks like for you, he says, ‘Thank you.’

Jesus said: ‘As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in

my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete’ (John 15:9–11). I hope and I pray that you’ll experience deep joy as you reach out to God, offering yourself to him and praying, if necessary, for him to restore to you the joy of your salvation. As Nehemiah declared, ‘The joy of the Lord is your strength’ (8:10).

The Queen thanked us, and we’re grateful for that. But the King of kings, who is Immanuel, God with us, expresses his love and gratitude too, and he gives us his joy. How fitting that the Queen personally enjoyed one carol in particular: ‘Hark! the herald angels sing:/ Glory to the newborn King;/ Peace on Earth and mercy mild,/ God and sinners reconciled./ Joyful all ye nations rise,/ Join the triumph of the skies;/ With the angelic host proclaim,/ Christ is born in Bethlehem./ Hark! the herald angels sing:/ Glory to the newborn King’ (SASB 108).

We join with the Queen and others in that angelic chorus of giving thanks and praise to God, who is one with us, lives within us and gives us joy. May you know that joy this Christmas.

ANTHONY COTTERILL COMMISSIONER TERRITORIAL COMMANDER O This

message is based on a video that can be viewed at facebook.com/ SalvationistOnline or youtube.com/ salvationarmyvideo

NEWS

OUTREACH

BIRTHDAY

Margaret Warburton (Chelmsford) celebrates her 103rd birthday

Commons carols fill the night air

CORPS

WESTMINSTER IN normal years, MPs, peers, staff and visitors attend a carol service in parliament’s grand Westminster Hall. This year, a small number of invited guests attended a House of Commons carol service outdoors in New Palace Yard, including territorial leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill, Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Jenine Main.

Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons the Rev Tricia Hillas welcomed everyone and invited them to light their individual candles, before the Territorial Commander opened in prayer.

A small ensemble from the International Staff Band played ‘Christmas Joy’ and ‘A Starry Night’ as the guests gathered, and accompanied the enthusiastic carol singing.

House of Commons Door Keeper Chris Symonds read from Isaiah 9 and Colonel Jenine Main reminded listeners of the story of Jesus’ birth in a reading from Luke 2. Other readings included an excerpt from A Christmas Carol, read by Speaker’s Secretary Helen Wood, and Tennyson’s ‘Ring Out, Wild Bells’, read by Chairman of the Press Gallery Pippa Crerar, with its memorable final lines, ‘Ring out the darkness of the land,/ Ring in the Christ that is to be’.

Speaker of the House of Commons the Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP thanked those who had taken part and praised the work of The Salvation Army before wishing everyone a ‘happy Christmas and a peaceful new year’.

After a final carol, the ISB ensemble concluded the short service with ‘Christmas Praise’. – JR

COMMUNITY SOUTH LONDON TikTok channel The Smithy Family collected more than 5,000 presents – totalling more than £50,000 – for families in need. Nick Smith, who runs the channel with his partner and their children, bought 60 stockings with the aim of filling them up, and was overwhelmed by the response. The gifts have been donated to The Salvation Army for distribution. – AR

PRESTONPANS Corps officer Major Steven Turner took part in the virtual Aberdeen Kiltwalk to raise money for Harlawhill Day Care Centre, which provides companionship, entertainment and meals for older people. When Kiltwalk supporter Sir Tom Hunter offered to double any money raised, Major Steven decided to cycle 25 miles around East Lothian’s country lanes and railway paths. A cheque for £578 was presented to the centre manager, Fiona Mitchell. – ST

SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS Although the home league has been unable to meet in their usual venue since March this year, they devised a way to celebrate Harvest. Home League Secretary Mary Parker (pictured) and Divisional Envoy Olive Anstead paid doorstep visits to home league members to receive donations of food and toiletries for the Gateway Food Bank based at Wickford Corps. At the same time, each member chose fruit from a basket and received a handcrafted card. Financial donations were also given to Mission Romania. – OA

FUNDRAISING

Salvationist 19 December 2020

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NEWS

RESOURCES

CORPS

New resource encourages physical activity UKI A NEW sporting resource entitled Venture Out Today has been released to encourage people to consider combining sport and wellbeing in their daily allowance of exercise during the pandemic.

Sport, fitness and recreation time is known to improve or maintain good mental and emotional health.

This particular series of Venture Out is centred around five ‘ways to wellbeing’ and allows people to reflect and be active in their everyday lives by employing three steps: assess, action and apply.

Centred around Romans 12 it focuses on elements of sports and allows people to receive coaching through God’s word as they go deeper and further with him in their everyday lives. – AR O Download the resource at salvationarmy.org.uk/resources/ coronavirus-response-resources

FUNDRAISING

Light shone on Christmas present appeal UKI THE Army’s Christmas Present Appeal was featured on BBC One’s The One Show.

Over four weeks, starting in November, viewers heard from struggling families helped by the appeal, as well as frontline staff sorting and delivering thousands of presents at participating corps.

BBC film crews recorded at Peterborough Citadel with corps officers Majors Gary and Lorraine Chaundy, who were braced for increased demand from people whose livelihoods have disappeared overnight due to the coronavirus pandemic and resulting lockdowns.

‘It was a pleasure to highlight the importance of the Christmas Present Appeal,’ commented Major Lorraine. ‘This year more than ever our support is needed in communities up and down the country.

Donating to the appeal online or in person will allow us to bring Christmas joy to even more children.’ – AR Send your news to salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk. Good quality pictures will be included.

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Salvationist 19 December 2020

ST IVES A fire broke out at a fish-and-chip shop next to the corps building causing significant damage to the structure. About 20 fire engines were called to the scene. No lives were lost, but approximately 180 Christmas food and gift parcels ready to be given out to families in need were destroyed. Local radio stations and businesses helped corps officer Lieutenant Nathan Loxley to promote the existing corps JustGiving page and raise funds to replace the items.

So far more than £30,000 has been generously donated. Pictured are Andy, Cora, Derek, Christian, Rob, Mary and divisional mission enabler Major Fiona Broom. Rob, Mary and Cora are long-term volunteers with the corps YP work and Andy, Derek and Christian work for Rob’s building company. – AR

PRESENTATIONS

BANGOR Annie Kinney-Bell and her mother, Lisa, made 114 Christmas baubles, raising more than £600 for the Family Appeal. ‘We hope that every time someone sees their rainbow bauble they remember the good things from this year and the hope of better things to come,’ said Lisa.

– LC

OUTREACH ROMFORD Barbara and Tom Hoyles, who have co-ordinated the friendship club for two decades, have kept the group connected through weekly phone calls since they had to stop meeting in the spring. ‘We will certainly continue this over Christmas and will send each other Christmas cards,’ said Tom. ‘Our mission has always been to combat loneliness. We will never turn anyone away who needs a safe place to find friendship.’ – AR

Guernsey corps officers Majors Claire and Jamie Hill present Recruiting Sergeant Terry Watt and Home and Family Chaplain Lilian Bale with retirement certificates thanking them for their years of service

COMMUNITY KILMARNOCK A small team of volunteers has kept the weekly drop-in going throughout this year, at one point being the only provision open in the town. The Soup and Sandwich lunch club adapted to become a delivery service, which grew as the council nominated people to be added to rounds. This has given volunteers the opportunity to chat with people in need in the community. On Thursdays a group has also taken homemade cakes and jam to people who are isolated to offer company and a chat. Cake has also been given to NHS and care home workers as well as departments at the local hospital. – EH

ADVENT REFLECTION

Four people have chosen a carol to reflect on during Advent. Major Bruce Smith concludes the series with a secon nd look at ‘A Starry Nig ghtt’

I

F truth be told, the carol that I chose for this Advent reflection surprised even me. With so many beautiful and deeply theological words set to an amazing array of melodies, we truly are spoilt within The Salvation Army.

Why is this modern carol so special?

Well, my wife, Isobel, and I suddenly realised that this year marks the 30th year of us singing it as a duet. We didn’t even realise that until our children pointed out that Christmas wasn’t Christmas for them without us singing this carol.

It was on a starry night When the hills were bright Earth lay sleeping, sleeping calm and still.

Then in a cattle shed, in a manger bed A boy was born, King of all the world.

And all the angels sang for him, The bells of Heaven rang for him, For a boy was born, King of all the world.

Soon the shepherds came that way Where the baby lay And were kneeling, kneeling by his side.

And their hearts believed again for the peace of men, For a boy was born, King of all the world.

Was it a starry night when the Saviour was born? We don’t know. We are aware of some wise men or Magi somewhere off to the east of Bethlehem, scouring the night sky for a special star.

So maybe it was a good night, the best night ever for stargazing. We know of shepherds out on the hillside keeping watch over their sheep, with no mention of rain to dampen their spirits. So it probably was a starry night. If that was the case, then it illustrates that this boy

A BOY WAS BORN, KING OF ALL THE WORLD

was not only born King of all the world, but King of all the universe.

Stepping out of a farm building late at night on South Ronaldsay, one of the Orkney Islands, I was blown away by the extent of the universe on display to the eyes of a ‘city boy’ for the very first time.

The God who created all this was my God, the one who was calling me. As Earth lay sleeping calm and still, I experienced a moment of grace as God revealed himself to me. This was followed quickly with another type of closeness to God as I experienced my future brother-in-law’s driving back to Kirkwall. The shepherds’ journey into Bethlehem may have been a little less hair-raising than my journey to Kirkwall, but it, too, was going to be an incredible moment of grace as they were ushered in to see this newborn King.

One might imagine these men as big, hairy, unwashed brutes. That was the assumption when it came to casting for the Christmas spectacular when I was a cadet in the training college. We all knew that our resident William Booth lookalike was certain to be a shepherd.

What was left for me? I was made a shepherd too – perhaps I was the unwashed one!

The truth was that I was the only one who had actually worked with sheep.

My experience of night-shift workers and people working with sheep leads

me to believe that this group of shepherds on that starry night probably included a variety of people with different interests. Some may have just seen a baby when they arrived at the stable, some may have thought they were hallucinating and some would have truly experienced the presence of the living Christ. Their world was changed that night when belief in God was stirred again. God was here for all kinds of people, and he still is.

The group of shepherds, the wise men on their way and the heavenly chorus of angels – all included in the carol’s two short verses and chorus – gather round to welcome God, born as a baby, into our world. We, too, have the opportunity to bow before this baby-king.

This year, as Isobel and I share in song through the Findochty Corps Facebook page, it will be different. Our 30th year of singing this carol together will carry every bit as much meaning as every other time since we started, only this time we get to sing out to the world of which this boy came to be King. What an amazing privilege!

MAJOR SMITH IS CORPS OFFICER, FINDOCHTY AND BUCKIE, AND PRACTITIONER TUTOR, WBC Salvationist 19 December 2020

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FEATURE I Christmas in Sri Lanka

Colour and joy Major Tracey Palmer recalls celebrat celebrating ting her her ffirst Christmas in Sri Lanka

W

HEN the editor of Salvationist asked me to write this article back in September, I replied from Avalon, the Army’s accommodation in Chislehurst for those home from international service. I’d been there since March due to visa issues, then Covid-19 restrictions, preventing my travel back to Sri Lanka. ‘Yes, I’ll do it,’ I said. ‘I’ll be back in Sri Lanka by November.’

However, I am still at Avalon, carrying out my role of training principal via the internet.

Like many of us, my certainty has been shaken during the past year. We approach Christmas not sure how we will do things – with memories of how Christmas should be, but not knowing what the reality will be. As I have thought about this article and looked for photos, memories have shone through and have scattered some light into the dark spaces of uncertainty.

December 2019 was my first Christmas in Sri Lanka after serving for five years in a Muslim country where Christmas takes place away from the everyday life of the rest of the population. Not so in Sri Lanka.

Although it is a majority Buddhist country, Christmas is evident on the streets and in the shops, with decorations, Christmas offers, special food, Christmas ‘love’ cake and, 10

Salvationist 19 December 2020

surprisingly, mince pies.

Christmas trees are on sale and larger ones are displayed in public places. Christmas Day is a public holiday, so there is a general sense of anticipation and enjoyment of the external things of the season.

The openness of Christmas in Sri Lanka touched me deeply, with the sense of coming to a place where my faith was acknowledged as part of ordinary life. I could recognise familiar

things and rest in that familiarity.

It seemed that my two worlds came together in the things the UK and Sri Lanka share at Christmas.

Christians in Sri Lanka go to carol services and Nativity events, and decorate homes and halls with the words of Christmas: love, joy, peace,

hope. Carol services include the familiar Bible readings and Englishlanguage carols translated into Sinhala and Tamil. Listening carefully we hear three languages joining together in one song – a foretaste of Heaven and evidence of reconciliation.

The message of Christmas is understood in the context of life in Sri Lanka, so when children take part in Nativity plays Mary wears a sari and Joseph wears a sarong, a garment of a working man.

At The Salvation Army’s home for older people, the residents played the parts. They looked very different from how we imagine Mary and Joseph, but indicated the inclusivity of Christmas and the desire of the residents to participate and celebrate with their talents, rather than be relegated to spectators. In one carol service fake snow canisters had been attached to the railings of the balcony and the evening was punctuated by bursts of snow, which drenched the unfortunate cadet sitting in direct line of the blizzards. People moved to accommodate her and dry her off, quietly caring in the midst of a joyful celebration.

Carol services conclude with a feast, including special curries and sweet desserts. Everyone joins together to eat, talk and catch up.

One poignant memory from last year

It was loud and full of praise. There was a true sense of family coming together was a carol service at a children’s home. The mother of a young boy came to the service. Her pride and love for the boy were evident as she held him close, knowing it could be for only one evening because she was unable to take care of him due to poverty and had entrusted him to the care of The Salvation Army.

At the end of a carol service the fans are turned off as candles are passed round the congregation.

We sing by candlelight and I find myself praying that someone will turn the fans on again soon as I get hotter and hotter from the candles and the tropical heat in the room. But in that moment, as familiar words are sung and faces are illuminated by candlelight, there is again a sense of continuity with home.

Christmas morning sees Christians attending beautifully decorated churches in their best clothes. Bright colours are everywhere as saris are worn in honour of the special day.

Little boys are pressed into suits and girls wear pretty party dresses.

Christmas was especially poignant in 2019, after the Easter bombings earlier that year had targeted hotels

and churches. Like others, the church that I attended was protected by police watching out for danger so that we could celebrate. I wondered if people would stay away out of fear of what could happen. The answer unfolded before me: people came on

foot, motorbikes and three-wheelers, wearing their best clothes and carrying their Bibles.

The church was packed, each person giving their witness to the power of the Incarnation and showing that there is no fear in love. A living testimony of courage, quiet dignity

and of life lived in the power of the incarnate God. The service was full of joy, together with the acknowledgement of pain, but most of all trust in God. It was loud and full of praise. There was a true sense of family coming together. It was also a place of welcome for strangers, with a young man sitting close to me providing translation, without being asked, so that I could understand what was being said.

Although Covid-19 restrictions will make Christmas in the UK different this year, my memories of last Christmas evoke in me a determination to celebrate again with colour and joy, to emulate the quiet courage and love of my Sri Lankan brothers and sisters.

Knowing that the ‘Word became flesh and dwelt among us’ (John 1:14 English Standard Version) means that, whatever happens, it will be OK because our God is not distant; he came down to us in the vulnerability of a baby and still reveals himself to us through his Spirit and through his people.

MAJOR PALMER IS TRAINING PRINCIPAL, SRI LANKA TERRITORY Salvationist 19 December 2020

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PHOTO FEATURE I 2020 in pictures

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Staff Son Encounte 6. Wizard Day coffe Dublin 9 10. A hai 11. Winto

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12. Prepa in Kent 1 crews 15 (Alnwick

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ieutenant of Surrey visits Guildford Corps food bank ett Band receive a blue heritage plaque 3. International ngsters celebrate 40th anniversary 4. Delegates at the er Prayer Gathering 5. Penge international weekend d of Oz characters at Hinckley 7. Morriston’s St David’s ee morning 8. Paws for thought at the Granby Centre, 9. Messengers of the Kingdom are commissioned ir-raising fundraising experience for Noah (Staple Hill)

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CHRISTMAS MEDITATION

Christmas will be different this year writes Commissioner Elizabeth Matear

H

OW can we celebrate Christmas this year? We are in the midst of a global pandemic, which came silently and unwanted and has made its dwelling among us in our neighbourhoods. We are all weathering the storm together, albeit in different ways.

Christmas is a time for gathering together, preparing and celebrating. It is likely to be different this year. The realities of 2020 might well mean the big day, the big dinner, the big party might not be as big. But we can hope it will be as special. This Christmas can still be a time for preparation and reflection, time to make Jesus the centrepiece of our lives, for he is Immanuel, God with us.

For many, just as in past years, Christmas may be simple and solitary.

There may be pain and disappointment.

These long months have underlined to many of us what being alone means.

We have appreciated what being a good neighbour means and reached out 14

Salvationist 19 December 2020

where there is need. We have already moved into the neighbourhood with good news and goodness to the poor and poor in heart.

The first Christmas featured a family that was complicated and certainly not straightforward, at a time of political and social upheaval. Family life can be complicated. Some have no family or families are divided and relationships fractured. The Christmas message is that God, who so loved the world, sent his one and only Son to reconcile us to him and to one another – he brings peace.

As we work for reconciliation and as we give and receive forgiveness, things may seem different this year. Places of worship might be open, but with limitations on numbers, no singing, no wishing ‘happy Christmas’ and no hugs.

Our celebration and preparation have usually involved coming together in worship, whether weekly or even just at Christmas, and this is precious to us.

We want and need to be connected with

one another, to come home for Christmas, to be with our family and our church family. This is a time to make an effort to come together.

People are seeking meaning more than ever. These months have revealed many people tuning in to virtual worship and turning to Jesus in a different way.

It’s beginning to look a lot like a digital Christmas. This is a time to open ourselves up to a wider community – to people who might be ready to come and see and hear about this child, Jesus.

‘The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth’ (John 1:14). This is a time of hope. ‘And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us’ (Romans 5:5 New International Version 2001).

The world is never going to be exactly how it was for us before the pandemic.

We have to reimagine and redesign

Where there is loss, hurt and disappointment, still the dear Christ enters in

Christmas. Comfort and joy have to be reflectively held out to those who may have lost loved ones and livelihoods.

‘Praise be to … the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God’ (2 Corinthians 1:3 and 4).

In truth, we may confess that we have crowded too much into Christmas in previous times and perhaps have lost the meaning of Christ coming into our world to bring salvation. For so long we have desired to put Christ back into Christmas. This might be the time to ring the changes.

That first Christmas there was a large gathering to celebrate the birth of Jesus. We read of a great company of the heavenly host, shepherds living out in the fields keeping watch over their flocks and Magi from the east following the star. They all came, saw, praised God and worshipped. There was a need to seek and discover ‘God with us’ in their lives.

Our needs are the same. Wherever we are – quarantining, isolating, in our bubble – we need to know God is with us. We need to worship in spirit and truth. We can still come seeking Jesus.

We can treasure all these things in our hearts. We can make room and open our hearts and minds to his coming into our 2020 world.

How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is given!

So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of his Heaven.

No ear may hear his coming; But in this world of sin Where meek souls will receive him, still The dear Christ enters in.

(SASB 118) Where there is loss, hurt and disappointment, still the dear Christ enters in. For many, Christmas will be different because of the loss of a loved one. There may be a struggle to go

forward. The uncertainty may be difficult to deal with. We might feel there is no light at the end of the tunnel.

The difference Jesus makes is light in our darkness: ‘In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness’ (John 1:4 and 5). As we light our candles and listen to carols we can have light and hope in our hearts.

Christmas will be different – yet still the same because God is unchanging.

The Prince of Peace has come into the world, into every situation.

May we face the coming days with assurance and strength, and with our hearts restored, because our God is sovereign.

COMMISSIONER MATEAR LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN NOTTINGHAM Salvationist 19 December 2020

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BIBLE STUDY

Born for all Major David Howarth reminds us that all of us feature in the Christmas story

MATTHEW 2:1–23

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OSEPH was warned in three dreams to stay away from Herod and, later, Herod’s son Archelaus.

In a dream the Magi were warned not to go back to Herod. Many people in Africa today testify of God speaking to them in dreams. In my role as training principal, I have lost count of the number of cadets who, in interviews, recall precise guidance, encouragements and indeed warnings given by God while they were asleep.

QUESTION O Has God ever spoken to you in a dream?

It is my observation that biblical culture has more crossovers with African culture than with European. Perhaps this is an example of God speaking in culturally appropriate ways. Nevertheless, God

Through the week with Salvationist – a devotional thought for each day

by Lieut-Colonel Brenda Oakley

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absolutely wants to communicate with you. How does he do it?

Bible commentaries almost universally affirm that Matthew’s intended readers were Jewish converts to Christianity. An example running through his Gospel account, almost as a subplot, is that Jesus was like a second or new Moses.

This would have resonated powerfully with those first readers.

QUESTION O How many similarities can you see in the infancy stories of Moses and Jesus?

The warnings received by Joseph led the holy family to Egypt. Notwithstanding the significance of the patriarchs, the Exodus story is perhaps most looked to as the event that gave the Israelites their identity. It was from the terrible and oppressive bondage of Egypt that the people emerged free. It was from suffering, and a struggle that they could

not win, that God rescued them. God intervened as they cried out, and he led them to where the promised milk and honey were.

The liberation, towards which Moses led his people, foreshadowed what would be perfected in Christ. God warned Joseph to flee to Egypt for a short while, from where Jesus would emerge to provide salvation. Gaining freedom from Pharaoh was no small thing, but Jesus would ‘save his people from their sins’ (Matthew 1:21).

QUESTION O Can you explain in a few words how Jesus saves?

The Magi had a first meeting with Herod, but they were warned not to have a second. Herod was a bad man, and the star directed the gift-bearers away from him to Christ. Herod was totally self-absorbed, whereas the Magi

SUNDAY

MONDAY

As with gladness men of old/ Did the guiding star behold,/ As with joy they hailed its light,/ Leading onward, beaming bright,/ So, most gracious Lord, may we/ Evermore be led to thee.

(SASB 101)

After Jesus was born in Silent night! Holy night!/ Bethlehem in Judea, during Guiding star, lend thy light./ the time of King Herod, See, the eastern wise men Magi from the east came to bring/ Gifts and homage to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where our King,/ Jesus Christ is is the one who has been born here. king of the Jews? We saw his (SASB 124) star when it rose and have come to worship him.’ When Prayer King Herod heard this he Dear Father, as we was disturbed, and all approach Christmas, we Jerusalem with him. give thanks for Jesus, who came (Matthew 2:1–3) to Earth as a baby and grew to

Salvationist 19 December 2020

TUESDAY

be a man – our Saviour and our friend. May we remember the reason for the season, and share the story with all we meet.

were convinced that a search beyond themselves and the familiar was where a completeness yet unknown to them could be found. Herod was a weak man; power lay in the manger, according to Luke.

QUESTIONS O Have you ever been deceived by appearances?

O When was the last time you found beauty in an unlikely place?

New Testament scholar Craig Blomberg characterises the salvation message in Matthew’s Gospel as being ‘particular and universal’. Matthew wrote directly to Jewish converts but he revealed Jesus’ offer of salvation to be global in scope. Serving as bookends to the account of how Christ fulfilled Old Testament messianic prophecy are the story of the gentile Magi worshipping the infant Jesus and the Great

Commission in Matthew 28:19. Some of the first to pay homage to Jesus were probably the last people Matthew’s Jewish converts would have expected to feature in his story.

QUESTIONS O Is there anybody Jesus can’t reach?

O Think of yourself as a star: which searching soul are you leading to Jesus?

If we ever start to become narrow in our Kingdom thinking, the Magi’s appearance in Jesus’ birth story should serve as a corrective. All can worship Jesus. All can receive Jesus because he was born for all.

‘Herods’ of the world would deceive us and put an end to Jesus. Let us be warned about giving them opportunities to harm our journey with the Lord.

They would lead us to bondage and destruction. The Magi were warned to go home by a different route.

QUESTION O Is it possible to truly encounter Jesus and not commence travelling on a road of grace leading towards Christlikeness?

I trust that you have a wonderful Christmas. In Nigeria, while gift-giving is modest, joy and happiness are lavish.

We will eat a lot and turkey may feature.

Red and green will be prominent colours in dress and decoration. We will sing the traditional carols, although they will be accompanied by sophisticated drum rhythms and wonderful harmonies that might be unfamiliar – not better, just different. Most important of all is that the Christ child will be worshipped. In this, Christians around the world will be united. Hallelujah!

MAJOR HOWARTH IS TRAINING PRINCIPAL, NIGERIA

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

The star … stopped over the place where the child was …

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

(Matthew 2:9–12)

Mine are riches, from your poverty,/ From your innocence, eternity;/ Mine, forgiveness by your death for me,/ Child of sorrow for my joy.

(SASB 123)

After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.’ So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea … he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream … he went and lived in a town called Nazareth.

(Matthew 2:19–23)

A boy grew up in Nazareth,/ A sturdy lad and full of grace;/ He laughed and ran and studied too,/ And God smiled through his glowing face.

(SASB 98)

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REFLECTION REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TION TI ON

Grumpy at Christmas

by Ron Thomlinson with the Rev James Macfarlane

‘I

DIDN’T think the grumpy-old-man syndrome happened automatically,’ snapped my son as he dramatically exited stage right up the open staircase leading from our living room. I cannot even remember what we argued about, but it is a matter of survival for those I live with to keep out of my way from now until after New Year’s Day. Evolutionists call it natural selection.

I could fill a laundry list with reasons whyy I become crabbyy and shorttempered at this time of the year. My emotional lifeline is to start composing our family anti-Christmas newsletter, full of sarcasm and reverse snobbery. In inverse proportion to the number of days until Christmas, my grump-ometer flies off the scale. Even Snow White would not tolerate this Grumpy in her crew.

One of the reasons is that, having celebrated this season 75 times, I never seem to hear anything new. I know what is coming. I scream inside for a new truth, a new vision, a new insight. Please, knock me out with a new take-home message!

I once had a job that involved me attending an endless number of Advent and carol services as a guest. It was the same everywhere. By 26 December I was incapable of singing yet another verse of ‘Hark! the Herald Angels

Sing’ and I’d heard all the messages before. I asked my mate Jim what to do.

‘Ron,’ he replied, ‘though it is difficult to think of you as grumpier than usual, it obviously happens. The lack of novelty in the social routine and the familiarity of the religious narrative at Christmas are clearly the cause. And you are not alone, trust me!

‘The institutions of Christendom have become more than a little tired and arthritic after two millennia of history. y universal Grumpiness has also become a univers side effect of Covid-19.

‘Have you ever sung the “Hark carol, “Ha How All Welkin the Wel Rings”?

Probably Neither not. Neithe had anyone else, until George Whitefield stroked out the antique English of his friend Charles Wesley and rewrote it as “Hark! the herald Glory angels sing:/ Glo to the newborn King.” It was breathtaking at its first performance. performance ‘It was the same stroke of genius made that mad the old General Genera change chang the

definition of The Christian Mission from a volunteer army to a Salvation Army. Often the plight of the jaded and the weary lies, as the Bard said, “not in our stars, but in ourselves”.

‘So, what if I spoke to you of exploding suns, galactic cataclysms, unimaginable cosmic implosion, the last apocalyptic throes of creation ending everything we have ever known? That would liven things up for you, would it not? But what does this science fiction-like scenario, worthy of Star Wars, have to do with the approach of Christmas? Amazingly, it is there every year but we do not seem to notice it. The traditional lesson on the first Sunday of Advent includes: “The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken” (Matthew 24:29 New King James Version).

‘What has an apocalyptic cataclysm to do with the advent of Jesus? The reason is that in this season we consider the birth of Christ and the conclusion of the story for humanity and all creation.

‘The coming of Christ is God’s pledge to us that the story of humanity has an ultimate meaning. That in creation there is purpose and a final end. Even as Christians we have been blinded by the materialist narrative that life is transient and that the vast universe itself will end in nothingness; cold, dead and inert.

‘The Christian affirmation, even in the terrifying images of apocalypse, is the opposite: that life, that we ourselves, that all things in the vast cosmos will find their end in God. The hidden God, known only to faith, will emerge in his fullness. Faith will turn to sight. God through Christ will be all in all.

‘I suspect that all our spirits will be lifted this Christmas if a few heralds should chance to come our way so that we catch even the faintest echo of angel song.

‘Hopefully that makes you feel less grumpy.

‘Happy Christmas from your old mate, Jim.’ RON IS A CHRISTIAN WRITER IN THE NETHERLANDS AND JIM LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN DUNOON. THEY BECAME FRIENDS IN 1966 WHILE CADETS AT DENMARK HILL

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Salvationist 19 Dec

Poets’ corner THE CANDLES BURN The candles burn with flame so bright, Reminding us you came that night.

The angels, shepherds, kings came too, From near and far to worship you.

The candles burn with flame so bright, Reminding us you died one night, But rose again to set us free, To save the sinner: you and me.

The candles burn with flame so bright Reminding us you are God’s light.

Come, Lord, as long ago you came, And set our eager hearts aflame.

MAJOR SIMON CLAMPTON (PERSONNEL SERVICE, THQ)

CAN CHRISTMAS MAKE A DIFFERENCE? Can Christmas make a difference this year?

Let’s find the truth and know that you are here.

Have people had the chance to think about your simple birth And know that you have come to save the people of the Earth?

Can Christmas make a difference this year?

Can all the world discover you are here?

Will people see your manger scene and find you lying there?

Let Christmas make a difference this year! Jesus!

Let Christmas make a difference this year.

THE NIGHT MY TROMBONE FROZE (Hawick, Scotland, in the 1980s) Cold ears, cold toes.

King Frost will get a grip tonight.

A single snowflake whirls and blows, Dancing in the lamp post’s light A small brass band announces Christmastide ‘Glory to God on high, And peace down here.’

How long, O Lord, how long?

Rather too long for me, I fear.

It’s started snowing.

O for a hot mince pie!

Something’s gone badly wrong.

Cruel King Frost has gripped my trombone slide.

I can’t keep going.

We still had proper winters then, Though climate change was creeping up unseen.

The strength of middle age won’t come again, And yet these notes that memory made I wrap in rhyme for you: ‘Here, friend, are truths for ever true: That night, no single horn was blown in vain.

Fun may or may not fade, But faith and hope and steadfast love remain.’

JOHN COUTTS (STIRLING)

CONSEQUENCES Every year we hear the joyful story: Angels singing peace, goodwill to all, Telling all the frightened, sleepy shepherds To go and find the baby in the stall.

Jesus, you came down to bring us goodness, That we can be as gentle as a child; So this year after all that we have been through, We thank you gentle Jesus, meek and mild.

Can Christmas make a difference this year?...

The whole world needs the spirit of this season, In more ways than it ever has before; So maybe in a special way this Christmas, Your tender love will mean a great deal more.

Let’s spread your wondrous story all around us, And tell them of the peace that you can bring; So let your love be with us and surround us, Then Christmas time with you can now begin.

MARK AYLING (EASTBOURNE CITADEL)

Travelling home from Bethlehem, I’m sure they never knew, The seed that they had planted And the damage it would do.

Forewarned, the one he sought to kill Escaped before troops came And slaughtered all the innocents In wicked Herod’s name.

How troops would enter every home Around and in that town, And butcher all the baby boys To save King Herod’s crown.

The wisest men are foolish still When they, like you and I, Replace God-given guidance and On other things rely.

If only they had kept their eyes Upon God’s heavenly sign; King Herod may have never known Or carried out that crime.

We may correct the error made, And things work out just so, But what of consequences that We never ever know?

But when the Magi told him of A new king born nearby, Alarmed, he had to find the child: The infant had to die.

So teach me how to trust in you To always be my guide, And when I’m pulled another way, Lord, keep me by your side.

MAJOR HOWARD WEBBER

Salvationist 19 December 2020

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THE SALVATIONIST TEAM WISHES ALL READERS A

HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A PEACEFUL NEW YEAR

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JONATHAN

IVAN

HANNAH

MARK

LOUISE

SHANELLE

SIMON

MELITA

CHRIS

MAGGIE

Salvationist 19 December 2020

NEW COMMITMENTS

GOSPORT Adhering to social distancing measures, family and friends gathered to witness Derick Warren and Jeanette Wilde being welcomed as adherent members.

Derick shared Psalm 23 as his favourite verse of Scripture and Jeanette shared 1 Corinthians 13.

In a Covid-secure meeting in front of a few family members and friends, Charlie and Dylan were enrolled as junior soldiers after their scheduled enrolment on Mothering Sunday was postponed due to the pandemic. Their first encounter with the Army was through Messy Church and then Jam (Jesus and Me) club.

Harry Ruscoe was welcomed as an adherent member in a private ceremony in his home. Harry linked up with the Army through an adherents course. – KS

DUNDEE Wishing to take the next step in their spiritual journeys, Babs Malcolm and Mick Pearce were enrolled as soldiers by corps officer Major Carole Tucker. – GB

BOOTH HOUSE LIFEHOUSE, SWINDON Five Core Recovery Fellowship members joined Maria Crewe as she was welcomed as an adherent member in the centre’s chapel.

Booth House Chaplain Captain Brian Ward (pictured) led the meeting, supported by Captain Martyn Watson (Chaplain, Logos House Lifehouse). Maria spoke about her coming to understand God in a new way, enabling her to return to faith.

She has attended chaplaincy events since May 2019 and Core Recovery Fellowship since it started the following November. – BW

BELFAST SYDENHAM Corps officer Major Graham Wood enrolled Jonny Harvey and Lillias Ann McCullagh as soldiers and welcomed Kyrie Smith as an adherent member.

They witnessed to the power of God leading them to take this next step in their faith journeys and spoke of the warm welcome and rich fellowship they found at the corps. Corps folk witnessed the new commitments while following safety guidelines and spoke the blessing from Numbers 6 over them. The meeting featured Jonny, Lillias Ann and Kyrie’s favourite music, as well as testimonies. – KW Salvationist 19 December 2020

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Emerald (55th) O Majors Leslie and Ruth Taylor (1 January) RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Lieut-Colonel Shirley Parker (85 on 2 January) O Major Paul Latham (85 on 7 January) PROMOTED TO GLORY O Joan Mason, Abertillery O Songster Clive Parker, Sale O Janet Friend, Motherwell O Margaret Hembling, Christchurch O Major Albert Sutton from Nottingham City Hospital on 9 December BEREAVED O Major Margaret Stewart of her brother John Skeet O Major Margaret Sutton of her husband Major Albert Sutton O Ernie Hembling, Christchurch, of his wife Margaret Hembling, Gillian Hembling, Christchurch, of her mother O Bandmaster William Friend, Motherwell, of his wife Janet Friend, Major Janet McIntyre, Kinlochleven, Bandsman William Friend, Motherwell, and Songster Elizabeth Young, Edinburgh Gorgie, of their mother

WHAT’S ON WELCOME TO CHRISTMAS WITH THE SALVATION ARMY On Christmas morning BBC local radio stations will broadcast highlights from the recent online territorial carol concert. The hour-long programme will include carols, readings and music from the staff sections and guests, including Classical Reflection, Farringtons School Junior Singers, Lee Mead, Charlie Green and Tenors Unlimited.

O Broadcast times can be found on BBC local radio websites and the programme will be available afterwards on BBC Sounds

VISION AND COMMITMENT 2021 Territorial leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill will lead an online meeting for Vision and Commitment Sunday on 3 January. The theme is Going Forward Together – Living in God’s Covenant. The territorial leaders will install Colonels Paul and Jenine Main as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development respectively. There will be contributions from across the territory.

O The meeting will be available to watch at youtube.com/salvationarmyvideo from 9am on Sunday 3 January

TRIBUTES CAPTAIN JOAN LE MARCHANTDAVISON JOAN grew up on Guernsey and attended L’Islet Corps.

As a child she was involved in every way possible and developed a strong commitment to and love of the Lord.

In 1956 she entered the International Training College as a member of the Faithful session. After commissioning, Joan was appointed to corps including Pill, Bristol Kingswood, Devizes, Bush Hill Park, Tring, Plymouth Shaftesbury Hall, Newton Abbot, Tiverton and St Sampson’s.

During a period of sick furlough spent at her island home, Joan also looked after Alderney Corps while it was unofficered and marked corps cadet lessons.

In 1975 she was transferred to the Accounts and Cashiers Department at International Headquarters, retiring in 1982.

After moving to Lincoln Joan became increasingly housebound and, in the latter years of her life, was pleased to belong to Guernsey Corps and be included in its CD ministry. Joan would often write of her deep sense of joy to find her spiritual home among her friends on her ‘beloved Guernsey’. – JH

AUDREY JENNINGS, SUNDERLAND MONKWEARMOUTH AUDREY, along with her two brothers, was a third-generation Salvationist and was fully immersed in the corps youth activities before becoming a soldier.

Employment as a dressmaker was followed by auxiliary nursing.

In 1958 Audrey married Arthur and later the family moved to Wales for work.

On returning to Sunderland she again became active in the corps, especially the home league, ladies fellowship and singers. Audrey and Arthur were also tireless workers for the luncheon club.

Throughout her life – in family, corps and socially – Audrey was known for her cheerfulness and willingness to help.

She is greatly missed by Arthur, their four children, six grandchildren and great-granddaughter. – TH EILEEN CLOUSTON, DUDLEY THE eldest of two sisters, Eileen was born in Oldham in 1932. While at Dudley Citadel she entered officer training in the early 1950s and was stationed at Newcastle-under-Lyme, Ryde and Strawberry Field in Liverpool, where she made many happy memories.

She met Les at Dudley. They were married in 1967 and had two children, Mark and Alison.

Eileen was a loving wife and mother.

She was a songster and worked with the young people as the cradle roll sergeant.

She also held the post of home league secretary for more than 20 years.

In 2019, after the sad loss of her husband, Eileen’s health deteriorated.

She was diagnosed with vascular dementia but her faith remained strong.

Eileen’s love of God and The Salvation Army knew no bounds and her generosity of time, faith and love touched many lives. – IO

PERSONAL BANDSMAN GORDON I QUINN of Sunderland Monkwearmouth Corps would like to wish a merry Christmas and a peaceful new year to all his comrades and friends. Sadly, due to the promotion to Glory of his beloved and treasured wife Joan, and his ongoing illness, he will not be sending out Christmas cards this year. God bless you all.

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Salvationist 19 December 2020

MAJORS CLIFF AND PAT KENT Wishing all our friends a blessed and safe Christmas.

Please note that all adverts carried in Salvationist are subject to house style and carried at the Editor’s discretion. Email advertising@ salvationarmy.org.uk for more information.

Prayer ADVENT ALPHABET FOCUS

by Major Gethin Thomas

19 DECEMBER – SMALL The meaning of the birth of Jesus is that God became small to accomplish something infinitely big. He became a baby, in a modest family, in a small town, in a marginal corner of the world’s leading empire, in order to begin the salvation of all humanity. God, in his economy, never sees the small as ineffective and insignificant. CS Lewis wrote in The Last Battle: ‘In our world too, a stable once had something inside it that was bigger than our whole world.’ Prayerfully embrace the small to find the bigger things of God. 20 DECEMBER – TRANSFORMED The shepherds returned and ‘spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child’ (Luke 2:17). They were transformed, hence becoming messengers to others as the angels had been to them. The shepherds became angels – for the original meaning of ‘angel’ is ‘messenger’. The encounter with this baby had profoundly changed them, having found the angelic message of hope, joy and salvation to be true. Lord, in finding the Christ child, these excluded, impure shepherds became angels bringing the good news of God. Help me to become an angel to others today. Amen.

21 DECEMBER – US ‘A child is born ... a son is given’ (Isaiah 9:6). ‘Us’ is a short word; it means you and me together. It really tells for whom the gospel was given. Of course, Jesus came for ‘them’ and ‘those’. He came for others and he came for all. But in all of this we must not lose the wonder that he came for you and me – he came for us. Note the last two letters in the name Jesus are ‘us’. Thank you, Jesus, for coming for us all! Amen.

22 DECEMBER – VULNERABLE God put his beloved son, Jesus, in his place when he came to Earth. It was a vulnerable place, in a culture that did not sentimentalise, indulge or cosset children, since they were more marginalised even than women. It was a dangerous time, as Herod’s slaughter of the infant boys of Bethlehem shows (see Matthew 2:16). Ask God to be with those who are vulnerable. He knows all about it. ‘Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay/ Close by me for ever, and love me, I pray’ (SASB 102).

Hard copies of the Prayer Matters booklet (Jan – June 2021) will not be printed for the 7,000 people who usually receive it.

Salvationist will continue to print the prayer themes each week from the 2 January issue onwards.

23 DECEMBER – WORDLESS Many words in Matthew’s and Luke’s accounts of Jesus’ birth are about Joseph.

Interestingly, though, not one single word is recorded as coming from him. He is given no song to sing, no sermon to preach and no prayer to say. In Scripture he is wordless! Yet in his wordlessness he more than eloquently carries out the purpose and plan of God. We are often full of words as we work through Advent. As you pray, refrain from using words, but silently wait on God to speak to you.

24 DECEMBER – XENIAL Those who are xenial are hospitable, especially to visiting strangers or foreigners. John’s Gospel boldly declares that while Jesus came into the world, the world did not recognise him: ‘He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him’ ( John 1:11).

Lord, how many times have we not recognised your presence in our midst? Forgive us and open our eyes to see you and to welcome you.

Amen.

25 DECEMBER – YOU Jesus arguably has three birthdays. We honour his birth as a human baby in Bethlehem each year. Also, through the ages, theologians have recounted his eternal birth (or eternal generation) as Son of the Father in the splendour of the Trinity. Then his third birthday is by grace, in the life of every believer who accepts him. Lord Jesus, be born in me again today. Amen.

26 DECEMBER – ZEALOUS Congratulations for the zeal you have shown if you have worked through this Advent Alphabet series! The letter ‘Z’ could signify the end of our list, but the word ‘zeal’ signifies a lasting energy and enthusiasm for a cause. A few days after his birth, Jesus’ parents presented him in the Temple (Luke 2:22).

Seeing the family, the prophetess Anna recognised Jesus as God’s promise for saving Jerusalem (see vv36–38). She gave thanks to God, and in advancing age her enthusiasm and energy ensured she went on telling others of Jesus with such zeal. Lord, give us this same zeal as your children in making Jesus known.

We know that the true work of Christmas begins after Christmas. Amen.

EPIPHANY FOCUS

by Major Jo Moody (Associate officer, Balham)

27 DECEMBER ‘Epiphany’ is a word that comes from the Greek epiphaneia, which means ‘appearing’ or ‘revelation’. As we look back together in prayer over the past year, let us consider the moments of revelation we have experienced, as well as the longer journeys of discovery we have made in our faith.

Today, simply think about and thank God for all your epiphanies throughout this year.

28 DECEMBER ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him’ (Matthew 2:2). The Magi’s first epiphany was a sign in the sky for a newborn king. Their moment of initial revelation started a long journey of discovery to find Jesus. Father God, we pray for those who are on a journey into faith, seeking and searching to find meaning. We pray that your Holy Spirit would be the sign that leads them to Jesus Christ. Amen.

29 DECEMBER ‘When they saw the star they were overjoyed’ (Matthew 2:10). For the Magi, this was the ultimate epiphany; a moment of great revelation as they recognised the Saviour, the King of kings, and they were filled with joy. Pray that many people would encounter Jesus in a moment of epiphany and be filled with joy. Take some time yourself to read Matthew’s account of the Magi; imagine yourself there, meeting Jesus in person, and simply bow down and adore him.

30 DECEMBER ‘Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh’ (Matthew 2:11). The Magi each had something different to offer that was fitting for Jesus. So do you and I. This is the response of a worshipping heart that has truly met Jesus: to open up completely our hearts, our minds, our deepest being — all that we are and all the treasures we have — to offer to the Lord. Just where you are right now, offer yourself afresh to God: you are the treasure he longs to receive.

31 DECEMBER ‘They returned to their own country by another route’ (Matthew 2:12). Father God, we leave 2020 with all its experiences and lessons, joys and sorrows in your hands.

We choose to walk forward in faith with you into 2021.

We believe that whatever paths you lead us into, we will know your peace, joy and love as we trust you and walk with you. Thank you that you walk beside us and have promised never to leave us. We worship and adore you, Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, for now and for ever. Amen.

O A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationarmy.org.uk/resources Salvationist 19 December 2020

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