War Cry 11 December 2021

Children’s author reimagines the Christmas story

WAR CRY

11 December 2021 50p

Rhys keeps dancing Strictly star on reaching the semi-final Sandra Bullock in film about forgiveness

What is The Salvation Army?

From the editor’s desk

The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity seeking to share the good news of Jesus and nurture committed followers of him. We also serve people without discrimination, care for creation and seek justice and reconciliation. We offer practical support and services in more than 700 centres throughout the UK. Go to salvationarmy.org.uk/find-a-church to find your nearest centre.

CHRISTMAS, one school of thought says, is for kids. School Nativity plays, trips to see Father Christmas and the look of wonder on little ones’ faces when they see the decorations are all cited as evidence to support this point of view.

However, work Christmas parties, the thought of a full roast turkey dinner, and people dropping hints on what the perfect present would be may suggest that the season is just as much for adults as it is for children.

Perhaps the idea that Christmas is for kids is an acknowledgement that, as we get older, it becomes easy to lose the magic of this time of the year. Childlike innocence is replaced by the stress that so many adults feel during the festive period. Worry replaces the wonder.

Author Bob Hartman was keen to make sure that he kept his sense of wonder – or ‘wow’ as he puts it – when he wrote a children’s book about the birth of Jesus.

‘Before I write anything, I go back to the original story in the Bible and look for the part of it that amazes me,’ he tells us in an interview in this week’s War Cry, adding: ‘If I can’t find the “wow” moment for myself, then I know I’m going to struggle to communicate the story to someone else.’

The Bible’s story of the birth of Jesus has, like so many other parts of Scripture, many ‘wow’ factors. Perhaps the most amazing thing of all is that Jesus, who is God, allowed himself to become an innocent baby on Earth because he wanted people to experience a better life that would last for ever.

That, rather than parties, presents or plates full of dinner, is the true wonder of Christmas. And the wonderful truth is that we can experience the ad the War C e re ry v better life that Jesus offers us, whatever ’ u our age.

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 Issue No 7555

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CONTENTS

The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory 101 Newington Causeway London SE1 6BN Tel: 0845 634 0101 Subscriptions: 01933 445445 (option 1, option 1) or email: subscriptions@satcol.org 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 and Ireland Territory 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.

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INFO Your local Salvation Army centre

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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

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FEATURES

3

Mercy me!

Film poses tough questions

on redemption

4

All together now

Choir releases Motown Gospel album

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The bear necessities of Christmas

New children’s book retells the story

of Jesus’ birth

8

Saturday dance fever

Interview with Strictly star

Rhys Stephenson

REGULARS

12 Team Talk 13 Past Times 14 Puzzles 15 War Cry Kitchen Front-page picture: BBC/RAY BURMISTON and SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ruth Slater must live with the wrongs she has done

KIMBERLEY FRENCH/NETFLIX

Take a second chance on me Sandra Bullock plays a woman trying to move forward from a past mistake Film preview by Sarah Olowofoyeku

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HE has spent half her life behind bars paying for her crime, but, on her release, Ruth Slater (Sandra Bullock) meets a world that won’t pardon what she’s done. As she searches for her little sister, she discovers that second chances are hard to find.

The Unforgivable, which was released on Netflix yesterday (10 December), begins as Ruth, who was locked up for murder, is preparing for her release from prison and packing up her few possessions. Of them, the most treasured is a photograph of her little sister, Katie, whom she last saw before her arrest 20 years ago.

In another part of Seattle, Katie (Aisling Franciosi) prepares for a piano recital while recovering from an injury. Unaware of her older sister’s existence, she lives comfortably with her adoptive family.

While Ruth does what she can to find Katie, she tries to keep her head down.

She looks for modest, manual work. She

makes her parole appointments. But some people are not happy that she is free.

The man she murdered left behind two sons, one of whom caught wind of her release and wants revenge. Still hurting over the death of his father, he cannot stomach the fact that the person who killed him is walking the streets.

When Ruth lands a job, her parole officer reminds her that she cannot escape her past by insisting that she tell her new boss who she is.

‘Why?’ she asks. ‘I gotta be a convict wherever I go?’

Ruth’s one mistake threatens to cast a shadow over her entire future. Even if she tracks down Katie, she doesn’t know if she will be able to have a relationship with her – although, she claims, all she ever did was try to protect her. Despite the label society has put on Ruth, she is, as director Nora Fingscheidt puts it, ‘driven by the need to find Katie. So she’s basically driven by love.’

While many people might agree that wrongdoings deserve to be punished,

It is difficult for people to find redemption

the film shows a world and a system that makes it incredibly difficult for people to ever move forward, make amends or find redemption. It questions how fair that is.

It also demonstrates the power of love as a driving force.

There is another story in which millions of people who have hurt others and made devastating mistakes have experienced the power of love. It’s the story of Christianity, which tells how God pardons our wrongdoings, offers the hope of redemption and promises unconditional love.

Paul, a man who once killed followers of Jesus, was forgiven and his life transformed.

He went on to say, ‘Forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. Love is more important than anything else’ (Colossians 3:13 and 14 Contemporary English Version). Paul knew God offered true redemption, despite one’s past, and he shared that message with others.

God is willing to give anyone a second chance and to help them move forward – regardless of what their past may have been. To him, no one is unforgivable.

11 December 2021 • WAR CRY • 3

f o y e k e th n i s g n o S encouragement TWENTY-FIVE years after their first concert, Joyous Celebration’s most recent album has been released on US label Motown Gospel. Founding member Pastor JABU HLONGWANE describes how the choir aims to convey a message Interview by Philip Halcrow

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OR years, Motown Records has delivered more than boy-meets-girl music. The record label may have made its initial splash with songs such as the Supremes’ ‘Baby Love’, the Temptations’ ‘My Girl’ and Marvin Gaye’s ‘How Sweet It Is’. But before too long the Supremes were singing about rejection in ‘Love Child’, the Temptations were remarking that segregation was one sign that the world was a ‘Ball of Confusion’ and Marvin Gaye was documenting social problems in songs such as ‘What’s Going On’ – whose lyrics were quoted by Nelson Mandela when he addressed a rally in Detroit soon after his release from prison in South Africa.

A few short years later, in South Africa, three friends began thinking of how to respond to the changing situation in the country. The result was the gospel group whose name and aim carries a message. out of what we were seeing of how And having established a huge reputation God was helping South Africa to shift on the African continent, from where from apartheid to democracy and how they draw their members, earlier this peaceful that transition had been. We year Joyous Celebration released their thought we needed to say thank you first album since signing to the Motown to God. Because we were musicians, Gospel label, Still We Rise. the only way we knew how to express One of the three founding members, ourselves was in music, so we decided Pastor Jabu Hlongwane, explains: ‘The to put on a show, celebrating joyously concept of Joyous Celebration was born

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Jabu Hlongwane what God had done.

‘We put on this gospel concert in 1996.

But after it, people kept saying, “When is the next show?”

So we did another, and we have kept on doing them.’

In the 25 years since their first show, the choir formed

by Jabu, Mthunzi Namba and Lindelani Mkhize have sold millions

Joyous Celebration have been putting on shows for 25 years of CDs and DVDs. Their music is now being given a wide distribution by the gospel offshoot of Motown Records and its parent Universal Music.

Motown used to brand releases by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Martha Reeves and the Four Tops as ‘the sound of young America’ – and Jabu highlights how Joyous Celebration’s sound adopts an old American genre.

‘Gospel music is American. It came to us through the influence of America and maybe other countries in Africa way back in the past. We adopted gospel music but then we infused it with who we are. In Africa, even though melody is important, our music is driven by rhythm and then the melodies. On top of that, we have

added lyrical content that is indigenous, which also changes the tone of the gospel expression.

‘When we started Joyous Celebration, we took the old hymns that came from the western influence and we threw in our language and our rhythms. People of all ages embraced them. So you find that a song that was loved by grandmothers and grandfathers some 30 or 40 years ago can be embraced by a teenager because of the contemporary way it is packaged.’

Traditionally, Joyous Celebration record an album in December and then release it shortly before going on tour at Easter time – a schedule designed to suit their musicmaking ethos.

‘In Africa, particularly in South Africa, we do not have the one person singing and others watching, like in other concerts,’ says Jabu. ‘In Africa, when a song is thrown into the space, everybody sings. That is why we release the music a month before we start the performances, because people come to the concerts wanting to sing with us.

When they come to the concert, they know the songs. So it becomes like a service where everybody is singing. That’s the recipe for what we do.’

People come to the concerts wanting to sing with us

Looking back to the times remembered by older people in South Africa, Jabu explains how gospel music and church gatherings played an important part in efforts to end apartheid. Pastors opened up their churches for political engagement.

‘When the police came, they would think it was a church service rather than a space where we talked about what was happening,’ he explains before adding that, at the same time, ‘gospel music became a space where black people expressed their cry to God’.

But he also adds that, as well as being important in politically turbulent times of oppression, gospel can be personally significant to people whatever situations they face.

‘The first song on the new album “Ndenzel’ Uncedo Hymn 377” asks God to “stay with me” when the darkness is deepening.

‘But the next song is “Thank You, Lord”, which comes from standing on the other side of the experience of the first track – we did not see how we were going to make it through, but God made it happen.

Looking back, we can say thank you.’

The songs are, Jabu suggests, relevant at a time when the ‘storms of life’ hit people in the way that Covid-19 has impacted the whole world.

‘A song on the album “In Christ We Stand” says that when stuff happens to us and other things disappoint us, Christ remains rock-solid,’ he says. ‘Our songs carry messages to help and encourage people.’

11 December 2021 • WAR CRY • 5

d n i m n i s r a e b r o h t Au Writer and storyteller BOB HARTMAN explains why he created a clever cub to tell Bible stories to children Interview by Claire Brine

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VERY time Bob Hartman writes a new book telling Bible stories for children, he’s looking for the moment that will make readers say: ‘Wow!’ ‘Before I write anything, I go back to the original story in the Bible and look for the part of it that amazes me,’ says Bob, who’s written close to 100 books for children, including The Lion Storyteller Bible, which has been translated into 11 languages. ‘If I can’t find the “wow” moment for myself, then I know I’m going to struggle to communicate the story to someone else.

But when it comes to the Bible, there’s always something new. There’s always a way in.’

Earlier this year, Bob found a fresh way to tell Bible stories to kids aged three to six years old when he came up with the character of Clever Cub, a cuddly little bear with a curious mind.

‘Clever Cub is an inquisitive bear who hears Bible stories from his Mama Bear and then engages with them,’ explains Bob. ‘I think he’s a character kids can relate to because he asks the questions they might ask. Under the gaze of his mother, he learns about Bible stories that relate to his own experiences and how those stories can help him.’

In one of the books in the Clever Cub series, entitled Clever Cub Welcomes Baby Jesus, the little bear hears the story of the very first Christmas. He goes on to imagine the smell of the stable where Jesus was born, and the sound of the angels singing. At the end of the story, readers are invited to do some imagining of their own, by answering questions such as: ‘What

would you say to baby Jesus?’

‘The idea behind the questions is to give parents the confidence to explore the Bible a bit more fully with their child,’ explains Bob. ‘I want to equip parents who are keen to pass their faith on to their kids.’

The notion of passing on Bible stories to the next generation is important to Bob. Not only does he believe that ‘it’s something God asks us to do’, but he also recalls, with fondness, the way he was taught Bible stories by his grandmother.

‘I was raised in a Christian family and grew up going to church,’ he says. ‘Each week my grandmother would teach the junior boys, and she loved to tell us Bible stories. She told them in a really dramatic style. From an early age, I was exposed to people who loved these stories and tried to tell them as best they could.

‘Gradually, I built up in my mind this picture of a Jesus who loved me and who did amazing things. My experience of the Bible was positive. And Jesus became someone I wanted to have a relationship with.

‘I think that if you grow up hearing Bible stories and seeing the difference they can make in a person’s life, you’re going to want to pass those stories on. I try to do that in my writing with creativity, humour, joy and playfulness.’

As well as helping children to learn about the Bible by writing books, Bob also works as a storyteller, performing in schools, churches and at conferences. He explains that many of his stories were designed to be told and heard – and not just read. He also points out that to keep

He’s a character kids can relate to

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the Christmas story STEVE BROWN/ DAVID C COOK

Clever Cub learns the story of Jesus’ birth a story sounding fresh, going back to its original source is crucial.

‘When I train people who want to become storytellers, I always tell them that the best way to tell a Bible story is to read the Bible.

Not just another “retelling” – but the Bible itself.

‘It’s amazing how many times I can find something new in a Bible story that I’ve told time and time again.’

One story Bob has told countless times, both on the page and the stage, is the story of Jesus’ birth. Through the character of Clever Cub, Bob explores the story with a sense of awe and wonder – because the little bear has never heard it before.

‘The Christmas story never gets old for me because there are so many amazing parts to it,’ he says. ‘There’s not enough detail in the Scriptures to build the whole picture, so we can imagine different scenarios by saying to ourselves: “What would it have been like to see an angel?” Putting myself in the characters’ shoes makes the story come alive.’

It also helps Bob to gain a greater understanding of his faith and a stronger

appreciation of who Jesus is.

‘Jesus is the risen Son of God,’ he says. ‘He’s not somebody who was, he’s somebody who is.

And at the heart of the Clever Cub story is the message that God is with us, through Jesus. That’s the “wow” of Christmas.’

l Clever Cub Welcomes Baby Jesus is published

by David C Cook

11 December 2021 • WAR CRY • 7

Best foot forward for glitter ball glory AS TV presenter RHYS STEPHENSON seeks to book his place in this year’s Strictly final, he reveals what gives him a lift on the dance floor and in life in general

BBC / GU YL EV Y

Interview by Emily Bright

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FTER 11 weeks of dancing, he has sashayed across the dance floor as Spider-Man, embraced the end of days in a War of the Worlds paso doble, performed a sizzling salsa and achieved a perfect score for his Henley Regatta themed Charleston. And now Rhys Stephenson is looking to make it through BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing semi-final tonight (Saturday 11 December).

‘To reach the semi-final is incredible because so much work has gone into it,’ he tells me. ‘Not just physically, but also mentally in terms of self-belief and pushing through by listening to the uplifting comments and ignoring the negative ones. I’m so blessed and grateful to be here and I’m motivated to keep going.’

Rhys, who will be dancing alongside his professional partner Nancy Xu, is best known to Strictly’s younger fans as a regular face on the children’s channel CBBC. However, even after five years on TV, appearing live on the biggest Saturday night programme in the country has been an experience like no other for him.

‘As you step out on the stairs, you hear people cheer, and get such a buzz,’ he says. ‘Then you run down the stairs, trying not to trip up. There’s a feeling of pure excitement, followed by the fear of: I’ve got to dance soon. It’s such a rush.’

We’re speaking just after Rhys has emerged from an evening rehearsal, so I enquire how training is going.

‘As smoothly as it can!’ he says. ‘But, as always, there’s a new technique to get your head around. That’s exciting at first, but when you’ve gone through two hours and you’re still struggling, it becomes a bit frustrating. But hopefully you eventually create something amazing out of it.’

He and Nancy have found they have

developed a more natural rhythm as the weeks progress.

‘I feel like we understand each other’s personalities, quirks, and what’s expected of the other person,’ he says. ‘I’ve always struggled with lifts because I get scared of hurting Nancy, but she takes the reins, I do whatever she says and we go with it.’

The dancing duo have bounced back a number of times from being in the bottom two of the competition and facing the dreaded dance off – which could have signalled the end of their Strictly run. Rhys tells me how his mind races when the results are announced.

‘You go through a thousand different scenarios of how you think it’s going to

To reach the semi-final is incredible

8 • WAR CRY • 11 December 2021

play out,’ he says. ‘When your name is called out, all those thoughts disappear.

All you can do is just get through the dance off.’

After weeks on the show, Rhys is well versed in receiving comments from the judging panel and so he feels he can share his verdict on the regular Strictly judges.

‘Anton Du Beke always greets you with a smile, almost floats into your life like a magical creature, gives you words of wisdom and then goes.

‘Motsi Mabuse is vibrant, energetic and encouraging. She is always very quick

BBC/RAY BURMISTON

Rhys and Nancy during their quickstep routine

to build me up, and I really appreciate it. Shirley Ballas holds an elegance and grace wherever she goes. Craig Revel Horwood is actually lovely. He knows that he’s got to be the pantomime villain because he knows every show needs the conflict. He plays the part very well, but also gives us contestants the motivation to do better.’

Rhys also reveals that this year’s cohort of contestants found a good connection with each other.

‘You could take any two people and put them in a room and they’d be chatting. We are always excited to see each other on Friday before the live show.’

As a seasoned children’s TV presenter, Rhys is no stranger to performing in front of the cameras. Having previously presented the likes of Newsround,

Turn to page 10 f

11 December 2021 • WAR CRY • 9

From page 9 Blue Peter and Saturday Mash-Up!, he now entertains audiences as the link man between CBBC shows alongside co-presenter and puppet Hacker T Dog. ‘It’s a really lovely presenting job to do because you know you’re there for kids, whatever they’re going through, and they can escape through us,’ he says.

One highlight for Rhys is the book club segment he hosts, where he chats to famous faces about their favourite books.

‘We had Sir Lenny Henry on talking about the book he’s recently written, which is about a young black superhero,’ he remembers.

‘That led to a great talk on diversity, representation in comic books and stories, and kids who are different being able to see themselves in the story, which was really special.’

There have also been many special moments for Rhys on Strictly. One that stands out for him was in week three when he and Nancy danced their couple’s choice – a routine that allowed them more freedom to express themselves.

For Rhys, that meant embracing his love of superheroes while also taking the opportunity to talk about his Christian faith publicly.

‘Spider-Man was such an amazing routine to do,’ he recalls. ‘It was a childhood dream to be a superhero. But then also being a superhero of colour was really awesome.’

But Rhys tells me that wasn’t the only reason why that show was special.

‘With couple’s choice, the producers always want more of a personal story from you,’ he explains. ‘I said: “Well the most personal thing about me is my church, but I don’t know how you guys would receive

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Being a superhero of colour was really awesome

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that with BBC impartiality.”

They were surprisingly very open though, to the point of going down to my church at home and speaking with my vicar for a clip on the show.

‘I just wanted to share a normal part of my life, just as Adam Peaty would take me to a swimming pool that he goes to all the time to train. The BBC handled it in a wonderful way. I think people appreciated a Christian being portrayed as normal on TV. ‘So that whole night was just perfect. I got to talk about a personal part of my life, which was well received by people, and the dance went great and we got our first 10.

There’s no way any other Strictly moment could beat that.’

In the video, which aired just before their dance routine, Rhys said: ‘My family and I are Christians and that’s

been an integral part of who we are.’

He also described his faith as the ‘one constant’ in his life, and his church as ‘a kind of second home’ where he spent his teenage years.

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hys explains what his faith looks like in practice. ‘For me, Christianity is just a relationship with God in the now, as well as whatever happens afterwards,’ he says.

‘It’s just a really special bond that I’m always trying to develop. And in any relationship, you have good moments and you have bad moments.

The only difference is when there are bad moments, it’s always my fault! He’s perfect.’

Having grown up in a Christian family, Rhys decided to make the commitment to put his trust in God at the age of 15 – a decision which has proved to be a firm foundation.

‘My faith has been a constant in my life,’ he says. ‘However well or badly things have gone, or whatever changes have happened in my life, I’ve always gone back to that. It’s always been the one thing about me that’s never really changed from being a child to what I am now.

‘My faith shapes a lot, even down to the small things like how to approach a night out or see gossip in the workplace. I can’t turn it off and do something else and then turn it back on and carry on. Sometimes it can be a real challenge, but good things don’t come easily.’

I suggest that his approach to faith can be summarised in one word: authenticity. He agrees. ‘That’s a huge thing to me, and I try to do my best to keep it.’

That sense of authenticity extends to how he approaches each show on Strictly with a consistent practice of prayer.

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Rhys and Nancy perform a ‘War of the Worlds’ themed paso doble

He recalls: ‘Before we went live, I asked Nancy: “Would it be okay to pray before?”

‘Nancy’s not a Christian, but she was happy to do that. And it’s got to the point where she’ll suggest it even before I have a chance to, because I think she realises how important prayer is to me. So she would never now go out on that stage without doing that with me.’

He also teamed up with fellow contestant and Christian, TV presenter Dan Walker, to pray regularly before each show.

‘In week three, I stopped him and asked: “Would you mind if we pray together before the show?” And he said: “I’d love that.” So literally minutes before we went live on TV, Dan and I would be just outside of the studio, praying,’ he recalls.

‘Ugo Monye and Judi Love later joined us, although ironically, both on the weeks where they were voted out… I don’t think there’s a correlation. But those times of prayer have been lovely moments.’

I can’t help but wonder what Rhys prays before stepping out onto the nation’s dance floor, with his routine about to be scrutinised by four judges and several million people.

Another 10 from Craig perhaps? Rhys’ prayers are far more grounded than that.

‘When I pray before the show it’s mostly for me to be at ease on the dance floor and enjoy the moment rather than the high scores,’ he explains.

‘Praying helps me keep things in perspective and to remember that through it all, God is good. My relationship with God brings me peace and security.’

Minutes before we went live, Dan and I would be praying

11 December 2021 • WAR CRY • 11

Prayerlink YOUR prayers are requested for Connor, who is very vulnerable and in need of accommodation and support.

The War Cry invites readers to send in requests for prayer, including the first names of individuals and details of their ­circumstances, for publication. Send your Prayerlink requests to warcry@salvationarmy.org.uk or to War Cry, 101 Newington Causeway, Lon­don SE1 6BN. Mark your correspondence ‘Confidential’.

j

Becoming a Christian

There is no set formula to becoming a Christian, but many people have found saying this prayer to be a helpful first step to a relationship with God

Lord Jesus Christ, I am truly sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life. Please forgive me. I now turn from everything that I know is wrong.

Thank you that you died on the cross for me so that I could be forgiven and set free.

Thank you that you offer me forgiveness and the gift of your Holy Spirit.

Please come into my life by your Holy Spirit to be with me for ever.

Thank you, Lord Jesus.

Amen

talk ‘ ’ Team talk TEAM TALK Season’s greetings don’t bring joy

Claire Brine gives her take on a story catching the attention of War Cry reporters

M&S has come under fire for selling Christmas cards emblazoned with ‘Merry Pigmas’, said an article published on express.co.uk. According to the report, ‘Christians were angry’ that the store had ‘replaced Christ with a pig’ on its charity money wallets.

For those who haven’t seen the cards, they depict an image of a cartoon pig – the M&S character, Percy Pig – wearing a Father Christmas hat and wishing shoppers a festive greeting.

‘Honestly M&S – would you replace the name of another religion’s prophet with “pig” for a laugh?’ wrote Laura on social media – in a comment picked up by several media outlets. ‘This is unacceptable.’

‘I don’t agree with that mockery at all,’ replied Anthea Rochelle Christodoulou, also quoted in the online article. ‘Christmas is the celebration of Christ, not anything else.’

While I can understand the resistance of some Christians to being wished a Merry Pigmas, I’m not sure that I am ‘outraged’.

I suppose on one hand, I’m glad that Christians are voicing their concern, as I think it gives believers the opportunity to have conversations about why the ‘Christ’ in Christmas matters.

On the other hand – whether Christians like it or not – the festive season has been for a long time about more than a celebration of Jesus’ birth. The whole of December encompasses Father Christmas, the giving and receiving of gifts, time spent with loved ones, Christmas songs, mince pies and so much more.

If I’m honest, I enjoy all those things. But my enjoyment of them doesn’t stop me from reflecting on the truth of the Nativity. In my mind, Christmas is joyful and complete when it includes both Jesus and all kinds of family traditions and celebrations.

I suppose that’s why, when it comes to Pigmas, I don’t want to express outrage about it. A more accurate way to describe how I feel would be sadness – because people who omit the Jesus story entirely from their celebrations are missing out on the best bit. I feel they are only getting a part of the joy. They’re getting the tinsel, but not the truth. In my experience, it’s always a much happier Christmas with Christ in it.

They’re getting the tinsel, but not the truth

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Contact details of a Salvation Army minister Name Address Extract from Why Jesus? by Nicky Gumbel published by Alpha International, 2011. Used by kind permission of Alpha International

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Q

QUICK QUIZ 1

2

Lance-Corporal Jones says the catchphrase ‘Don’t panic!’ in what British TV comedy set during the Second World War? Who had a No 1 hit with the single ‘My Heart Will Go On’ in 1998?

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What is a baby whale called?

Who wrote the 1994 British romantic comedy film Four Weddings and a Funeral starring Hugh Grant?

In which European country is the world’s largest model train set?

What British TV presenter recently published his autobiography Journeys to Impossible Places?

ANSWERS

Hannah Carr looks back to a notable event that happened during this month in history

Prizes of a Nobel nature FOR 120 years, the Nobel prizes have been a celebration of peace, culture and science, awarded for ‘the greatest benefit to humankind’.

In December 1901, the first prizes were given after Alfred Nobel left a legacy to fund the project. There was actually some tension at the first ceremony – not everyone believed it was fair, and that the people being recognised did such services to humanity by choice, not for reward. Regardless, the ceremony went on, and began the annual tradition of recognising significant global figures.

Despite the initial disagreement around his award scheme, Nobel is now famous for creating the most prestigious of awards. But he wasn’t always so heroic. His original domain was weaponry, and he created the explosive dynamite. He didn’t want his life to be determined by such a violent field of work however, or to be known as someone who made weapons. Therefore, he made a decision to change how he was remembered.

Do you ever wonder what your legacy will be? Some people may think that they are not significant enough to leave a legacy. But sometimes seemingly insignificant choices can drastically change the way that life pans out, and how we are remembered in years to come.

However, it can be hard to know whether we are making the right decision. It’s not always clear what we should do. But help is at hand.

Millions of people have found that following the teachings of Jesus helps them to work out the right thing to do.

He taught about the importance of putting other people first and caring for those more vulnerable than ourselves. He spoke about the value of every individual and the need to be kind and loving in the way we act.

If we follow Jesus and try to live out these qualities in all the different situations we encounter, then our legacy can be something to remember for those around us.

It can be hard to know if we are making the right decision

11 December 2021 • WAR CRY • 13

1. Dad’s Army. 2. Celine Dion. 3. A calf.

4. Richard Curtis. 5. Germany. 6. Simon Reeve.

PUZZLES Quick CROSSWORD ACROSS 3. Inn (3) 7. Waver (6) 8. Affront (6) 9. Tax (6) 10. Culpable (6) 11. Female sheep (3) 12. Putrefy (6) 14. Rue (6) 17. Wager (6) 21. Botch (6) 24. Anger (3) 25. Powerful (6) 26. Frightened (6) 27. Humble (6) 28. Rubber (6) 29. Japanese currency (3) DOWN 1. Display (6) 2. Stern (6) 3. Favour (6) 4. Larger (6) 5. Inquiring (6) 6. Joyous (6) 12. Thick mist (3) 13. Snake-like fish (3) 15. Australian bird (3) 16. Fasten (3)

SUDOKU

Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9

3 6

5 8 4

7

4 6 8

8 5 7 1 5 4 8 2 3 2 3 8 8 1 4 9 3 7 4 9 6 18. Writer (6) 19. Smashed (6) 20. Fourscore (6) 21. Defeated (6) 22. Usual (6) 23. Linger (6)

WORDSEARCH

4 8 3 7 6 2 5 1 9 6 9 1 5 8 4 7 3 2 Look up, down, forwards, backwards and diagonally 5 words 7 2associated 9 1 with 3 4the post 6 8 on the grid to find these 3 2 8 1 5 7 9 4 6 O Y B O Q K B T Q E P O L E V N E H 1 6 5 4 9 8 2 7 3 A I M Z N K J D D D M S M Q G M D V 9 I K Q C P U Y X W H J 4 7 2 3 6 8 5 1 A Z Y T X O Q Q U U K Y Z S A S E N Z K Q F Q Z S 8 1 4 6 2 5 3 9 7 N A A Z D P S X P E B T Y V Q M X A 2 5 6 3 L Y A F Q M 7 9 1 8 4 E B Q A A M Z P E F X J P O S T O F F 7 I C E F E T N X Z P A 3 9 8 4 1 6 2 5

M O HONEYC B Each solution starts on the coloured cell and reads clockwise round the number

O J C T V X L F I G B R O V I G H H S H S Z L I A I A A Z U K P L T Q L T U Z X K Z E R L T G T M Z O C E A C X X O B O P S D S N A I L M A I L O D N B N Z N T E O V N D P V I C D D W M R G R K C L P X G V D M X P S E N K E U T Y L I J A I G T R A Q G W A M T W Z P A V J O S Q G R E T J Z K E T Z X X S E C O N D C L A S S U R H E W S G S R Q F Q E K F Z C S M L X L S Q X E Y G Y L V Q M M Y K

1. Holiday on a ship 2. Strong stretchy cord 3. Breed of dog 4. Floor 5. Shakespearean female character 6. Takes without permission

ANSWERS 4 6 5 3 1 9 8 2 7

8 9 7 2 6 4 1 5 3

3 1 2 8 5 7 4 6 9

7 5 9 1 4 2 6 3 8

6 8 1 5 9 3 2 7 4

9

2 4 3 7 8 6 5 9 1

5 7 4 9 2 8 3 1 6

1 3 6 4 7 5 9 8 2

9 2 8 6 3 1 7 4 5

6 3 7

HONEYCOMB 1. Cruise. 2. Bungee. 3. Poodle.

4. Ground. 5. Juliet. 6. Steals.

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS: 3. Pub. 7. Falter. 8. Insult. 9. Tariff.

10. Guilty. 11. Ewe. 12. Fester. 14. Regret.

17. Gamble. 21. Bungle. 24. Ire. 25. Strong.

26. Afraid. 27. Modest. 28. Eraser. 29. Yen. DOWN: 1. Parade. 2. Strict. 3. Prefer. 4. Bigger.

5. Asking. 6. Blithe. 12. Fog. 13. Eel. 15. Emu. 16. Tie. 18. Author. 19. Broken. 20. Eighty.

21. Beaten. 22. Normal. 23. Loiter.

14 • WAR CRY • 11 December 2021

ADDRESS CUSTOMS DISPATCH ENVELOPE FIRST CLASS LETTERBOX

PARCEL PO BOX POST OFFICE POSTAGE FEE POSTCODE RETURNS LABEL

SECOND CLASS SIGNATURE SNAIL MAIL SPECIAL DELIVERY STAMP TRACK

4

Smoky leek and hazelnut tart Ingredients 500g ready-made shortcrust pastry 4 leeks, trimmed and thinly sliced 20g butter 3 garlic cloves, crushed 4 spring onions, thinly sliced Salt and pepper 1 onion, finely sliced 2tsp plain white flour 300ml milk ½ tsp vegetarian stock powder Clove powder 150g vegetarian Wensleydale with cranberry cheese 1tbsp harissa paste 100g tinned roasted peppers, sliced

Method Preheat oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4.

Line a greased 28cm x 2cm deep dish with greaseproof paper. Roll out the pastry and carefully line the dish. Trim off any excess pastry and use a fork to prick the pastry.

Cover the pastry with parchment paper and add ceramic baking beans (alternatively use dried pulses or uncooked rice). Place on a baking tray and put in the oven for 25 minutes.

Remove the beans and paper and bake the pastry for another 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

While the pastry is cooking, sauté the leeks in half the butter in a pan for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and spring onions and fry for a further minute. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside for later.

To make the cheese sauce, fry the onion in the remaining butter for 10 minutes. Sprinkle over the flour and continue to stir for 2 minutes. Gradually add in the milk. The sauce should thicken. Add the stock powder and a pinch of clove powder. Continue to cook gently for 5 minutes.

Remove from the heat and add 100g of the cheese. Once the cheese has melted, fold the sauce into the cooked leeks. Season, then set aside for later.

1tbsp cranberry sauce

To assemble the tart, spread the harissa paste onto the pastry base and add the peppers and cranberry sauce.

Top with one third of the nuts.

100g hazelnuts, gently roasted then chopped

Carefully add the leek mixture to the pastry case. Top with the remaining cheese. Bake in the oven for a further 10 minutes.

¼ tsp smoked paprika

Mix the remaining nuts with a little smoked paprika in a bowl and season. Remove the tart from the oven and scatter the nuts mixture over the tart. Continue to bake in the oven for a further 5 minutes. Garnish with a little parsley, red pepper and smoked paprika. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Parsley Red pepper

SERVES

6

Pineapple upside down cake Ingredients 110g butter, plus extra for greasing 110g caster sugar 2 free-range eggs 110g self-raising flour 1tsp baking powder 1 small can pineapple rings 6 glacé cherries

Method Preheat oven to 200C/400F/Gas Mark 6.

Grease a small ovenproof dish with the extra butter. Cream the butter, sugar and eggs together in a bowl, then slowly mix in the flour and the baking powder.

Line the base of the dish with the pineapple rings and place a cherry in the centre of each ring. Pour the batter over the fruit and bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Once cooked, carefully run a knife around the edge of the cake and turn it out onto a plate, to serve.

Recipes reprinted, with permission, from the Vegetarian Society website vegsoc.org

SERVES

4

11 December 2021 • WAR CRY • 15

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices From ‘O Holy Night’ by J S Dwight

WAR CRY