volume 6 number 48 20 December 2025
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Tinsel, turkey and triggers Christmas is just another day. Or is it?
4 God has left the light on
6 Enchantment at church?
8 A gentle space for grief
Celebrating life, hope and healing this Christmas
Finding respite, beauty and something to celebrate
Remembering loved ones at Christmas
“Those little Advent candles sure have a lot of darkness to overcome this year … their stubborn flames represent the divine promise that even the smallest light can chase away the shadows lurking in this world, that even in the darkest places, God can’t be kept out.” – Rachel Held Evans (1981-2019)
PHOTO BY LAURA NYHUIS ON UNSPLASH
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Editorial What is The Salvation Army? The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Vision Statement Wherever there is hardship or injustice, Salvos will live, love and fight alongside others to transform Australia one life at a time with the love of Jesus. Mission Statement The Salvation Army is a Christian movement dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus by: • Caring for people • Creating faith pathways • Building healthy communities • Working for justice The Salvation Army Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet and work and pay our respect to Elders, past, present, and future. We value and include people of all cultures, languages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and intersex status. We are committed to providing programs that are fully inclusive. We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of people of all ages, particularly children.
No ordinary day None of us need reminding about how tumultuous the year we have just experienced has been. Globally, nationally and, for many of us, personally, 2025 has been challenging, painful and heartbreaking. Yet into this busy and broken world comes Christmas – a celebration of love, light, hope, peace and joy. For some, the day will be a celebration – with fun family gatherings, presents and parties. Many others though, will face ongoing illness, family breakdowns, natural disasters, loneliness, spiralling living costs and grief. And for some, the day means nothing. It’s just another day. But is it? It’s the day Jesus was born. God came to earth to restore life for all humanity through his life, death and resurrection.
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Founders: William and Catherine Booth Salvation Army World Leaders: General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham Territorial Leader: Commissioner Miriam Gluyas Secretary for Communications and Editor-In-Chief: Colonel Rodney Walters Publications Manager: Cheryl Tinker Editor: Simone Worthing Graphic Designer: Ryan Harrison Enquiry email: publications@salvationarmy.org.au All other Salvation Army enquiries 13 72 58 Press date: 28 November 2025 Printed and published for The Salvation Army by Commissioner Miriam Gluyas at Focus Print Group, Chester Hill, NSW, Darug Nation lands.
In the middle of dark times – and even good times – Christmas is a season that helps restore deep hope and lasting joy, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus and all that his life, death and resurrection mean for all humanity. The Salvos Magazine team wishes all our readers a safe, meaningful and transformative Christmas! Simone Worthing Editor 3
Feature
Salvos Magazine
God has left the light on
Celebrating life, hope and healing this Christmas by General Lyndon Buckingham
As a young boy, I suffered from chronic bronchial asthma. Often, asthma attacks would come in the dark of the night. The result: fear of the dark, panic and, as I recall, a sense of desperation as I struggled to catch my next breath. Cue Mum to the rescue: calming, reassuring, helping, embracing. “Mum, can you leave the light on?” I would ask. The passage light was left on; my door was pulled to. The light, shining through the crack in the door, signified so much to me: I could see, the dark was not nearly as oppressive, and the light represented the reality of my mother’s presence. It calmed, reassured, reminded and, most of all, it dispelled the darkness and my fear. The light has come! Light and dark Over the centuries, light and dark have been used by cultures and religions to differentiate between good and evil, pure and impure, right and wrong, life and death. Light overcomes the darkness, good triumphs over evil, right prevails over wrong, hope wins over hopelessness. “Mum, can you leave the light on?” Light and dark is a recurring theme in Scripture from the very beginning. Early in the first book of the Bible, these memorable words are noted: “Then God said, ‘Let there be light’” (Genesis chapter 1, verse 3 New Living Translation). The prophet Isaiah, writing at a time of political turmoil and spiritual despair, 4
shared a message of hope and light. Against a backdrop of uncertainty, fear, oppression and spiritual hunger, the prophet declared, “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine” (Isaiah chapter 9, verse 2). “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end” (Isaiah chapter 9, verses 6-7). Constant presence Light symbolises the presence of God. The prophecy is fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, sent to be the Light of the World! He comes to bring the light of God’s presence into the darkness of our world. He brings forgiveness, redemption, healing, hope, comfort, courage and purpose – life in all its fullness. He reveals the nature, character and heart of God. He introduces a kingdom that will have no end, and he invites all of us to step into the light. In John’s Gospel we read, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it” (John chapter 1, verse 5). God’s light for our world today is the revelation of himself in the person of Jesus Christ – the Light of the World who conquered the darkness of death with a radiant resurrection, vindicating everything he taught about his Father,
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the Kingdom, himself and us as both true and trustworthy. Jesus reveals God’s intention and desire for all humankind – life in all its fullness through faith in him. Once again, this Christmas we have the opportunity to reflect, celebrate and worship the God who steps down into darkness and brings light. Hope and healing Friends, stay with me a little more. Jesus said to his followers, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew chapter 5, verse 14). You. Me. Us! This is the beautiful purpose of people who belong to God through faith in Christ. We become vessels through whom the light of God
is revealed: hope and healing, truth and grace, compassion and mercy, forgiveness and love. Light! “God, can you leave the light on?” “I have.” May God reveal again his light as you celebrate this Christmas. May we, who have placed our faith in his Son, shine like stars in the universe as living testimonies to the power and sufficiency of Jesus, the Light of the World. God bless you. General Lyndon Buckingham is the world leader of The Salvation Army. 5
Feature
Salvos Magazine
Can the Church still enchant us at Christmas time?
Finding respite, beauty and something to celebrate by Natasha Moore
There are some things that only make sense at this time of year. Listening to Mariah Carey on repeat. Watching the most slenderly plotted films known to humankind. Bedecking our homes in ever more frenetic lights, bells and whistles. Eating ourselves into a collective food coma.
18- to 34-year-olds attend a service at least once a month.
What about going to church? In recent years, when the Census results have confirmed a further decline in religious affiliation, we might expect Australians to be less likely than ever to darken the door of a church at Christmas.
What brings people along who normally wouldn’t be interested? Family tradition, perhaps. The magic of Christmas, after all, lies mostly in repetition, re-enactment. We look for ways to make this time of year special – sacred. We seek enchantment, or re-enchantment. Can church deliver?
Only 22 per cent of Australians say they attend religious services at least monthly. Perhaps surprisingly, it’s young people who buck this trend – 32 per cent of
Sacred and special The 2021 Australian Community Survey suggested that around 30 per cent of Australians would probably go to a Christmas church service – if they were invited by a family member or friend.
Maybe, maybe not. Your experience is likely to vary quite a bit by denomination and locale – not to mention how much is in the eye of the attender. But here are some things that church is likely to deliver, should you choose to attend this Christmas. Carols. Church is (alas) one of the few places where it’s still normal for grown-ups to collectively burst into song. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices. These old tunes sound down the years for a reason. A sermon. A preacher of some kind will stand and speak to you about a baby laid in a manger long ago. If they do it well,
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Bands, carols and music are a regular feature of Salvos' Christmas services.
you will find they are also speaking to you about your heart and what you long for, and about the heart of God. They will offer you a moment of pause and reflection on the year that’s been, and what’s to come. That can be a rare gift. Rough edges. [In] your local church, there’ll probably be typos and awkward moments and the occasional wrong note. For those who come every week, this is family: it’s cringeworthy, and it’s precious. Welcome. The Christmas story is about God going way out of his way to welcome the least churchy types. Any church worth their salt will be glad you’re there. They’ll also tell you you’re welcome back any week, and they’ll mean it. Mystery. Some churches put on nativity plays, some with actual camels and donkeys. Some have midnight services with candles and mince pies. The details differ, but I wonder if the reason a lot of people come to church on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day who wouldn’t normally is because it’s the place where Christmas is serious.
Celebration Even for those who adore the trappings of the season, there’s often a lurking sense, in the shopping centres and at the Christmas parties, that sentimentality and false cheer is trying (and ultimately failing) to paper over grief, worry, weariness. The Christmas story takes both the darkness and the joy as really real: the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. This Christmas, there’s a moderateto-fair chance that church will offer you respite, beauty and something to celebrate. Be enchanted. Natasha Moore is a senior research fellow with the Centre for Public Christianity. She has a PhD in English Literature from Cambridge and is the author of The Pleasures of Pessimism. This article first appeared in The Canberra Times. tinyurl.com/yrbz84r7 7
News Feature
Salvos Magazine
A gentle space for those who grieve Remembering loved ones at Christmas by Lerisse Smith
The Christmas season can often sparkle with merriment and mistletoe for those who embrace and love the festive occasion yet for those mourning lost loved ones, it can feel quietly cloaked in sorrow. However, remembrance services in various locations have again offered glimmers of warmth, light and peace. This year’s Christmas Remembrance Service at Victoria’s Ringwood Salvos again invited the community to remember, reflect on and celebrate the lives of family members or friends they have lost during the year. “It is the highlight of my Christmas,” said Major Bram Cassidy, Ringwood Salvos officer (pastor). “I do a lot of things at Christmas time. This is the thing that gives me the greatest meaning.” Bram has conducted the service across multiple Melbourne Salvos since 2000. Along the way, he has shared the model of service with fellow Salvos officers locally and nationally. Reflective space Bram strongly believes the Christian church can offer something deeper and more meaningful than just a secular service. “We can project hope and the presence of God,” he says. Upon arrival, attendees select a paper star and write on it the name of their loved one, or a personal message. Attendees are then invited to place their 8
stars on the tree and pause for reflection or prayer. The tree is then lit. The atmosphere is intentionally subdued. Low lighting and some quiet carols create a reflective space. As much as possible, Bram ensures that anyone [in his area] who has lost a loved one during the year, whether family or friend, receives a personal invitation to the service. He makes a special note, both from funerals he conducts himself, and hearing about the passing of others. If people in the community learn about the service and have lost a loved one, they are invited too. “Even though people may not know each other, there's this amazing bond that happens because we are all there to remember someone,” Bram explains. “So that itself creates a real, powerful atmosphere.” An honour roll is also a significant component of the service, where the names are read aloud. Music also carries the emotional depth of the service. One song in particular, Melinda Schneider’s Wish You Were Here, has become a permanent and special fixture. Written for her father before he died of lung cancer, the song captures the pain and poignancy of remembering someone absent. Bram plays it just ahead of the dressing of the tree because he wants people to feel and allow themselves to acknowledge their loss.
News Feature
20 December 2025
Service attendees write the name of loved ones, or personal messages to them, on a paper star. Major Bram Cassidy leads the Remembrance Service each year.
“I want them to acknowledge I do miss my loved one … because that's where healing can begin,” he emphasises. “So, we acknowledge the hurt, we acknowledge the pain. And then gently, we light the tree. It gives me just a moment or two to speak about hope and the fact that God is with us in our grief.” Ongoing support The service then concludes with a Christmas-themed supper offering mince pies, Christmas cake and coffee. For some, the event is emotionally intense and they leave immediately; for others, the supper offers a chance to connect and share stories. But support is always top priority.
Timing is also deliberate. The service is held on 30 November during the first week of Advent. For those unable to attend, the star-laden tree is placed in the church foyer where people can add a name throughout the Christmas season. On Christmas morning, the Remembrance Tree is brought back into the chapel where people are encouraged to pause and pray for those who are grieving. The service model is something Bram has developed intentionally so it could be shared freely with others. If you or someone you know needs help, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. 9
Faith Talk
Salvos Magazine
Tinsel, turkey and triggers Christmas is just another day. Or is it? by Faye Michelson
“Don’t get stressed. It’s just another day.” But is it?
Christmas Day – yes, it’s a Thursday this year and has 24 hours, but it can have more layers to it than Aunty Val’s trifle. What are the layers you have to work through this Christmas? It can be a stressful time for those who host family get-togethers, simply because it’s so busy. People who tell you not to stress because it’s “just another day” usually mean it kindly. They don’t want you to feel under pressure. Nevertheless, hosts know how much time and work – even when done willingly and with love – goes into rearranging furniture to seat everyone, setting the festive table, organising the food and negotiating what everyone will contribute, not to mention cleaning the house. Then it’s a logistical miracle to juggle cooking times, dish up 20 (or however many) plates of food while remembering to make the gravy at the last minute – you know, all the details that need to be taken care of! Have you ever rolled your eyes mentally when someone has advised you not to stress,
Faith Talk “it’s just another meal,” as they’ve placed their salad or pavlova on the table and sat down for a chat and drink? Finances and family Everyone wants their loved ones, especially children, to enjoy the excitement of Christmas Day, but there’s nothing exciting about stretching already-stretched budgets to cover the cost of presents and festive food. The enjoyment of the celebration can be diminished with the shadow of credit card debt or the sadness that your family’s Christmas will not be what you wished for them. Then there are the layers of undercurrents as family members who rarely see each other gather together on Christmas Day. It can be a melting pot of fractured relationships, dishing up resentments with the cranberry sauce and pouring out longheld hurts with the custard.
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She and her betrothed, Joseph, lived in an occupied country and, even though Mary was heavily pregnant, they were forced to travel a long distance to meet the requirements of Caesar’s imposed census. This meant accommodation was in such short supply that Mary had no choice but to deliver her baby in lessthan-ideal circumstances, in the shelter of a stable. Christmas Day may not be what you want it to be. Hopefully, though, you can peel back a few layers at some point to remember that, actually, it’s not just an ordinary day with a whole lot of stress attached to it. It’s the day Jesus was born.
For some, underpinning the celebrations is the rawness of a first Christmas without a loved one, or the complicated, yet wonderful, way that the joy of a new baby may co-exist with the ongoing grief for family friends who are absent. Painful start It may encourage you, though, to know there were layers making up even the first Christmas – the one we celebrate – when Jesus was born more than 2000 years ago. It was not just a simple, happy, stress-free occasion. Mary was an unmarried mother in a society and time when that was very much shamed. 11
My Story
Salvos Magazine
Holly’s outback Christmas Sharing hope and love in Katherine by Naomi Singlehurst It is a long way from the West Midlands’ winter Christmas in the United Kingdom to the heat of midsummer in Katherine, Northern Territory. But when 27-year-old working tourist Holly saw an opportunity to volunteer at the annual Salvation Army Katherine community Christmas lunch — helping to feed and bring hope and joy to more than 150 local community members — she immediately knew it was how she wanted to spend her first Christmas away from her close-knit family in England.
Having spent nearly six months of her holiday working at a large supermarket in Katherine, Holly says she felt privileged to connect with, and be welcomed by, the many locals she met. Before travelling, she attended university and worked as a clerical staff member for the National Health Service in England. While the cultural differences were huge in some ways, and some of the social challenges heartbreaking, there were also many similarities in communities where people looked out for and cared for each other. “I kind of got a sense of the real Australia, in my opinion,” says Holly. “Not the postcard version. I got to connect with people – Aboriginal people and Indigenous Islanders – which was beautiful. To experience that culture was really special. I’m so grateful. Everyone I met in Katherine was really accepting.” A special Christmas Holly’s partner, Thomas, was instantly on board with volunteering. The couple joined 46 other volunteers for The Salvation Army Christmas lunch – an experience Holly says was deeply rewarding. “I thought, what better way to spend Christmas than with people 12
who need a little bit of love, a little bit of kindness? A meal, a cold drink – it just made sense to do it,” she says. “It wasn’t about us at all. We had a job to do. I was just a visitor who had the privilege of living in Katherine for six months, but in that moment, we felt like we had been part of the community forever.” Holly describes the day as being filled with light and joy. “I don’t know how else to put it. It was full of goodness, full of smiles. We were on such a high when we finished.” The lunch was coordinated by Salvation Army corps officers (pastors) Sandra Mortimer and Tony Barford. It was their first time overseeing the event in Katherine, and Sandra says it was “a very special day”. “We were grateful to know so many of the rough-sleeping community from our work throughout the year,” Sandra says. “The volunteers worked incredibly hard and did a massive amount.” The team served a generous meal of turkey, ham, chicken, potato bake and mangoes, all donated by local businesses, alongside food and other Christmas supplies made possible by Red Shield Appeal funds donated by the
My Story
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Holly and her partner, Thomas, feel like their experience with the Salvos in Katherine has given them a glimpse of the ‘real Australia’.
Katherine community, and a Red Shield Appeal Indigenous Australians funding support package. Support for all Leftover meals were donated to a Katherine women’s shelter, whose staff had also volunteered at the lunch. A local musical ensemble performed carols, and a children’s activity room was run by qualified supervisors. Every child received a toy from The Salvation Army’s Christmas Cheer warehouse donations and the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal. Local churches joined in to offer support.
“The highlights of the day were the many expressions of thanks we received from rough sleepers and from Katherine residents who had homes but appreciated having somewhere to come,” Sandra says. “It was so heartwarming.” Looking ahead, Holly knows this experience will shape how she approaches Christmas and others in need in the future. “And,” she laughs, “my family will find me much more handy in the kitchen next Christmas. I’m ready and prepared. I feel like I’ve mastered handling meats, potatoes and gravy now!” For the full version of this story, go to salvosonline.org.au 13
Taste of Life
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French onion bites
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Salvos Magazine
Quiz
PHOTO BY ELIN MELAAS ON UNSPLASH
1. How many ghosts show up in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol?
Ingredients 100g butter; 4 bacon rashers, finely chopped; 200g button mushroom, thinly sliced; 2 garlic cloves, crushed; ¼ cup parsley/thyme, finely chopped; 4½ cups breadcrumbs; 40g French onion soup mix; salt and pepper; 2 eggs, lightly beaten; thin strips of ham or bacon Method Melt butter in frypan over medium heat. Add bacon and mushrooms, stirring for 12 minutes until soft. Add garlic and herbs. Cook for 1 minute. Transfer to bowl and cool for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 200°C. Grease or line a baking tray. Stir breadcrumbs and soup mix into mushroom mixture, season to taste. Add egg and stir until combined. Shape mixture into balls (16), wrap each ball in ham or bacon strip, place on baking tray. Bake for 20 minutes.
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Believe in Good: Tips
26 December – Thank You Note Day “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” – G K Chesterton 14
2. In which Christmas movie does Tom Hanks play six of the characters? 3. Which country started the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree? 4. What has traditionally aired at 3pm on Christmas Day? 5. According to Buddy the Elf, what are the four food groups elves can eat?
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On this day
21 December 1937 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is released. 22 December 1882 Edward H Johnson, Vice President of the Edison Electric Light Company, became the first person to decorate a Christmas tree with electric lights at his home in New York City.
Take Five
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Have a laugh
Why did the tree go to the barber? It needed a trim. How do Christmas trees get ready for a night out? They spruce up. What’s Santa’s favourite fruit? Sugar plums. Why does Scrooge love Rudolph? Because every buck is dear to him.
What is every parent’s favourite Christmas Carol?
Silent Night.
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Tum-Tum
On which page of this week’s Salvos Magazine is Tum-Tum hiding?
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Answers
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20 December 2025
Word search
D D B F M A N G E R I WZ J Y T A E B E T H L E H E M A P E M R D C C O N Y N WR E A T H S G E V T J O M U K A J O Y Y S U I E E T B I R T H Z T A X P T S F I N M G M X A B C F I M R A D T G T F A M A S T E Y U V A R D S O WJ Q R M N H I J G K I G B C L U B K U Y Y G E O O M WT I E D V R B C Y WR E P N S R N Y N D D O N K E Y Q R L H S E H X S R WD N I G H T L H S E T P Q U Q J C C A T T L E X H J R K H S S Z X I M M A N U E L F G D M I D B F R A N K I N C E N S E S B X O C F Q O C H R M U P E A C E I Words are hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, forwards and backwards. Enjoy! Advent Angels Bethlehem Birth Cattle Census Decorations Donkey Frankincense
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Gifts Gold Immanuel Jesus Joseph Joy Manger Mary Myrrh
Nativity Night Peace Shepherds Star Tree Wreath
Bible byte
“But then something happened: God our Saviour and His overpowering love and kindness for humankind entered our world.” Titus chapter 3, verse 4 The Voice translation 15
Tum-Tum: is hiding behind Santa's chair on page 7.
Quiz: 1. Four – Marley and three Christmas spirits 2. The Polar Express 3. Germany 4. The Queen’s or King’s speech 5. Candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup
Emergency contact numbers If you need help at any time, especially over the holidays, please contact: For emergency assistance if your life, or someone else’s, is in danger: 000 Or from a mobile phone: 112 Emergency line if you have a hearing or speech impairment: 106 Salvation Army general enquiries: 13SALVOS (137258) National Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Helpline (24 hours): 1800 737 732 (1800 Respect) Lifeline: 131 114 Kids helpline: 1800 55 1800 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78 13YARN – 24/7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders: 13 92 76