What is The Salvation Army? The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity providing services in the community, particularly to those who are vulnerable and marginalised. Motivated by our Christian faith, we offer practical support and services in more than 700 centres throughout the UK to all who need them, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual orientation. To find your nearest centre visit salvationarmy.org.uk/find-a-church
What is the War Cry? The Salvation Army first published a newspaper called the War Cry in London in December 1879, and we have continued to appear every week since then. Our name refers to our battle for people’s hearts and souls as we promote the positive impact of the Christian faith and The Salvation Army’s fight for greater social justice.
WAR CRY
EDITOR From From the editor’s desk
HAS there been a Christmas as eagerly awaited as this one? Ever since coronavirus led to the national lockdown in March, many people have struggled with the restrictions placed on everyday life. Consequently, numerous households have looked to Christmas as a source of light, colour and hope at a difficult time. After all the cancellations and disappointments, it has been something to look forward to. As the governments of the UK’s nations rolled out their coronavirus rules for this month, we have all come to realise that this will not be a normal Christmas – even with the limited loosening of restrictions in the days around 25 December. But still people will be hoping that it will be a time when they can know, for a few short days, peace from the worries that the pandemic has brought and joy in what has been for many a joyless year. The reality, though, is that the historical events celebrated at Christmas mean that it is possible to experience the longed-for joy and peace for more than just a few short days. For Christians, Christmas marks the birth of Jesus. The Bible says that angels declared his birth to be an event of great joy that would bring people peace (see Luke 2:10–14). Christians have not been immune from the misery and distress of coronavirus. But through it all, they have known that the same Jesus whose birth they celebrate at Christmas has been with them, offering to help them through their tough times. That offer is open to everyone. Will we accept it and experience help that lasts beyond this time of year?
Issue No 7503
Editor: Andrew Stone, Major Deputy Editor: Philip Halcrow Production Editor: Ivan Radford Assistant Editor: Sarah Olowofoyeku Staff Writer: Emily Bright Staff Writer: Claire Brine Editorial Assistant: Linda McTurk Graphic Designer: Rodney Kingston Graphic Designer: Mark Knight Email: warcry@salvationarmy.org.uk The Salvation Army UK Territory with the Republic of Ireland 101 Newington Causeway London SE1 6BN Tel: 0845 634 0101
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Founder: William Booth General: Brian Peddle Territorial Commander: Commissioner Anthony Cotterill Editor-in-Chief: Major Mal Davies Published weekly by The Salvation Army ©The Salvation Army United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland ISSN 0043-0226 The Salvation Army Trust is a registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399. Printed by Walstead Roche Ltd, St Austell, on sustainably sourced paper
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INFO 2 • War Cry • Christmas 2020
Contents
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FEATURES 3
Signed, sealed, delivered Royal Mail’s seasonal stamps
4
An empty story? A special message for Christmas
6
A focus on acting Theatre company puts a stage play on screen
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Christmas traditions unwrapped How our festive celebrations originated
REGULARS
12
Now, There’s a Thought!
13
Bible Series
14 Puzzles 15
War Cry Kitchen