Faith & Friends December 2021

Brotherly Love

DYNAMIC DUO P.10

Kettle Challenge

RAISING THE ROOF P.8

Creating Memories

ARMY HELPS DAD P.5

Faith&Friends I N S P I R AT I O N F O R L I V I N G

faithandfriends.ca

CHRISTMAS 2021

O Christmas

TREE

THANKS TO A UNIQUE PROGRAM, THE SALVATION ARMY SHARES THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS. P.12

Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s greatest joys, an occasion for celebration. Family and friends rally around the new family, offering support and rejoicing in the new life.

More than 2,000 years ago, however, a child was born with little fanfare.

There was no baby shower for Jesus’ parents, Mary and Joseph. No friends brought casseroles after He was born.

No fancy crib, expensive stroller or diaper cake. Just a simple birth in a humble stable.

It was the birth Jesus wanted.

Philippians 2:5-8 tells us that even though Jesus had equal status with God, He “didn’t think so much of Himself that He had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, He set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! … He lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death” (The Message).

God became like us so that He could save us. That’s the real meaning of Christmas.

To learn more about Jesus, our Saviour, visit our website at faithandfriends.ca or contact us at: The Salvation Army Editorial Department, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto ON M4H 1P4.

December 2021

VOLUME 24 NUMBER 12

5

KETTLE CARING

5 Creating Lasting Memories

The Salvation Army’s red kettles are a symbol of hope for those in need—such as Gerry.

SOMEONE CARES

8 Stepping Up to the Challenge

Company helps blow the roof off Salvation Army kettle drive.

COMMON GROUND

10 (No) Kids Without Christmas

Chatham brothers spur community effort to provide toys for children.

Brotherly Love

DYNAMIC DUO P.10

Kettle Challenge

RAISING THE ROOF P.8

Creating Memories

ARMY HELPS DAD P.5

Faith&Friends I N S P I R AT I O N F O R L I V I N G

faithandfriends.ca

CHRISTMAS 2021

FEATURES

12

O Christmas

TREE

THANKS TO A UNIQUE PROGRAM, THE SALVATION ARMY SHARES THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS. P.12

COVER STORY

15

O Christmas Tree

Thanks to a unique program, The Salvation Army in Ottawa shared the joy of Christmas with local families.

Motorcycles on a Mission

Salvation Army toy run’s massive haul will make Christmas brighter for families in need.

15

FAITH BUILDERS 18 A Boy Called Christmas

In new movie, young Nikolas is tasked with bringing hope to the world.

LITE STUFF

Cover photo: Kimberly Hoy

20 Eating Healthy With Erin

Sudoku, Quick Quiz, Word Search.

NIFTY THRIFTY 23 One-Shop Stop

Making a list and checking it twice is so much easier if you thrift it the smart way!

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Faith&Friends

FROM THE EDITOR

Sparks of Hope

R

eading Diane Stark’s review of A Boy Called Christmas in this issue of Faith & Friends reminded me of a profound truth.

In the movie, a young boy named Nikolas is tasked by his king with a very special mission.

“Go to the very edges of our kingdom,” the monarch tells Nikolas, “and bring back a spark to give us hope.”

Reading those words, I realized that this is exactly what The Salvation Army has been doing in Canada and Bermuda for almost a century and a half. Whether it’s bringing the wonder of a Christmas tree to those without (page 12), collecting toys for children with the help of some devoted motorcyclists (page 15) or helping a single dad make the holidays special for his son (page 5), The Salvation Army brings that spark of hope to thousands every day of the year, as this month’s magazine will attest.

Of course, The Salvation Army could not do what we do without help. Help such as two brothers gave the church when they provided thousands of children with brand-new toys at Christmas through a community bottle drive (page 10). Or the help that a roofing company gave when they raised support for the Army’s kettle campaign (page 8).

So when you pass a Salvation Army kettle, please give as generously as you can.

In the meantime, we here at Faith & Friends wish you the best Christmas ever and a happy 2022.

Ken Ramstead

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Mission Statement To show Christ at work in the lives of real people, and to provide spiritual resources for those who are new to the Christian faith.

Faith & Friends is published monthly by: The Salvation Army 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto Ontario, M4H 1P4 International Headquarters 101 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4P 4EP, England William and Catherine Booth FOUNDERS

Brian Peddle, GENERAL Commissioner Floyd Tidd TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

Lt-Colonel John P. Murray SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS Geoff Moulton, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ken Ramstead, EDITOR

Brandon Laird SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Rivonny Luchas DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST Pamela Richardson, COPY EDITOR, PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR

Ada Leung CIRCULATION CO-ORDINATOR

Kristin Ostensen STAFF WRITER, PROOFREADER

Giselle Randall STAFF WRITER Scripture Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture references are taken from New International Version Contact Us P. (416) 467-3188, F. (416) 422-6217 Websites faithandfriends.ca, salvationist.ca, salvationarmy.ca Email faithandfriends@salvationarmy.ca Subscription for one year: Canada $17 (includes GST/HST); U.S. $22; foreign $24 P. (416) 422-6119 circulation@salvationarmy.ca All articles are copyright The Salvation Army Canada & Bermuda and cannot be reproduced without permission.

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40064794 ISSN 1702-0131

Faith&Friends

KETTLE CARING

Creating Lasting Memories The Salvation Army’s red kettles are a symbol of hope for those in need—such as Gerry.

Photos: Ray Shum

by Gavinder Randhawa

T

’

is the season for iconic red Salvation Army Christmas kettles lining the streets of your community, when the public get the chance to meet Army staff and volunteers giving their time to ring some bells to help raise vital funds for our programs and services.

One of the volunteers you might meet in the Ridge Meadows community in British Columbia is Gerry, a 59-year-old who knows all too well just how important these programs can be for someone in need.

Jobs Well Done Originally from Ireland, Gerry’s family moved to Vancouver when he was just four years old. His father, a loyal Manchester United soccer supporter, shared his love of the game with his son. As Gerry grew older, he ended up spending many hours on the soccer pitch, where his natural talents blossomed. However, issues with alcohol and substance abuse would sideline him from ever reaching his true potential.

Growing up, Gerry struggled with memory loss. These challenges made

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Faith&Friends

KETTLE CARING

everything in life more difficult, from school to work to building new relationships with others.

“People thought I didn’t care,” Gerry explains, but the reality was he just couldn’t remember what was previously told to him.

After dropping out of school, he found enjoyment building things and started working in construction through some of his teammates.

“I couldn’t remember the blueprints of the job, but I was a good labourer,” he says. “I took pride in my work.”

being a single father, including working around the transition his son needs to go through every week, changing from one home environment to another.

“I want him to come here and have fun,” Gerry explains. “I just want to give him all of my time.”

List of Concerns Gerry entered a treatment centre in Maple Ridge and discovered The Salvation Army in 2018, where he was able to find a support system that helped him.

“I was alone, and I relapsed.” GERRY Loving Father Things were looking great for Gerry. He was working, sober and even became a father. However, after seven years together, the relationship fell through. Following a difficult separation in 2013, his ex-wife took custody of their child, Keagan, who was just three.

Three months later, Gerry was living alone and hurting. That began an on-and-off battle with substance abuse.

“I didn’t know what to do. I was alone, and I relapsed,” he shares.

Even now, years after going through recovery, Gerry still deals with challenges that come from

6 • DECEMBER 2021 I faithandfriends.ca

“Everyone treats others with respect and kindness,” Gerry explains about his time at The Salvation Army’s Ridge Meadows Ministries. “I don’t know how they do what they do every day with smiles on their faces.”

Unfortunately for Gerry, his spell of misfortune continued as he suffered serious injuries after being involved in an accident where a truck hit him as he was crossing the road.

“I’ve had multiple surgeries,” Gerry says as this incident added to the list of health concerns already stemming from time spent working in construction and on the soccer pitch. Dealing with persistent pain

A Worthy Cause “I just want to give him all of my time,” says Gerry (right) of his son, Keagan

in his shoulder, wrist, knee and back, Gerry notes that he probably won’t be able to work again.

Looking Forward Thankfully, Ridge Meadows Ministries offers the Adopt-a-Family program, where donors can support a family like Gerry’s. He was able to receive some Christmas gifts and a special turkey dinner last year.

“I don’t have the money to get much,” Gerry explains. “Receiving these gifts was very heartwarming.”

Keagan enjoys receiving gifts such as a new soccer ball that they can use together at the local field.

Without these generous gifts, Gerry believes at Christmas “there would be less laughter and fewer smiles.”

Always appreciative of the support he’s received, Gerry has looked to give back through volunteering.

When at Ridge Meadows, “he was always extremely helpful and the first one to lend a hand,” says Bee Schroeder, community and family services co-ordinator.

During Christmas kettle season, he regularly rings the bells and often brings Keagan, now aged 12, with him. “There’s not a feeling like it in the world, when you’re doing it for someone else and not expecting anything in return,” says Gerry as he prepares to take the bus from Mission, B.C., to his next kettle shift in Maple Ridge.

Thanks to the support he’s received from programs such as Adopt-aFamily, Gerry has been able to spend more time with Keagan and enjoy Christmas. He also looks forward to more opportunities to volunteer.

(left) Gavinder Randhawa is the divisional manager, marketing and communications, at The Salvation Army’s divisional headquarters in Burnaby, B.C.

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Faith&Friends

SOMEONE CARES

Stepping Up to the Challenge Company helps blow the roof off Salvation Army kettle drive.

by Melissa Yue Wallace

Photo: Amelia Norrie

Hand-Off Mark Stewart (right), executive director at The Salvation Army Ridge Meadows Ministries, receives a cheque from Clay Gagnon (second from right) and some of the staff from Whonnock Roofing

F

or several years now, the team at Whonnock Roofing and Gutters in Maple Ridge, B.C., has been volunteering and raising support for The Salvation Army Ridge Meadows Ministries through the Christmas kettle campaign.

“The Salvation Army does a lot of good in this world,” says Clay Gagnon, who owns the company with his brother, Abraham. “They give people a second, third, 50th chance, and I’m a big believer in that.”

In 2020, staff signed up for approximately eight two-hour shifts on the kettles and announced where

8 • DECEMBER 2021 I faithandfriends.ca

they would be on their company and personal Facebook pages, with a promise to match each donation.

Their strategy paid off. As a 43-yearold company with a solid reputation, their friends and clients showed up to give.

Thanks to the company’s efforts, they raised $3,529.45 in public donations. The owners then wrote a cheque to double that amount for a total of $7,058.90.

Above and Beyond “Whonnock Roofing is a community-minded company that always

helps out and gives back, not only by volunteering on kettles but by helping to stock the shelves at other community agencies,” says Amelia Norrie, fundraising co-ordinator at Ridge Meadows Ministries. “They go above and beyond, and we were thrilled that in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, Whonnock Roofing and

tion,” Clay says. “The Salvation Army did a lot to help them, but they decided they didn’t want it, and at some point, you’ve got to want to do right.

“My brother and I wanted to break that cycle for our own children,” he explains. “So, we’ve gone the opposite direction, supporting The Salvation Army and doing other things to help

“The Salvation Army gives people a second, third, 50th chance, and I’m a big believer in that.” CLAY GAGNON our entire community reached into their pockets and gave.”

The Army in Maple Ridge exceeded its 2020 fundraising goal of $90,000, raising $138,000. That money, she explains, will go toward various services such as the community meal program, emergency food hampers, school bag lunches, and their baby and toddler program.

“When companies like Whonnock Roofing step up and give their time to fill shifts at kettle season, it’s just one less worry that we have,” says Amelia. “We’re so grateful for their heart to serve.”

“Never Too Late” Clay and Abraham’s desire to help people in need stems from personal experience.

“I lost a brother and sister to addic-

that are between us and God.” “As some people get older, they give up, accept where they’re at and lose hope that things could be different,” says Clay. “And that’s just not the case; everyone has value and worth.”

Clay shares a message with his own three children as well as anyone who is struggling: “It’s never too late to turn your situation around, for that first day to come to a better life.”

Record of Accomplishment In 2020, The Salvation Army Ridge Meadows Ministries: • Served 80,081 meals to the community • Provided 398 emergency food hampers • Prepared and served 22,243 school bag lunches

faithandfriends.ca I DECEMBER 2021

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Faith&Friends

COMMON GROUND

(No) Kids Without Christmas Chatham brothers spur community effort to provide toys for children.

by Melissa Yue Wallace

T

wo brothers from Chatham, Ont., donated more than $5,000 worth of toys to The Salvation Army through their community bottle drive last December, bringing joy to children in need at Christmas.

A Happy Wish “We want to make sure all kids have a wonderful Christmas morning,” says Derek Gore. “Not all parents can afford to buy toys for their kids, so we want to help as much as we can.”

For the past 15 years, Derek and Brett Gore have raised funds for their Kids Without Christmas campaign through various community initiatives, such as participating in walk-a-thons and raffles. Their main focus in recent years has been collecting bottles and cans, depositing them for cash and using the money to purchase gifts for The Salvation Army.

“We like to give back to the com-

10 • DECEMBER 2021 I faithandfriends.ca

munity and want to make children’s dreams come true,” says Brett, who learned more about the Army through his volunteer work with the Army’s Christmas kettle program. “Our wish for the children who receive the gifts is that they are happy.”

“ Not all parents can afford to buy toys for their kids, so we want to help as much as we can.” DEREK GORE A Part of Hope Their enthusiasm and care for the less fortunate is contagious. Nicole Shaw, Chatham-Kent Ministries youth co-ordinator for the past 11

Photo: Nicole Shaw

Dynamic Duo Derek (left) and Brett Gore have provided more than 5,000 children with brand-new gifts since 2010

years, says the community generously supports the brothers’ efforts, which have provided more than 5,000 children with brand-new gifts since 2010.

“People know them well, leave bottles in their driveway, and contact them all the time to make donations of bottles and money to buy toys,” says Nicole. “They literally fill their house with boxes of

donated toys every year.

“We are so grateful for their generosity and compassion for giving—which is exactly the attitude that makes this whole endeavour the blessing it is for so many,” she continues. “The children who receive the gifts have the biggest smiles on their faces, so we thank the brothers and our community for being a part of that.”

(left) Melissa Yue Wallace is a journalism graduate and freelance writer who is passionate about helping people in need and encouraging the organizations that work tirelessly to care for them. By writing, she finds meaning in amplifying the voices of people who don’t often have their stories told. Melissa lives in Richmond Hill, Ont., with her husband and twin children.

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Faith&Friends

COVER STORY

O Christmas Tree

THANKS TO A UNIQUE PROGRAM, THE SALVATION ARMY IN OTTAWA SHARED THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS WITH LOCAL FAMILIES.

by Heather Prystanski

THE CHRISTMAS SEASON HAS

Photo: Kimberly Hoy

always been a magical time of year for me. It’s a time to celebrate the season of Advent, waiting and building excitement for Jesus’ coming into our world, bringing light, hope and love to a hurting people. For me, it is a season of joy.

Making the Season Meaningful When I began working with The Salvation Army three years ago, the Christmas season took on a whole new level of activity. From Thanksgiving weekend until Christmas Eve, my days were filled with Toy Mountain, Salvation Army kettles, Christmas parades and more. With all the busyness, I relished the opportunity to share the wonders of the Christmas season with individuals and families in the Ottawa area.

This past Christmas season was nothing like what I had expected it to be. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted every aspect of planning for 2020, and 12 • DECEMBER 2021 I faithandfriends.ca

the constant changes to restrictions made it difficult to plan too far in advance for larger-scale events.

Facing the reality of a very different Christmas, our team focused on ways that we could make the holiday season meaningful for local families with smaller initiatives instead of our traditional, large-scale events.

Impactful Stories One area we focused on was providing artificial Christmas trees along with the hampers handed out by our community and family services.

In total, we procured more than 100 trees for local families.

“The pandemic made things very difficult for many people last year,” says Sandra Randall, executive director at The Salvation Army’s Bethany Hope Centre in Ottawa, “so the Christmas trees brought joy and happiness to end a year of distress.”

As part of the public relations team, I wanted to be present as the Christmas trees were distributed in

Every time I placed a present or hung a new ornament, I would remember the hope, joy and love a Christmas tree could bring. HEATHER PRYSTANSKI

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Faith&Friends

COVER STORY

order to hear and share how The Salvation Army was brightening the holidays of those receiving assistance.

Little did I know the significant impact those stories would have on me, not just professionally but also personally.

“A Gift From God” As I spoke with families as they received their tree, I heard again and again that, without the support of The Salvation Army, their family would not have had a tree, presents or a traditional Christmas dinner.

A young parent from the Bethany Hope Centre shared with me, “We were going to skip Christmas because we couldn’t afford it, but this tree and the decorations made a big difference. It’s the little things that helped make this Christmas special.”

“I didn’t celebrate Christmas last year, as money has been tight,” a person who received a Christmas tree at The Salvation Army in Picton, Ont., told me. “This year, having a tree is really going to brighten it up for the kids, and it is helping to put us in the Christmas spirit! It means a lot to me and my grandchildren.”

While I knew that there were many who receive assistance from the Army, either with food, clothing, educational or spiritual support, I was naively unaware of how something that I take for granted, such as a tree, was a luxury that some families could not enjoy at Christmas.

“My kids had been asking for a tree, and I had to say, ‘Please stop asking. We can’t afford it. Next year 14 • DECEMBER 2021 I faithandfriends.ca

will be better,’ ” a mother of four children who received support from The Salvation Army explained to me. “Then we received a phone call from the Ottawa Citadel church asking if we wanted a Christmas tree. It was a gift from God!” Echoes of Long Ago My own Christmas tree took on a new meaning for me; the twinkling lights reminded me of how Jesus’ birth brought light into the world and into our lives. Every time I placed a present or hung a new ornament, I remembered the hope, joy and love a Christmas tree could bring.

Although Christmas 2020 was unlike any I had experienced before, it reminded me of what the season is truly about. There were no fancy parties or get-togethers with friends.

We focused less on all the items that are traditionally tied to Christmas, such as shopping for presents or big gatherings with friends, and more on simply being with those who are closest to us, showing love and support in a difficult time.

Last year echoed the very first Christmas, when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, and a family gathered together without fanfare, supporting each other with love, joy and hope.

(left) Heather Prystanski is a divisional events co-ordinator for The Salvation Army in Ottawa.

Faith&Friends

FEATURE

Photos: Randy Palmer, Moose Jaw Express

Hope for the Holidays The 2021 Salvation Army toy run makes its way up Main Street in Moose Jaw, Sask.

Motorcycles on a Mission SALVATION ARMY TOY RUN’S MASSIVE HAUL WILL MAKE CHRISTMAS BRIGHTER FOR FAMILIES IN NEED.

by Randy Palmer

B

efore the 2021 edition of the Salvation Army toy run even started its trek up Main Street in late September, it was easy to see that the Moose Jaw Cycle Association in Saskatchewan had once again come through in a big way.

Well over 500 riders lined Manitoba Street from the Fourth Avenue

Bridge all the way down to Mosaic Place prior to making the trip to the Salvation Army church on Thatcher Drive. And when the cacophony of motorcycles finally quieted, you knew a lot of families in Moose Jaw would be having a happy Christmas.

Giving for a Cause “This is incredible and very emofaithandfriends.ca I DECEMBER 2021

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Faith&Friends

FEATURE

Toys R Them (above) Lieutenants Lester and Almeta Ward with the haul from the 2021 Salvation Army toy run Hangers-On (right) Riders had all sorts of special passengers during their trip to the Salvation Army church Ready to Roll (below) Hundreds of riders lined up before taking part in the toy run to support The Salvation Army’s Christmas effort

16 • DECEMBER 2021 I faithandfriends.ca

“ We’re so blessed to be able to provide a Christmas to children.” LIEUTENANT LESTER WARD tional,” said Lieutenant Lester Ward, community ministries director of The Salvation Army, as riders milled around the church parking lot. “This is the second event for my wife, Lieutenant Almeta Ward, and me. Last year was a drive-by because of COVID, but this year we have a parking lot, and the side streets are packed with bikes. The donations are unbelievable. Residents of Moose Jaw and the surrounding area have generous hearts. Even folks that didn’t have bikes were showing up an hour before with donations for children.”

Participants were asked to bring a new unwrapped toy to the drop-off point, resulting in an impressive pile of stuffed animals, games and just about anything else that a youngster would love to have under the tree at Christmas.

People also made monetary donations, and Lieutenant Lester couldn’t even get through a five-minute media interview without being approached by someone looking to add more to the whole cause.

“This is very exciting, and we’re so blessed to be able to provide a Christmas to children,” said Lieutenant Lester. “When I look at the crowd here today and the bikes, and understanding that they come from

all over, it truly shows the heart and passion of the people. They never let you down and they always go above and beyond in the community. Whether it’s the Christmas kettle campaign or the toy ride, they hit limits that we didn’t even anticipate.”

“Anyone Can Help” The toys gathered will be distributed to families in a unique format that was first tried last year—a “store” will be set up in the Salvation Army church hall, and parents will be able to shop for free to pick up presents for their young ones.

“It was so well received last year and so appreciated we felt we had to do it that way again,” Lieutenant Lester said.

The toy run is just part of a yearround campaign by The Salvation Army, which includes the annual Christmas kettle campaign, to gather all they can to help families have the best Christmas possible. “It’s a great cause. All the money goes back into the community, whether it’s for food during Christmas, toys or special items that are required,” Lieutenant Lester concluded.

Reprinted from Moose Jaw Express/ MooseJawToday.com, September 19, 2021 faithandfriends.ca I DECEMBER 2021

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Faith&Friends

FAITH BUILDERS

A Boy Called Christmas In this new movie, young Nikolas is tasked with bringing a spark of hope to the world.

by Diane Stark

R

eleased on Netflix in November, A Boy Called Christmas is an origin story of Father Christmas based on the children’s book by Matt Haig of the same name.

Dangerous Journey Eleven-year-old Nikolas (Henry Lawfull) has only received one gift in his entire life: a doll carved out of a turnip. The doll was a present from his parents, so Nikolas loves it. But when his mother dies and his father goes missing, he’s left in the care of Aunt Carlotta (Kristen Wiig), who clearly doesn’t enjoy children. Nikolas suspects that his father has gone to the North Pole to search for the fabled, magical village of the elves, Elfhelm, but Aunt Carlotta screeches that everyone knows there’s no such thing as elves.

Then Nikolas receives a summons from the king. “I’m asking you to go to the very edges of our kingdom and

18 • DECEMBER 2021 I faithandfriends.ca

bring back a spark of magic to give us hope,” the king instructs Nikolas. It seems the king believes in elves, too!

Nikolas sets out on his quest, his only companion a talking mouse named Miika (Stephen Merchant).

“We have to go under the moon, past the sleeping giants and up the pointy mountain,” he tells the mouse.

“But we’ll get there. I know we will.”

Fate of a Father Nikolas and Miika help a reindeer who Nikolas names Blitzen, and he joins them on the journey. Eventually, they encounter some elves in the woods. Nikolas can’t believe it.

They’re real! But where is Elfhelm?

And more importantly, where is his father?

“To see something, you must believe in it. Really believe,” one of the elves tells him.

Nikolas closes his eyes and concentrates. When he opens them, he

sees Elfhelm spread out before him.

The elves welcome him into the village for a Christmas party. “I don’t know what Christmas is, but I love it,” says Miika.

Nikolas thinks everything is going according to plan. All he has to do is find his father and ask the elves for a spark of magic. But the elves decide that Nikolas can’t leave because he might bring other humans back to the village, putting them in danger.

If he remains trapped in Elfhelm, how will Nikolas give the king the spark of magic? And if his mission fails, what will happen to his father?

(Spoiler alert: I think the answer involves a flying reindeer and a boy who brings the magic and hope of Christmas to the world, teaching everyone how to believe in the impossible.)

Photos: Courtesy of Netflix

The Personification of Christmas St. Nicholas was a Christian bishop who lived in the fourth century in

Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey.

Orphaned at a young age, his parents left him a great deal of money. Nicholas was a kind man, and he used his vast wealth to help the poor and give anonymous gifts to people in need.

It’s hard to believe that the story of St. Nicholas morphed into Santa Claus, the secret nocturnal visitor who sneaks down chimneys to fill stockings with presents.

But there’s another Christmas story that’s even harder to believe.

Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem, a humble, ordinary beginning.

His birth was prophesied for centuries. When He came to earth, He brought something better than magic. He brought the hope of salvation to the entire world. Jesus was born, lived on earth for 33 years, and then died so that we could be saved and spend eternity in heaven.

St. Nicholas was a kind, generous man, but Jesus—God’s Son—is the real personification of Christmas.

A Boy and a Mouse “I don’t know what Christmas is, but I love it,” Miika (right) tells Nikolas

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Faith&Friends

LITE STUFF

Eating Healthy With Erin BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND SAGE GNOCCHI

Recipe photo: Erin Stanley

TIME 3 hrs 50 min MAKES 8 servings SERVE WITH holiday turkey

1.5 kg (3 lb) butternut squash 15 ml (1 tbsp) butter 1 large egg, whisked pinch of salt 2 ml (½ tsp) pepper 1 ml (¼ tsp) nutmeg 750 ml (3 cups) allpurpose flour, plus extra for rolling Sauce 45 ml (3 tbsp) butter 7 leaves of sage 2 sprigs of parsley 60 ml (¼ cup) fresh Parmesan cheese to taste

1. Preheat oven to 205 C (400 F). Slice squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Rub with butter and place cut side down on a baking sheet. Bake for 50 minutes.

2. Scoop out squash and purée until smooth. Add to a pan and cook over medium heat, stirring often for 10 minutes. Place in fridge to cool for about an hour.

3. Measure out 750 ml (3 cups) of squash mixture and place in a bowl. Add whisked egg, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Mix together and add 250 ml (1 cup) of flour at a time until dough starts to come away from the bowl.

4. Heavily flour a surface and your hands. Knead dough until it’s no longer sticky and continue to add flour until you can roll 25-mm(1-in.-) thick strips.

5. Line 2 baking sheets with waxed paper and cut gnocchi into 25-mm (1-in.) pieces and separate on pan.

Place in freezer for 2 hours.

6. Boil water and add gnocchi. In 3-5 minutes, they should rise to the top so you can spoon them out.

7. For sauce, in large skillet, melt butter, and add sage and parsley.

Cook for 2-3 minutes. Add gnocchi and continue to cook, stirring often, for 2-3 minutes. At the last minute, stir in Parmesan cheese to taste.

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Mary’s Memories

Serving Soldiers

Rowing for a Cause

OUR ARMY AT WAR P.12 A MAN & HIS DORY P.10 ARMY HELPS P.22

Faith&Friends I N S P I R AT I O N F O R L I V I N G

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Sudoku Puzzle

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Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 × 3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.

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QUICK QUIZ 1. Who was officially declared a Canadian citizen at Christmastime in 2008?

2. What is the birthstone for December?

3. Who wrote the short novel A Christmas Carol in 1843?

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7 3

9 1

2

2

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9

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2

2

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3 3

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OH MY WORD!

© J.Sanko/C. Layton, 2021

by John Sanko

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Faith&Friends

LITE STUFF

Word Search How the Grinch Stole Christmas B

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BAGS BICYCLES BOXES CAVE CHIMNEY CINDY-LOU DR. SEUSS DRUMS EMPTY SACKS FEAST FIFTY-THREE FIREPLACE

GIDDAP GRINCHY MAX MORNING MT. CRUMPIT NOISE PACKAGES POPCORN PUDDING RED THREAD REINDEER ROAST BEAST

ROOF SANTY CLAUS SING SLEIGH SLITHERED SLUNK SMALL HEART SNOW TAGS THREE SIZES TREE WHO HASH

22 • DECEMBER 2021 I faithandfriends.ca

Quick Quiz Answers: 1. Santa Claus; 2. turquoise; 3. Charles Dickens.

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Faith&Friends

NIFTY THRIFTY

One-Shop Stop Making a list and checking it twice is so much easier if you thrift it the smart way!

I

t’s easy to discover great deals for yourself at your local Salvation Army thrift store, but what about shopping for someone else? Have you ever considered second-hand for those special people in your life? It’s a great way to score unique pieces, stick to your holiday budget and check all the items off your shopping list.* Parent photo frame, holiday decor, serving plate Friend scarf, catch-all bowl, journal Teacher large mug, candle, diffuser Family Member toys, puzzles, games Shopping for others is effortless at a Salvation Army thrift store—if you know what you are looking to purchase. But don’t forget to bring your wish list with you! Nothing feels better than checking off those holiday finds. *All items pictured have been thrifted from a Salvation Army thrift store.

(left) Tijana McAllister is the frugalista behind A Plentiful Life, a lifestyle blog that shows readers how to live their best lives on a budget. She is also a creative expert for The Salvation Army’s thrift stores.

Find a thrift store near you at thriftstore.ca.

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For address changes or subscription information contact (416) 422-6119 or circulation@salvationarmy.ca. Allow 4-6 weeks for changes.