10 December 2016 NZFT War Cry

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FAITH IN ACTION  10 DECEMBER 2016 | Issue 6657 | $1.50

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WAR CRY The Salvation Army

Te Ope Whakaora New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioners Robert & Janine Donaldson | GENERAL André Cox | FOUNDERS William

& Catherine Booth

The Salvation Army’s message is based on the Bible. Our ministry is motivated by love for God. Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human need in his name without discrimination. War Cry exists to support and advance The Salvation Army’s message, ministry and mission.

EDITOR Major Christina Tyson | GRAPHIC DESIGN Tanesha Dahya, Amber Wilkinson | STAFF WRITERS Ingrid Barratt, Major Shar Davis, Robin Raymond | PROOF READING Major Jill Gainsford OFFICE Territorial Headquarters, 204 Cuba Street, PO Box

6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141, Phone (04) 384 5649, Fax (04) 382 0716, Email warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org, www.salvationarmy.org.nz/warcry

SUBSCRIPTIONS Salvationist Resources Department, Phone (04) 382 0768, Email mailorder@nzf.salvationarmy.org, $75 per year within NZ PRINT MANAGEMENT MakeReady, makeready.nz | PAPER Novatech

is an environmentally responsible paper manufactured under environmental management system ISO14001 using FSC® Certified, Mixed Source, ECF pulp from responsible sources and legally harvested forests.

Member of the Australasian Religious Press Association.

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More astonishing than the baby We had friends join us for dinner the other evening. It had been a while since we’d caught up, and the thing that really struck me about their family was how much their daughter had grown. She was taller, more confident, and the features of her face were changing from ‘young child’ to ‘young adult’—the transition wasn’t quite complete, but there was more than a hint as to what she would look like in the grownup years to come.

As we focus on the birth of Jesus, we’re naturally reflecting on the earliest days in his life, but we also want to call to mind his adult ministry, sacrificial death and miraculous resurrection. Most of all, when we think of Jesus, we want to remember that Jesus is God. As John F. MacArthur said, ‘If we could condense all the truths of Christmas into only three words, these would be the words: “God with us.” We tend to focus our attention at Christmas on the infancy of Christ. The greater truth of the holiday is his deity. More astonishing than a baby in the manger is the truth that this promised baby is the omnipotent creator of the heavens and the earth!’

Jesus did not remain a small, vulnerable infant—he grew to become our victorious Saviour, who overcame sin and death and offers the way to a restored relationship with God. This same Jesus loves us and today calls his followers to personify God’s love to a hurting world.

Christina Tyson Editor

All Bible references from the Holy Bible, New International Version, unless otherwise stated.

Articles are copyrighted to The Salvation Army, except where indicated, and may be reprinted only with permission.

Publishing for 133 years | ISSN 0043-0242, Issue 6657 Please pass on or recycle this magazine Read online www.issuu.com/salvationarmynzftwarcry

www.salvationarmy.org.nz salvationarmynzftwarcry @salvationarmynz salvationarmynzft

May we not ‘spend’ Christmas or ‘observe’ Christmas, but rather ‘keep’ it.

Peter Marshall

2 WarCry 10 DECEMBER 2016

John 17:3 Contemporary English Version Eternal life is to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, the one you sent.

Hoani 17:3 Ko te ora tonu hoki tēnei, kia mātau rātou ki a koe, ko koe anake te Atua pono, ki a Īhu Karaiti anō hoki i tonoa mai nei e koe.

S

ome people prepare for Christmas months in advance. I tip my hat to these uber-organised souls, but I’m not one of them. And I know I’m not alone when I say that every year my good intentions to buy gifts early, stockpile holiday food, send Christmas cards, spring-clean the house … none of this comes to fruition.

Inevitably, I find myself sprinting breathlessly to the Christmas finish line, as others who have paced themselves more sensibly sip sparkling grape juice and enjoy Kiwi onion dip and chips in the sun, as meat for their Christmas Day BBQs marinades in the fridge.

I live in envious awe of those who get Christmas sorted weeks ahead, who don’t need to do last minute gift-buying or fight their way amongst overladen shopping trollies in the face of the reality that supermarkets will close and we will have to survive Christmas with only what’s left in our pantries and freezers. Quelle horreur!

I agree with those pointing out that these are decidedly first-world problems—and usually that would be enough to arrest my whinging, as I remember to count my blessings and ignore the Christmas chorus of: Buy our stuff, buy our stuff, empty out your purse / Christmas is a spending time that steadily grows worse … (this fits to ‘Jingle Bells’, if you’re inclined to sing along).

But then I catch a glimpse of The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal advertising and its

stark message: Christmas shouldn’t be a killer. And I’m reminded that for too many New Zealanders, Christmas is not a time of full-trolley plenty, but of empty-cupboard need. And that no amount of tightening the purse strings during the year or lessening already meagrely low expectations of holiday celebrations can remove the very real stress of this season. You can’t get blood from a turnip, as the saying goes.

If we ponder this proposition—that Christmas shouldn’t be a killer—surely most of us would agree that there are too many New Zealanders living on the breadline, struggling to put a roof over their heads, food in their mouths and clothing on their kids, let alone presents under the tree or a pavlova on the table for Christmas Day lunch.

The Salvation Army expects to help 17,000 families and individuals this Christmas. I’m sure all of these people approach Christmas with the same desire for hope and joy that I do. They just need a little help to bring that hope to life.

So, if you are in that joyous position of having ticked off most of your Christmas to-do list, or simply if you’re moved by Christmas compassion and the desire to take the pressure down for others, head to www.salvationarmy.org.nz/ ChristmasAppeal or phone 0800 53 00 00. Make a donation to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal … and bring hope to life!

BY CHRISTINA TYSON

10 DECEMBER 2016 WarCry 3

GOODSTUFF Last month, Oamaru Harbour opened New Zealand’s first underpass especially for penguins.

The little blue penguins took up residence at a defunct quarry in the 1990s, but have to navigate the main road to get to the beach. They also face hordes of tourists as they try to get home at dusk. So the local council constructed a penguin-sized tunnel so they can travel safely, without the paparazzi. You can check out the foot-tall penguins waddling through their tunnel on YouTube. It gives new meaning to happy feet!

The traditional three colours of Christmas are green, red, and gold.

Green is a symbol of life and rebirth, red symbolises the blood of Christ, and gold represents light, wealth and royalty.

A Season of Waiting Not Doing We often overlook Advent, but it is a wonderful antidote to the stress and busyness of Christmas. Advent means ‘the coming’, and it’s a time of watching and waiting. Sybil MacBeth, author of The Season of the Nativity, offers some Advent practices that help us ‘marinate’ in the ‘worldly and miraculous way God broke into history.’

The Advent calendar: Opening the door of an Advent calendar each day has a magical quality. But it can be so much more than an excuse for chocolate. Write the name of a person on the inside of the door each day and pray for them.

Go purple: The colour of Advent is purple, associated with royalty. Decorate your tree in purple—wait until Christmas Eve for green and red. We are not there yet, we are still anticipating the coming of the King.

Adventure, Kids & Family Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them M (Contains Violence) David Yates Harry Potter fans have anticipated this movie for some time. It does not disappoint. Even if you’ve never seen a single Harry Potter movie, there is much to enjoy. While it takes place in the Harry Potter universe, Fantastic Beasts holds its own as a film. J.K. Rowling’s fantastically imaginative creatures come to life on the screen with humour and realism. Set in 1926, Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) arrives in New York and must try to recapture his creatures when they escape from his magical suitcase after it gets confused with another man’s case. Jacob, the No-Maj (American for ‘Muggle’), gets caught up into the world of magic as he tries to help his new friend Newt save the creatures and his own life. There are some great characters, including a villain or two, a hippo on heat who is looking for a mate, and a kleptomaniac platypus.

(Reviewed by Shar Davis)

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Plant a bulb: Plant a bulb with about half of the bulb showing. Water it each day and feel the anticipation of waiting for the plant to flourish. Consider our spiritual waitings—we want the roots of our lives to flourish, but we can’t force it.

Practice hopefulness: God is up to something, despite the injustices in the world. On a poster, get your family to write one good thing that has happened to them each day.

Draw: Doodle and draw every day without an agenda. Let this be a quiet time of joy and reflection. Do this with your children or alone.

Make a progressive nativity: Instead of setting up your nativity at once, choose one or two characters to bring out each day. Wait until Christmas to put Jesus out.

Sense your growing anticipation for the day when Jesus joins the picture.

ONTHESPOT Janine Donaldson As we say a fond farewell to our territorial leaders, we asked Janine Donaldson give us a glimpse behind the scenes.

Secret indulgence: Jaffa lollies Celebrity crush: My own celebrity, [husband] Robert What I’m watching: The Great British Sewing Bee One thing I love: Going out for coffee with my kids One thing I hate: Anything that bites What I love most about my job: The people Fave Friday night takeaway: Fish ‘n’ Chips Something that would surprise us about your job: All the meetings!

This is the irrational season.

When love blooms bright and wild.

Had Mary been filled with reason.

There’d have been no room for the child.

QUIKQUIZ

1 What is the world’s

longest-running sci-fi drama?

2 What is the Māori word for cat?

3 What is the name of the Cyclone that hit Vanuatu in 2015?

4 What country produces the most rice?

5 Who had a vision of a deep river that could not be passed over?

Answers on page 22

Christmas Trifle Here’s a terrific seasonal recipe from our good friends at Countdown.

750g frozen or fresh berries 1 packet raspberry jelly 1 packet blackberry jelly 600ml ready-made custard Packet of large sponge cake, cut into squares 400g whipped cream

Arrange half the berry fruit in two shallow dishes.

Make up the two packets of jelly using half the amount of boiling water in packet instructions. Pour over the fruit and allow to set.

In a glass dish layer the custard, berries, sponge cake and jelly finishing with custard.

Top with whipped cream and garnish with raspberries.

200g fresh raspberries

Find more great recipes at https://shop. countdown.co.nz/shop/recipes

Cookbook Jamie Oliver’s Christmas Cookbook A Jamie Oliver cookbook is always a prestige production, with rich design and photography—which makes it a dependable Christmas gift. It could be tempting to see this as simply the perfect marketing ploy, but you get the feeling that this really is a labour of love for Jamie—who says that his hope is the book is used year after year, and assures us that ‘I’m only ever going to write this once’.

Recipes range from truly Christmassy puddings and roasted goose, to more modern interpretations such as a ‘turkey Wellington’ and even a Thai green curry. It all comes together to make a delightful feast. (Penguin)

Madeleine L’Engle

10 DECEMBER 2016 WarCry 5

ONLY THE NAME OF JESUS

When Bernie Knowles woke up from a coma, he couldn’t remember who he was. He didn’t know his family or that he was a Salvation Army officer. He couldn’t walk or talk. The only thing he could remember was a single name. And that name was Jesus.

AS TOLD TO INGRID BARRATT

T

he day that my life changed forever started with a fun family outing.

My wife Elinor and I were Salvation Army officers and we were on holiday with our three kids. We all went out to play with some local farm animals—a couple of donkeys, goats and sheep. Within three hours, I was having convulsions. Within two days, I’d fallen into a coma. I was 34 years old. It was late November in 1977, and I didn’t wake up until early January.

While I was unconscious, I had two vivid experiences. In the first, I saw a beautiful avenue of trees with bright sunlight at the end. There was someone there that I knew to be a person called Jesus. Although I didn’t know anything about him, I felt compelled to go to this person. But I said to him, ‘If you want me to stay, I’ll fight with everything I have to stay here. You have to tell me if I'm coming to you.’ And he simply responded, ‘Not just yet.’

Another time, I was in my hospital bed looking down at myself from above.

There were a whole lot of people in white surrounding me. I didn’t know who they were, but I took note of their characteristics, and what they were wearing.

Then, I saw another person, only he was clothed in a more pure white. He stood with these people.

When I woke up from my coma, the doctors told me that on two occasions my vital signs had gone and I had been dead for between two to three minutes.

Much later, when I could communicate, I told my registrar about the second vision I’d had, of people in white surrounding me. I described the people, and he started crying. He told me that I had described his colleagues to a T, even though I had never seen them when I was conscious.

But I still didn’t know who the man in pure white was.

10 DECEMBER 2016 WarCry 7

The man who didn’t know his name The day I woke up from my coma I could not remember who I was. It was terrifying. I did not know my name. I tried to speak, but only guttural sounds came out. I could not see properly. I had no control over my body, and could not move.

I only had two memories from before my coma. One was of falling off my bike when I was 10. Another was just a single name. I didn’t know who it was, or what it meant, but I remembered the name. Jesus.

A young lady kept coming into the Intensive Care Unit, and I heard one of the nurses refer to her as my ‘wife’. It would be four months before I plucked up enough courage to tell her, ‘I’m very sorry, but I don’t know who you are.’

My brother (although I didn’t know him at the time) and Elinor held me up one day so I could look out the window where a little boy was riding his bike. I wondered, ‘Why do they want me to look at that boy?’ Later, the same little five-yearold came into the ICU and sat next to me, stroking my hand for two hours.

I realised much later that he was my precious youngest child, Ben. I also had two older children, Greg and Raewyn, who were too traumatised to visit me in ICU. I was eventually diagnosed with viral encephalitis, an acute inflammation of the brain that is passed from mules to humans. I joke that it was passed from a mule to an ass. I should have died within 30 hours of contracting this illness, but I became the first person in 27 years to recover.

Encephalitis penetrates the layers of the brain and, for me, it scarred the part that stores memory. This means I have no memories from before the illness—and they will never be recovered. I have had to learn how to walk, talk, read and speak from scratch. But I had that name. The name of Jesus.

Name above all names I discovered that I had kept a personal diary for 18 years before the illness, and began poring over the entries. I learned from those diaries that my wife was chronically ill, and that I had taken on the role of caring for her as well as raising my three children. Her physical illness was accompanied by clinical depression. Because of this, Elinor had not been able to care for me the way that I had cared for her.

I realised my family needed me, and knew that I had to get better in a hurry so I could look after them.

Emotional scars are harder to recover from than physical 8 WarCry 10 DECEMBER 2016

THE DAY I WOKE UP FROM MY COMA I COULD NOT REMEMBER WHO I WAS. IT WAS TERRIFYING. scars. But it was my children’s love and acceptance that taught me to love them again.

It took about 20 months for the pain to begin to subside. I learned to walk again—at first only walking to the end of my bed. By practising every day, I learnt to read again. It took a long time, but I learnt to talk again too.

It was through my diaries that I discovered who Jesus was.

This Jesus became my constant companion. He was the one I relied on to get me through every day. And every night, I cried out to him.

I now knew that the man in pure white was Jesus. He was there holding my spirit in the space between Heaven and Earth.

I dedicated my life to Jesus, once again. Despite all my physical and emotional pain, this was a time when everything felt beautiful.

My good friend Bruce Nicholson advocated for me to continue working as a Salvation Army officer (minister) while I recovered, so I could be around people and have something else to live for. He drove us to his appointment, which was managing an aged care facility, and this became my family’s new home.

I stood in for him during the weekends, and bluffed my way through the first year. I continued to look after Elinor as well.

This became the pattern of my life for the next 20 years.

I had several appointments managing aged-care facilities. I nursed my wife and raised our children. At the age of 38, Elinor showed signs of, and was eventually diagnosed, with Alzheimer’s. Then, at 54, she was diagnosed with cancer. She was given 10 months to live, but she died within three weeks.

Elinor passed away less than a week before my son Ben’s wedding, at which I officiated. It was only the hand of Jesus covering me in this time that got me through.

Life to the full To help me overcome my grief, I set myself four goals to achieve in four years: skydiving, abseiling, piloting a light aircraft, and riding a motorbike at 200 km/hr. A new phase in

my life had begun.

I achieved my goals, but little did I know that was just the beginning of the adventure. One day, I heard a Nepalese Sherpa named Nima talking about the needs of his country.

I already had tickets to Europe, but found myself cancelling them and booking a flight to Nepal instead.

I arrived within hours of the borders closing due to civil war. Every few kilometres military guards would stop Nima and me in our car. During my time in Nepal I stared down the barrel of a gun four times, as guards threatened to kill me.

GOD HAS GIVEN ME PURPOSE, HE HAS RESTORED MY LIFE AND GIVEN ME TRUE LOVE. But one of the most memorable moments from that trip was meeting a 14-month-old child who had been badly burnt.

Nima said to me, ‘You heal her.’ Well, I didn’t know what to do.

By candlelight, I set to work, cleaning up a thick layer of pus. I sterilised my hands over an open fire and didn’t realise until later that I had burned them. I got my Swiss Army Knife out and cut off her dead flesh. I poured Betadine over the wound, and cut up strips of cotton as a bandage.

One of the joys of my life was returning to Nepal on another visit and seeing this young girl again, with only a small scar where the burn had been.

But God still had the biggest adventure in store. I was working as a chaplain on The Salvation Army’s addiction centre at Rotoroa Island when I met a beautiful young Salvation Army officer called Helen. I fell for her immediately, but I was terrified of getting into another relationship.

After several misunderstandings and a lot of toing and froing, we finally went out for a coffee. I reached across the table and stroked her cheek—I think that’s when Helen clicked that I had more than friendship in mind. We were married in 2008. I don’t know why she loves a silly old twit like me. But as Helen says, I’m her silly old twit.

There was a time when I lost everything. I couldn’t walk, but at the age of 73 I am still climbing mountains. God has given me purpose, he has restored my life and given me true love. But there is one who has been with me through it all. His name is Jesus. The name above all names.

I want to live truth here In the eyes of the Lord With strength and courage And love outpoured.

I long to share Jesus Bring praise to his name Honour his living His dying the same.

I want to make a difference For others today As an instrument of Jesus Walking in his way.

And as I journey toward evening Still trusting his word I want to stay faithful to the message I heard From Jesus, at the beginning of day.

by Bernie Knowles

10 DECEMBER 2016 WarCry 9

Family Conflict at Christmas The myth of Christmas is cosy, comforting, family togetherness. But those of us who come from actual families, know it’s just that—a myth.

If Christmas get-togethers are stressful, it can be helpful to think about your triggers beforehand and make a plan to reclaim Christmas—not as the perfect day, but as a day where imperfect individuals come together to love each other imperfectly. Which is actually something worth celebrating!

Weigh up your needs with your family’s needs: Differing family expectations are perhaps the biggest source of Christmas anxiety. Be clear with yourself about your needs (as opposed to wants). For example, you may not be able to manage multiple family visits on Christmas Day, or you know you’ll need quiet time on your family holiday to recoup. Everything is negotiable.

Find a solution that balances your needs, with the needs of your family. You may not get the quiet holiday you crave, but you can still gently ensure you have a couple of hours to yourself each morning.

Watch for over-reactions: If you’re single and a friend asks you if you’ve met anyone, it opens up a conversation. But if your aunty asks, watch out! Suddenly you feel judged.

This may be because of ‘cumulative annoyances’—those all-too-familiar habits (your mum is nagging again).

Or it could be that a comment triggers your vulnerability. People hardly ever say things with the intention of hurting us, so try to respond graciously as you would to a friend.

OFFER LARGE DOSES OF GRACE, PATIENCE AND KINDNESS.

See the need, not the behaviour: We all have bad behaviours, usually because we’re trying to get a need met. So when your mum sighs loudly and says, ‘No, don’t move, I’ll do the dishes (mutter)’, try to get past the annoying passive-aggressive habit and be kind enough to see her need. And go do the dishes!

See your similarities: You and your dad are totally alike … except you vote for different political parties. So when politics is discussed, it makes your blood boil. There’s a psychological term called the ‘narcissism of small differences’—meaning that when we are very similar to another person, we tend to get overly annoyed by our differences. We are probably more similar to our family than we’d like to admit, so focus on the similarities, and let the differences slide. And perhaps … don’t talk politics.

Christmas only lasts a short time. Choosing to offer large doses of grace, patience and kindness will help you see past small conflicts, and enjoy your family for all its quirky, flawed beauty.

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GET THROUGH CHRISTMAS Be realistic—if you can’t face three different Christmas dinners in one day or if gift-giving for everyone is a burden, be brave and change your traditions.

Be the helper—one of the best ways to avoid conflict is to help out … in the kitchen or on Santa duty. It brings a sense of fun togetherness.

Don’t bring up old conflicts—now is not the time to resolve ill feelings. But it is the perfect time to offer forgiveness and let go of old wounds.

You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.

Desmond Tutu

TESTIFY! For Krissy Lindsay volunteering for The Salvation Army Senior Friendship Programme has been a surprising and special experience.

I got to a stage in life where I found I had more free time and I wanted to do something to help people. I have always helped people and volunteered.

I was a volunteer in the Bosnian War for three years, working for Bosnian Refugee Relief. Since I came back to New Zealand I have worked with special needs children and also been involved with the SPCA, and I’m presently working with children.

When I was looking for ways to help, The Salvation Army were always top of the lists—such admirable work they do throughout the community. I spoke to Senior Services Friendship Programme coordinator Lisa [Fe’ao] at Albany Bays Salvation Army about being involved with the programme because I felt it was somewhere I could make a difference.

Lisa paired me with two women who were on their own and in need of extra company and support. They were very different people, but I instantly got on well with both. One was a lady from a wealthy background, but she had no family and was lonely. I visited her every week, but she has since died.

The other was Ruby (not her real name), a woman in her 80s. She’d had a partner of 20 years, and when he passed she was lonely. She would go down to her doctors, make them cakes and sit in the waiting room all day for someone to talk to.

I’ve been visiting her every week for the past two-and-a-half years. Ruby is originally from Ireland and has no family here. These days, she has no one else in the world apart from me, so I take our friendship very seriously.

Lisa and Krissy of the Senior Friendship Programme.

THE CONNECTION RUBY AND I HAD WAS PRETTY MUCH INSTANT, SO I REALLY THANK LISA FOR PUTTING US TOGETHER.

two way. I get back heaps from it.

Ruby’s had a tough life and tells me fascinating stories sometimes about her life and living in Ireland. When I started I wasn’t prepared for how much I would get back from this.

When I first started visiting Ruby she was living in her own home—I’d take her out for lunch or help with her shopping. I then helped her transition from her own home into a rest home.

We always make a special outing on birthdays to celebrate. When I first met Ruby she was in a knitting group.

For her birthday that year we put on a birthday party for her at home and her knitting group came.

The connection Ruby and I had was pretty much instant, so I really thank Lisa for her coordinating skills and putting us together. Ruby’s become a very dear friend. I pick her up and she comes back to my home. My children live overseas, so it’s nice for both of us.

When I was younger I never really had many old people around in my life, so it’s been a big learning curve, but it’s not just a one-way street, it’s definitely

Ruby’s been through lots of changes, but she has got that amazing Irish sense of humour and she’s always looking on the bright side. I take her chocolate when I visit her—she loves chocolate, and the first thing she does is share it round.

We celebrate Christmas together as well.

Ruby told me the first Christmas she was by herself she went next door to her neighbours and said, ‘Would it be alright if I brought my plate of food and ate it with you?’ And they refused her.

When I heard that I said, ‘That’s not going to happen to you again!’

MAKE A DIFFERENCE | www. salvationarmy.org.nz/volunteers

10 DECEMBER 2016 WarCry 11

The Year that Was The biggest news, the silliest countries, the fabbest fads, and the skux life.

BY THE WAR CRY TEAM

THE BIGGEST OF THE BIGGEST

Eliza McCartney wins bronze at the Olympics.

Photography: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Teresa became a saint, and Aung Sang Suu Kyi got out of prison and became president of Myanmar.

It was the year of the monkey, which seems appropriate given what was undoubtedly our biggest news story. That’s right, after a bitter and often nasty fight, Donald Trump only went and became the American President. U.S.A! U.S.A!

We were robbed of Boaty McBoatface, when the Environment Research Council showed a distinct lack of vision (think of the toys, the cult following) and named its vessel after Sir David Attenborough instead.

The gong for silliest country almost went to Britain this year after voting for Brexit, and then mass Googling ‘What is the European Union?’ But thanks to the US, Britain now seems almost normal. Brits are collectively clearing their throats in relief.

Gone but not forgotten: The deaths of David Bowie, Prince and Leonard Cohen were a reminder that even when the singer is gone, the songs go on. We also lost Alan Rickman, Mohammed Ali, author Harper Lee and Kiwi music legend Ray Columbus.

The Oxford Dictionary named ‘post-truth’ as its word of the year, reflecting what the polls showed: that emotions are more influential than boring old facts.

NEW ZEALAND NEWS

WORLD NEWS Terrorists carried on with attacks in Brussels, Nice, Istanbul and the Orlando nightclub massacre—people continued to fight back with acts of love and kindness.

The plight of the world’s refugees continues. It’s a complicated problem, but many refugees are fleeing for their lives. Keep praying for solutions and for compassion. We’re all God’s family!

In other news, fighting continued in Syria and Iraq, but ended in Colombia after 50 years. The Panama Papers revealed a lot of people not paying tax. Mother 12 firezone.co.nz 10 DECEMBER 2016

We had a public furore over a flag. It was the frankenflag pitted against the tradish stars ‘n’ jack. We turned out in droves to stick it to the man and say, ‘We don’t care about your silly flag.’ It all turned out to be much ado about nothing.

The housing crisis got a lot of attention, but the Prime Minister’s son, Max Key, got even more attention.

Awkward laddish antics run in the family (ponytailgate, we will never forget).

We bought a beach, people. We bought a beach!

Almost 40,000 of us pledged $2,278,171.09 to buy a piece of sand at Awaroa Inlet. It summed up the best of the Kiwi spirit.

KIWI SPORTS STARS The Olympics was the big event we couldn’t seem to care about. Then Nikki Hamblin became ‘gold medallist of people’s hearts’ after stopping her race to help a fellow runner, and pole vaulter Eliza McCartney charmed us all. But the real stars were the Paralympians—Sophie Pascoe became our most successful Paralympian ever, and blade runner Liam Malone shattered records.

The All Blacks went a record 18 games unbeaten. And Kiwis were secretly happy that the winning streak was ended by Ireland.

Basketballer Steven Adams became New Zealand’s highest paid sportsperson when he signed a $140 million deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

There was also sad news, with New Zealand cricket great Martin Crowe dying of cancer.

WHAT WENT VIRAL …

The Mannequin Challenge: People doing ordinary things, frozen in time like mannequins, was the viral hit of the year. A Salvation Army corps in the UK gets the prize for Tried Hardest. But the cake goes to the White House, featuring Michelle Obama and LeBron James.

Police Dance (aka ‘the running man challenge’): New Zealand Police posted a video of themselves busting some pretty boss dance moves, and featuring a mean ‘running man’. Within hours it had more than a million views, and police all around the world took up the challenge with their own funky dance moves.

Pokémon Go!: Smartphone users took up the challenge to ‘catch ’em all’. Geeks got off the couch and flooded public spaces, some of them complaining about aching leg muscles. It’s called ‘exercise’!

WHAT WE WERE WATCHING Netflixated: This was the year that everyone was watching Netflix. Its original series offer some of the most innovative, stylish, cutting-edge programmes on the box. Honourable mentions go to the gripping Designated Survivor, the magical Stranger Things, prestige production The Crown, and the joyfully anticipated return of Gilmore Girls.

Reality TV still reigns: Meanwhile, in New Zealand telly news, there was collective hysteria when The Bachelor New Zealand’s Jordan unceremoniously dumped Fleur and the roses hit the fan. Shockingly, TV3 is bringing it back. Are we gluttons for punishment?

And speaking of the worst our country has to offer, The Real Housewives of Auckland was like driving past a car crash. You know you shouldn’t look, but you can’t help staring. But their painfully vapid lifestyles did unwittingly become an insightful social commentary on inequality in New Zealand.

AT THE BOX OFFICE: Hunt for the Wilderpeople became New Zealand’s biggest movie ever, with its bittersweet humour and joyous feel-goodery. Taika Waititi is a national treasure … and Julian Dennison for PM! We didn’t choose the skux life, the skux life chose us.

Captain America: Civil War was more bombastic fun, Finding Dory was charming, and Ghostbusters was seriously underrated. Girls can be funny, people!

MUSIC MISCHIEF Carpool Karaoke: Everyone has their favourite … Chris Martin spooning with James Corden, the Biebs being charming and Adele’s phenomenal voice. But most of all, talented host James constantly outshining them all.

Lemonade: Beyonce showed she’s still the queen of her domain by releasing a movie to accompany her new album. We got to see a grittier, angrier Ms B, which left us wondering whether those lyrics were really all for showbiz. Rolling Stone called the hour-long musical film a ‘substantial artistic statement’.

Broods charmed the world, won five New Zealand music awards, and dropped one of the best feel-good songs of the year with ‘Free’. Aaradhna turned down an award, citing undercurrents of racism.

WHAT WE HEARTED The most poignant tale of the year was when Harambe, a silverback gorilla, gently protected a small child that fell into his zoo enclosure. Despite dragging the toddler through the water after becoming alarmed, Harambe held the child’s hand and appeared to watch over him.

This turned to tragedy when Harambe was shot.

But the gorilla became a heroic symbol, and some Americans even voted for him in the US elections (although he obviously couldn’t have won, you have to be at least 35 to be president and he was born in ‘99).

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PRAYERS FOR ADVENT Cradles for the Living Christ Ralph Spaulding Cushman (20th century)

O Little Town of Bethlehem Phillips Brooks (1867)

Let not our hearts be busy inns, That have no room for thee, But cradles for the living Christ and his nativity.

Still driven by a thousand cares The pilgrims come and go; The hurried caravans press on; The inns are crowded so!

Oh, lest we starve, and lest we die in our stupidity, Come, Holy Child, within and share Our hospitality.

O holy child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin, and enter in, Be born in us today.

We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel!

Because there was no room for them in the inn (Luke 2:7). A crowded city, all the lodging filled, no room for Jesus. The image, as Cushman points out, speaks to the one who is too busy, whose heart is too crowded to believe.

Yet it speaks as well to the believers, to those who say, ‘Yes, Lord Jesus, come into my heart’, yet find that heart over time crowded with the cares of this world, with the busyness of a life of faith, and yes, with way too many messages in our in-boxes.

I made a feeble attempt at creating a flannelgraph presentation many years ago based on the short story ‘My Heart, Christ’s Home’. The storyteller invited Christ into his home (his heart), and moved from room to room as they explored together what the life of faith meant in the experience of the everyday.

At one point, Jesus tells the narrator that he’d been waiting for him every morning in the (with)drawing room, but that he’d been lonely, as the narrator didn’t appear. To paraphrase, Jesus reminded the young man that their time together mattered to Jesus just as much as it mattered to him. Makes me wonder, how often has Jesus been sitting alone, waiting for me to join him?

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It is often in the songs of our faith that our corporate prayers are most fully lifted to heaven. In this familiar carol, Brooks uses simple phrases to speak to the desire of our hearts: descend to us, cast out our sin, enter in, be born in us, come to us, abide with us.

What strikes me in these words is that this is what God is already doing, has already done, in the birth and the resurrection. Jesus descended—he made himself nothing (Philippians 2:7). He came to take away the sins of the world (John 1:29). He became Emmanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23). He is born in us (John 3:16). He has come to us (John 1:14), and he promises to abide with us (John 15).

Yet these words remain prayers of petition, of invitation in the present. Even as all of these actions were completed through the incarnation of Christ, they remain a welcome to be extended, a choice to be made day by day in the lives of seekers, of followers, of the faithful. Descend, cast out, enter, be born, come, abide.

In the seldom-used fourth verse of Brooks’ original carol, he reminds us of the approach to these prayers: ‘faith holds wide the door’. O holy child of Bethlehem, this we pray, in faith believing. Amen.

Christmas Eve Prayer Frank Borman (Apollo 8 space mission, 1968)

Holy Star William Cullen Bryant (19th century)

Give us, Oh God, the vision which can see your love in the world in spite of human failure.

Give us the faith to trust your goodness in spite of our ignorance and weakness.

Give us the knowledge that we may continue to pray with understanding hearts.

And show us what each one of us can do to set forward the coming of the day of universal peace.

O Father, may that holy star Grow every year more bright, And send its glorious beams afar To fill the world with light.

Knowing he would be circling the moon on Christmas Eve, Borman and his friend Rod Rose chose the above prayer to be shared from outer space. His prayerful focus on the failure, ignorance and weakness of humans is in sharp contrast to the power and success the space programme symbolised.

As an astronaut, it would have been understandable for Borman to worship the gods of science and of accomplishment that took him to the moon, but instead he draws us back to the God of the universe, a God of love and goodness. It is in this God’s name that he prays for the universal peace that has so eluded the world.

It is this call to peace that echoes the words spoken the first Christmas: ‘peace on earth’. Jill and Sy Miller conclude their popular song with the phrase, ‘Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me’, and Borman asks for God’s guidance for that same task: ‘show us what each one of us can do’.

Whether orbiting the moon or going about my daily business, show me, O God, what I can do to live a life of peace and to bring peace to my small corner of the world.

Our granddaughter is quite the singer. One of the first songs she learned was ‘Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are.’ Indeed, that must be the question addressed to the star that greeted the birth of Christ. What are you?

The ‘holy star’ that Bryant writes of was preserved for the ages by Matthew, who quotes the group of wise men: ‘Where is the child? We saw his star in the east.’ The answer to their question came through the star, for the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was (Matthew 2:9).

While Bryant may have prayed for the light to grow supernaturally, it was in Christ that the everlasting light shone in the darkness. He told his followers, I am the light of the world (John 8:12). Indeed, in Jesus the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

But the light of the star and the light of his own presence wasn’t enough for Jesus. He turned the tables as he so often did and told his followers, You are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).

When the light of Christ is reflected in his followers, the holy star grows brighter. ‘Shine, Jesus, shine!’

From We Hear the Angels (Frontier Press, The Salvation Army USA Western Territory)—used with permission.

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Earthquake Response Salvationists have been hard at work supporting people affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in the north of the South Island last month. The Army has been working with New Zealand Civil Defence to provide emergency supplies and pastoral support to people in the quake-affected areas in North Canterbury, Marlborough and in Wellington.

Work began in the hours immediately after the quake as Ashburton Corps provided breakfast to 50 people evacuated from a fishing community because of the tsunami warning. In Marlborough, Blenheim Corps, led

by Captains Susan and Deane Goldsack, supported the townships of Seddon and Ward where there was a lot of damage to property. The corps served more than 200 meals to people, mainly in Ward where members of the community gathered for company and support.

Retired officers Majors Dusty and Rosalie Miller were deployed to provide additional pastoral support.

The Salvation Army has a memorandum of understanding with Civil Defence where, in the case of a disaster, the Army will respond as requested by Civil Defence, typically providing food and pastoral care.

In Canterbury, the Army was asked to support people evacuated from Kaikoura to Woodend, north of Christchurch. Salvation Army volunteers worked with its partners at Continental Catering to serve 338 meals.

In Wellington, Salvation Army staff provided counselling and support to emergency services staff coordinating the national response and to workers from buildings closed because of earthquake damage. The Army also opened Wellington City Corps for people evacuated from Courtenay Place in the central city on the night of 17 November.

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In the weeks after the earthquakes, a focus has been getting supplies to Kaikoura and offering pastoral support where needed.

Salvation Army officers were deployed to Kaikoura to assist Civil Defence and were able to visit people who had not previously been visited. At time of writing 11 Salvation Army staff had been or were travelling to Kaikoura. Southern Divisional Commander Major Ivan Bezzant said they were anticipating a long-term need for assistance for farmers and businesses.

A trailer of supplies was sent from the Army’s Mission Support Centre in Christchurch to Hanmer Springs and 12 pallets of supplies were sent to Kaikoura with the military. This included about 300 food parcels, water, and hygiene products.

Civil Defence also set up Recovery Assistance Centres in the quake-hit region. Salvation Army staff spent two days working at one of these centres in Waiau, closest to where the quake hit, and the Army has been asked to ready teams to staff other centres in coming weeks.

The Salvation Army received strong support from our partners, including Countdown, and more than 50 volunteers from Countdown, Johnson & Johnson, Kmart, OCS, Warehouse Stationery and The Warehouse spent an evening packing 2300 food parcels. Some will be sent to Kaikoura, and others to Salvation Army Community Ministries around the South Island ahead of Christmas.

Ivan said it was great to see the support so many organisations wanted to give to The Salvation Army and those affected by the earthquakes. Some of the Countdown volunteers had travelled from Ashburton. ‘It was high energy; they were really excited because they were breaking records for how quickly they packed.’

Happy Faces at Farmers Santa Parade

Left: The team that helped pack 2300 food parcels.

Above: Emergency services team from Blenheim prepares food for Ward community.

Although fewer people were affected than in the Canterbury earthquakes of 2011 and 2012, the damage to infrastructure in Kaikoura and inland in the areas closest to the epicentre of the earthquake was more severe and has caused serious disruption to the South Island, making it harder for supplies to get through, Ivan said.

The Salvation Army was the official Farmers Santa Parade ‘Charity of Choice’ in the 2016 Farmers Santa Parade held on Sunday 27 November in the Auckland CBD. One hundred and twenty collectors from seven corps, along with the divisional children’s mission team, chatted with spectators and received donations to help people at Christmas.

Northern Division Public Relations Coordinator Raewyn Butler said, ‘Highlights of the parade included our cheerful mascot Shieldy and the Salvation Army band. Shieldy was supported by four friendly Christmas present mascots—they all danced along, giving excited young children high fives as they went. The band received loud applause as they played Christmas music along the parade route.’

The Salvation Army Emergency Services vehicle also drew attention with its flashing lights and siren, also delighting children, said Raewyn.

The Southern Division committed a significant amount of food and other supplies from its Divisional Support Centre in Christchurch, where supplies are stored to be sent to Community Ministries across the South Island. This means further supplies will be needed to restock its Mission Support Centre.

On 4 December, corps around the country took up a love offering to support The Salvation Army’s work with those affected. Ahead of the offering, New Lynn Corps donated $5000 for the work.

‘We’re really grateful for the support of Salvationists and the love they have shown. We are committed to continuing to work with the affected people to be the hands and feet of Jesus and we deeply appreciate the prayers and support we have received,’ Ivan said.

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A Girl’s Guide to Surviving Christmas Christmas can be an incredibly stressful time. It’s supposed to be a wonderful, magical time, where happy families come together and roast marshmallows over the fire while singing Christmas carols … but the reality is sometimes quite different. There’s pressure on the budget, pressure to be extra places and fit extra things into an already busy schedule, and for some, pressure because of having extra people in the house that you’re supposed to be nice to!

So, how do you not just survive Christmas, but actually enjoy it? Well on 31 October, 150 women gathered at the Hamilton City Corps to consider that question.

Their night, called ‘A Girl’s Guide to Surviving Christmas’ had something for everyone. For the crafty women, there were seven options of inexpensive crafts they could have a go at making.

All of these could be made and given away at Christmas—from cupcakes to candles, wire angels to salad dressing. For the not so crafty, there were stalls from local businesses so they could buy gifts. For the bakers, there was a delicious supper, with recipes to takeaway so people could make what they had sampled at home. There was also a gift wrapping demonstration—everyone left with a Christmas wrapping pack and vouchers kindly donated by local businesses.

The highlight of the night was special guests Colonels Willis and Barbara Howell. Willis set the scene as the women arrived by serenading them with a selection of Christmas tunes.

Barbara, who really is The Salvation Army’s answer to Martha Stewart, gave several practical tips to help survive Christmas.

She inspired the women with easy and thrifty ideas for gifts

A Great Start to Life During November, around 130 six-year-olds graduated from The Salvation Army’s three Tiny Tots (Early Childhood Education) programmes at Nasinu, Nadi and Suva Central in Fiji ahead of starting primary school in 2017. Parents appreciate the great start to life that The Salvation Army has provided their children.

Pictured are some of the graduates at the Suva Central Corps graduation service on 18 November.

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Christmas cracker making was another gift-making option.

that look really expensive, but aren’t.

Barbara also reminded everyone that planning ahead, letting go of burdensome traditions, and keeping Christ at the centre of the celebration, are key to not only surviving Christmas, but to making it the most wonderful time of the year.

BY CARLA LINDSEY

GAZETTE Appointments in Retirement (Part-time): Effective 21 Nov: Mjr Jack Miller, Mission and Tenant Support Officer, Gisborne Village; Effective 10 Dec: Mjr Hylton Froggatt, Mission and Tenant Support Officer, Nawton Village, Hamilton; Effective 1 Feb 2017: Mjr Graham Rattray, Mission and Tenant Support Officer, Papakura and Favona (Mangere) Villages.

International College for Officers: Capt Catherine Walker from 11 July to 20 August 2018 (Session 238).

Retirements: Mjr Hylton Froggatt on 10 Dec, after 34 years of active officer service. Hylton entered training from Glenfield Corps in 1975, in the Overcomers Session and was commissioned on 15 Jan 1977. He married Ruth Stanbridge in 1980 and the couple served together at Hodderville Boys Home, in corps, aged care, addictions and divisional appointments.

Hylton served in military chaplaincy and was seconded to the New Zealand Defence Force, deployed to East Timor in 2008. He was also a Chaplain for Employment Plus. Hylton held a number of appointments over the past six years: Divisional Secretary for Emergency Services; Divisional Secretary for Retired Officers (shared with Ruth); Referral Officer for Independent Living Units, Mangere, Auckland; Senior Denominational Defence Force Chaplain Salvation Army (2013); and Court Officer, Manukau District Court (2014).

It is from these last four appointments that he retires from active service.

Mjr Darrell LePine on 31 Dec, after almost 37 years of active officer service. Darrell entered training from Kilbirnie Corps in 1978, in the Joyful Evangelists Session, and was commissioned on 19 Jan 1980.

Following his marriage to Lt Lorraine Rodgers in 1980, the couple served predominantly in corps and divisional appointments, with two years in aged care. They were also responsible for opening Glen Eden Corps in the 1990s.

In 2014, Darrell was appointed Corps Officer, Wellington South. It is from this appointment that he enters retirement from active service.

Capt Sharryn McAuliffe on 11 Jan 2017, after nine years of active officer service.

Sharryn began full-time service as a Divisional Assistant and was appointed Corps Officer at Dannevirke Corps with husband Michael in Jan 1995. They became lieutenants on 28 Sept 2002, were warranted as Auxiliary Captains on 10 Jan 2008 and commissioned as captains on 12 Dec 2009. On 14 Jan 2010, the couple was appointed Corps Officers at Rangiora Corps. Sharryn retires from this appointment, with Michael having retired on 9 Jan 2013.

WE PRAY GOD’S ABUNDANT BLESSING FOR YOU ALL THIS CHRISTMAS. Once again, one of the nations within our territory has been significantly affected by forces of nature. The landscape has been changed, and lives, homes and workplaces lost. Once again, our personnel are at the front line of support and care in Marlborough, Canterbury and Wellington. For those who have already served in the earthquake response, we say a heartfelt ‘thank you’—and for those preparing to go, please be assured of our support and prayer.

As Janine and I prepare for new appointments at International Headquarters in the New Year, we want to say thank you to each and every person who has contributed to the mission of The Salvation Army during our tenure as territorial leaders. Hundreds upon hundreds of dedicated people make quality contributions that bring about positive change in the lives of thousands of people every week. May God bless you as you continue to serve him.

Thanks to all who have greeted us warmly as we have travelled the territory.

Thanks to those who have shared with us honestly and challenged us respectfully.

Thanks to those who encouraged and supported us. We especially thank those who have regularly prayed for us and our leadership responsibilities.

Naturally, we want to make special mention of those with whom we have worked closely. We will miss the good company, fellowship, humour, dedication and quality work of the Territorial Headquarters team. Members of the Territorial Executive Council have coped with a demanding development agenda while also leading Salvation Army divisions and nationally managed programmes. The Territorial Governance Board laboured courageously as significant decisions have been made, a new Mission Plan created, and a dramatic change in governance structure and culture adopted. Our closest colleagues have been Colonels Graeme and Wynne Reddish and Barbara and Willis Howell—we are indebted to you for your hard work and personal support. We take valuable lessons and experience from the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory to our new roles. Thank you all for being part of the development of our lives and ministry.

Just three years ago, we were overwhelmed by the warmth of the ‘welcome home’ you so kindly and generously afforded us. Please give Commissioners Andy and Yvonne Westrupp that same welcome. They have served well in the demanding setting of Papua New Guinea and will be encouraged and refreshed by your warmth and encouragement. We pray God’s abundant blessing and rest for you all this Christmas. Ngā mihi nui. Kia kaha! Haere ra.

Commissioners Robert & Janine Donaldson Territorial Leaders

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Tell Me the Real Christmas Story

It’s time to get to the heart of the Christmas story—God with us in our broken world.

BY ROBIN RAYMOND

I have a confession to make. The Christmas story really, really annoys me.

Not the actual Christmas story, but the nonsense story we sing about and see in nativity plays and Christmas cards this time of year.

You know the one: with three kings sitting next to some shepherds in a clean barn, surrounded by quiet animals. The mysteriously spotless and shiny baby, 20 WarCry 10 DECEMBER 2016

with a big smile, fast asleep in some comfy-looking hay, next to his middleaged parents, the little drummer boy in the corner and pristine snow on the ground.

I’m talking about the story where you expect Santa, the two lobsters from the Love Actually nativity play, singing angels, and all the other ridiculous things we’ve made up to go along with the Bible’s Christmas account (that’s right, the Bible never actually mentions any angels singing, just like there’s no mention of three kings, or an innkeeper).

What’s happened with the Christmas story we hear is people have cleaned it

up to make it more ‘acceptable’. It’s the Hollywood version—and that’s not the story I want to hear at Christmas.

Tell me the old, old story The story I want to hear is the story of a teen mum, probably somewhere between 13 and 16, giving birth to a bastard (as far as the rest of the world was concerned). The story of a confused carpenter, a highly religious man, becoming dad to someone else’s child in full knowledge he was risking becoming an outcast in his society.

It’s the story of a woman screaming through labour pains as she gives birth in a dirty spare room (possibly a cave) used to house animals. The story of how the saviour of the world was placed in an animal’s food bowl and the only people who recognised his coming were poor, smelly shepherds. And what they found was not an unhuman child who was unworried and silent when suddenly woken by noisy farm animals, but a helpless, crying baby unable to lift its own head or feed itself.

It’s the story of how when the Messiah first visited God’s official home on earth he wasn’t recognised by those who believed they were God’s appointed religious leaders, but by an old man and woman. Simeon and Anna, two otherwise unknown, ordinary people, waiting every day for decades, both carrying on, never knowing when their prayers would be answered—devout but unknown people who appear briefly and fade quickly from the story, but with a key role.

Then, many months later, some mystics from a strange, foreign land turn up.

There are an unknown number of them and they’re certainly not kings. They’re a group of astrologers, utterly un-Jewish,

the type of Gentiles, in fact, who quite possibly could have been put to death under Levitical law. And were probably a little shocked that their several year journey to meet a divinely promised king turned out to be a visit to a toddler who needs his nappy changed.

This is a story with only one king in it, only one powerful person, showing their power. And he (Herod) is a raging, power-hungry despot who murders babies.

THE TRUE CHRISTMAS STORY IS A VERY HUMAN STORY OF A BROKEN WORLD. Emmanuel—God with us That’s the story I want to hear. Why? Why is the other story so irritating?

It’s not some desire to be historically accurate (well, just a little) or to ruin other people’s fun. Rather, it’s because I’m sick of watering down Christmas, steadily reducing this incredible event to some bland myth full of acceptable people.

The true Christmas story isn’t clean or acceptable—it’s a very human story of a broken world. But that’s also what makes it so much more incredible and so much more worth celebrating.

The mass of Christ is not for bland carols of happy people singing about joy. It is a story that takes us to the heart of God and God’s attitude towards us and creation. To God, who cares about each of us individually, no matter who we

How shall we deal with such a child? Have our hands, soiled with daily toil, become too hard and too proud to fold in prayer at the sight of this child? Has our head become too full of serious thoughts … that we cannot bow our head in humility at the wonder of this child? Can we not forget all our stress and struggles, our sense of importance, and for once worship the child, as did the shepherds and the wise men from the East, bowing before the divine child in the manger like children?

Dietrich Bonhoeffer—Christmas 1940

PONDERTHIS Simeon and Anna earnestly sought God and waited years, even decades, for an answer to their prayers that turned out to be an eight-day-old baby.

Are you waiting on God? God will answer, but it might be an unexpected time or way.

The shepherds found Jesus in a cave, in a food trough, not a home full of shiny ornaments or a church. Where are you looking for Jesus this Christmas?

We dress up Christmas in decorations and fill the day with busyness. What can you do to make time and space to find this unexpected God, here with us at Christmas?

are and what we’re going through. God who is prepared to live alongside us in our broken world, to get down into the minutiae of our lives, to work with us in a mind-blowing way—not to bring brief happiness or fleeting quiet, but complete peace, hope and joy.

At Christmas time we are not given the tale of a distant, out-of-touch king eating well, receiving powerful guests and dominating his subjects.

Instead, we are reminded of struggling young mums, looked down on by society at their most vulnerable time.

We are reminded of the homeless and of refugees. We are reminded of labourers, foreigners of different religions and the elderly, who were chosen by God to welcome Jesus above the rich, powerful or religious. Of people who waited faithfully for years, never giving up on the idea that God would answer their prayers. We are reminded of the helpless, as God became helpless; the suffering, as God suffered; the hopeful who saw hope, as God came to earth.

That, to me, is a story I want to hear.

Not the story of a distant deity. This is the story of Emmanuel, God with us —completely, fully, totally with us.

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We Are Family!

Messy Shed …

Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Self Denial Appeal colouring competition! Well done to Emma (12) from Woodville, Lesili (8) from Nukua‘alofa, Dora (10) from Waihi, and Nathan (6) from Woodville.

What do you think it smelt like in the shed where Jesus was born? Colour in the smells.

‘Messy Shed’, ‘Messy Angels’ and ‘Christmas Blessings’ are from Messy Christmas by Lucy Moore & Jane Leadbetter.

Lucy is the founder of the Messy Church movement.

Messy Angels …

The angel told the shepherds, ‘Don’t be afraid!’ Colour in an angel for each thing you’re afraid of and ask God to help you be brave about it. Ask a grownup to pray for you too.

Answers: Christmas bauble: 3, 4 and 7.

Quik Quiz: 1 Dr Who, 2 Ngeru, 3 Cyclone Pam, 4 China (205.463 million metric tonnes), 5 Ezekiel (47:5).

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in ard s he i l o ert? t car !

Wha the des faithful e y l e m O ca What do yo you cross a u get if bel skunk? Jingl l with a e Smells! bakery Who hides in the ? as tm at Chris A mince spy!

What is the best Christmas present in the world? A broken drum, you just can’t beat it! d Joseph know How did Mary an Jesus was? how heavy baby a manger! in They had a weigh

Which 3 segments do not match the Christmas bauble?

What do on the reindeer h trees? ir Christm ang a Hornament s s!

2 1

4

7

8

9

3

5

6

Christmas Blessings …

Who do you want God to bless this Christmas? Colour in a present for them and write their name on a label. Then say a prayer for them.

Let’s Tell People About Jesus!

There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby. It was night, and they were taking care of their sheep. An angel of the Lord appeared. They were terrified, but the angel said, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news.

It will bring great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you. He is the Messiah, the Lord.

Here is how you will know I am telling you the truth. You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger …

‘… The angels left and went into heaven. Then the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem.

Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby.

The baby was lying in the manger. After the shepherds had seen him, they told everyone.’

Luke 2:8–17 IRV

Dear God, thank you for sending your son Jesus into the world. This is such great news that I can’t keep it to myself! Help me to tell the story of Jesus to my friends and my family so they can celebrate your love too. Amen.

10 DECEMBER 2016 WarCry 23

Christmas is not as much opening our about presents as opening our hearts.

Janice Maeditere