12 December 2020 NZFTS War Cry

FAITH IN ACTION  CHRISTMAS 2020 | Issue 6757 | $1.50

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WAR CRY The Salvation Army

New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioners Julie & Mark Campbell | GENERAL Brian Peddle | 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 Vivienne Hill | GRAPHIC DESIGN Sam Coates, Lauren Millington | STAFF WRITERS Captain Jules Badger, Louise Parry, Bethany Slaughter | PROOF READING Major

Colleen Marshall OFFICE Territorial Headquarters, 204 Cuba Street,

PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141, Phone (04) 384 5649, Email warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz, salvationarmy.org.nz/warcry SUBSCRIPTIONS Salvationist Resources Department, Phone

(04) 382 0768, Email mailorder@salvationarmy.org.nz, $75 per year within NZ PRINT MANAGEMENT makeready.nz | PAPER Sumo Offset

is an environmentally responsible paper produced using Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) FSC® certified Mixed Source pulp from responsible sources and manufactured under the strict ISO14001 Environmental Management System.

Member of the Australasian Religious Press Association.

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 137 years | Issue 6757 ISSN 0043-0242 (print), ISSN 2537-7442 (online) Please pass on or recycle this magazine Read online issuu.com/salvationarmynzftwarcry

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2 WarCry CHRISTMAS 2020

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The Paradox of Christmas This Christmas edition of War Cry we celebrate a pared-back Christmas, a simple Christmas, which features Jesus Christ—the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

The birth of Christ that first Christmas was a paradox. In his humanity, he was descended from a royal dynasty, the bloodline passed down to his mother Mary and his earthly parent Joseph from King David and his wife Bathsheba. He was also King and Creator of the Universe who left his kingdom and became like us.

Contrast this with the circumstances of his birth: a young couple away from family support, the only place to give birth a stinky stable—no midwife, no hot water, no sterile instruments. How disconcerting it must have been for Mary and Joseph to grasp the enormity of the eminence of their first-born and wonder at his rudimental beginnings.

The paradox of shepherds fresh from tending sheep gathered in all their simplicity, along with the Magi who came resplendent, bearing costly gifts that spoke of a time in the baby’s future when he would offer himself a sacrifice for all humanity. The myriads of angels rejoicing while the local populace of Bethlehem remained ignorant to the momentous event that was happening that night in their village.

In the royalty and humanity of Jesus Christ we have a Servant King. A king who washed his friends’ feet, had no place to lay his head and died naked on a cross.

This Christmas, let’s set aside the noise and activity, the tinsel and the trimmings and focus in on Jesus, our paradoxical saviour: creator and creature, master and servant, born yet always existed, fully man and fully God. He is indeed worthy of the honour.

Vivienne Hill Editor

John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Hoani 1:14 I whakakikokikoa te Kupu, ā noho ana i a mātou, i kite anō mātou i tōna korōria he korōria e rite ana ki tō te Tama kotahi a te Matua, kī tonu i te aroha noa, i te pono.

‘H

and-made’, ‘home-grown’ or not sure my niece realised she ‘second-hand-store-bought’ were was giving me the gift of tui the agreed-upon gift categories song! What a delightful, to keep our family Christmas unexpected gift. simple last year. This year, we’ve My sister’s partner has a deer simplified Christmas gifts even more to farm, and so she creatively carved and include: ‘things made with paper’—cards, smoothed a piece of antler and attached drawings, poems, stories and letters full it to a leather cord. Each of us received a of encouraging words will be the order of ‘one-of-a-kind’ necklace. An original and the day. I’m excited about what I might unique gift—just like my sister. receive and already planning what to Home-grown plants also became gifts. make/write—obviously no one will be One of my sisters thoughtfully found getting anything drawn by Jules (family lilac cuttings of the variety that grew like all sigh with relief). weeds in Mum’s Australian hometown.

I don’t get to see my southern We’ve all witnessed the lilacs’ progress whānau very often, so my home is throughout the year. In late October it peppered with gifts they’ve given me finally bloomed—much to Mum’s joy and over the years, and Christmas 2019 pride—a timely gift for a tough year. produced a fresh array of especially I don’t know about you, but creative and thoughtful wonders to sometimes I get caught up in the add to my stash. I want to share some commercialism of Christmas and can of these with you to demonstrate that easily spend money I don’t actually you don’t have to spend much to make have—the consequences of which Christmas special. In fact, a simple but sneak up in the following year. I thoughtful gift has a magic that just can’t know I’m not alone in this. Parents be mass-produced by a department store. buy copious cheap plastic items My stash of Family Store-bought gifts as ‘stocking stuffers’, only to find include a second-hand bright red necklace they’ve not lasted the day. Spouses chosen by Mum that I adore, and a cute get sucked into the lie that the little knitted hat with a butterfly on the amount spent on a gift is the measure of front from my sister who knew I’d need how much they’re loved or love. How did something warm to wear when walking it come to this? the dog in windy Wellington—she was Hand-made, home-grown and handright! The pinnacle, though, is the iconic delivered to a teenager’s womb by the God Crown Lynn tam o’shanter cup and saucer of the Universe—Christmas began with set that my sister found at the Invercargill the birth of a baby in a humble stable, to Family Store—chosen in memory of our displaced parents, in an unimportant little beloved nana. The set sits in pride of place town. There was no glitz and glam or tinsel, in my kitchen—sometimes I even use it. no frills, filters or fireworks. It wasn’t And when I do, I think about how my bigtrending on Instagram and it didn’t go hearted sister doted on Nana in her final viral on YouTube. But God made sure the years, and how proud Nana would be at right people were alerted. Angels sang and the amazing woman she’s become. trumpets sounded in the fields for a gaggle The home-made stash was impressive, of poor, humble, forgotten and somewhat too. From my niece I received the coveted frightened shepherds, who up and ran recipe for Mum’s famous gingernut to the stable to witness the arrival of the biscuits—a childhood favourite— Saviour of the World. complete with all the dry ingredients.

It was that simple. Simple, but oh Such a thoughtful and nostalgic gift! She so significant. Let’s make Christmas also made hanging bird-food that brought simple again. a majestic brood of tuis right to our fence line. They sang throughout the morning as

BY JULES BADGER they gobbled up their goodies, leaving just a piece of dangling string in their wake. I’m

CH RIS TM AS CR AFT friends and Are you looking for a fun activity to do with your y has family in the lead-up to Christmas? Maybe your famil or you’re a decided to make hand-made presents this year, rest for silly Pinte gh throu ling keen crafter who has been scrol up some ed round season gift inspiration? Good news—we’ve dust off to fun activities for all different skill levels, so it’s time your glue gun and create some Christmas craft!

SOCK SNOWMAN YOU’LL NEED… White Socks Coloured Socks Rice (for filling) Rubber bands Buttons Ribbons, yarn or fabric Glue gun Black sewing straight pins (optional) Fabric paint or markers

METHOD Cut the sock just above the heel.

Fill the sock with rice.

Once you are happy with the size, tie the top of the sock with a rubber band.

COOKIE TIN

YOU’LL NEED… A Pringles can (or any form of stackable chips) Patterned paper Scissors Double-sided tape Ribbon Cookies (ensure diameter is not wider than the inside of the can)

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To form the body and head, take another rubber band and tie it around the middle.

Remember, you want the top part to be a little smaller for the head.

Cut the toe off a coloured sock to create a small hat. Roll up the ends to create a rim.

Let the hat rest on the head, or secure safely with hot glue.

To add a scarf, tie a piece of ribbon, fabric or yarn around the snowman’s neck (you can also cut a small piece of the coloured sock to match the hat).

Add buttons using a hot glue gun (or double-sided tape).

Press two black sewing pins into the face to create the eyes. Otherwise, use fabric paint/marker to draw on the eyes, as well as a nose.

Source: AllFreeSewing.com

METHOD Clean the inside of the can so that it is hygienic, then fill with Christmas cookies (or whatever gift you like).

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS ADVENT CALENDAR

METHOD Decorate your envelopes, making sure that the number for each day is clearly displayed.

YOU’LL NEED… 12–24 envelopes and pieces of notepaper (depending on how many days remain until Christmas)

Write down a random act of kindness on each piece of notepaper (PS: we compiled a list of 99 random acts of kindness in our 22 August edition!) and tuck them into the envelopes.

12–24 pegs, to correspond with the number of envelopes

Clip the envelopes onto the string with pegs.

Markers and stickers

Countdown to Christmas by opening an envelope a day to find out what random act of kindness you are going to do for someone that day.

A long piece of string

Cut a piece of patterned paper to fit around the outside surface of the can. Fix the paper with double-sided tape to cover the original packaging.

Tie a length of ribbon around the can into a bow.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens

Source: Better Homes and Gardens

TIP

Buy a hollow, clear bauble and fill it with old sheet music or patterned paper. Re-fix the top of the ornament and you’re ready to hang it from the tree.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens

MESSAGES OF ENCOURAGEMENT Everyone likes to be affirmed and encouraged, so don’t underestimate the power of written words to bring some Christmas cheer to your friends and family.

You might choose to write in a hand-made card (as featured on the back cover and lovingly made by Bethany Slaughter), a letter on decorative paper, or buy a plain white mug and a permanent marker and write a special message on the mug.

If writing your own message is not your thing, you could also consider an Ecard.

Check out jacquielawson.com for a selection of words, music and images to send to your loved ones.

PAPER STRAW CHRISTMAS TREES YOU’LL NEED...

Cardstock Ribbon Paper Straws Hot glue gun Scissors Star punch (optional) You can use old keys as decorations! Loop Christmas coloured ribbon through the ends and tie to create individual ornaments or group them together on a twig to create a wall hanging.

SNOWMAN JARS YOU’LL NEED...

Jars (with flat lids which can be stacked) Fillings for the jars (we used marshmallows) Tiny pom poms Twine Orange paper/cardboard Scissors Baby socks (which you are happy to cut up) Glue Ribbon

METHOD Fill two stackable jars with goodies.

Cut the toe-end off of a baby sock. Wrap the cut end with a length of twine to make the hat.

Ribbon

Cut a separate straw the same width as the backing, and glue. As you add straws, leave a little more on each end to form a tree shape. (You can either make the tree as long as the two backing straws or cut off excess at the base.)

Use star punch or cut cardstock to create a star.

Glue to the top of the tree.

Add a ribbon loop to the backing to hang up ornament.

Source: simpleasthatblog.com

PEPPERMINT BATH SALTS YOU’LL NEED… Jar

2 cups Epsom salts 2 Tbsp baking soda

Glue tiny pom poms onto the ends of the twine. Slide the sock hat over the top jar lid.

Peppermint essential oil

Make a nose using a strip of orange paper and glue to the top of the jar.

METHOD In a bowl, mix 1 cup Epsom salts and 1 Tbsp baking soda.

Glue pom poms onto the jars as eyes and buttons.

METHOD Glue two paper straws together to form the backing.

Red food colouring

Add 4 drops of peppermint essential oil and mix well.

In a separate bowl, repeat steps 1 and 2. Add 9 drops of red food colouring and mix well.

Tilt the jar and spoon in the red and white salts alternately. Press down occasionally.

Continue until bath salts fill the jar. Add the lid and tie on the gift tag and/or ribbon.

Source: craftsbyamanda.com

Instructions have been changed slightly for formatting.

Tie a ribbon around the lid of the bottom jar to form the snowman’s scarf.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens

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e r o t S y l i Fam Ch ri stma s

It’s been a very challenging year for Family Store teams around Aotearoa. It’s always busy and chaotic over the Christmas period through to Waitangi Weekend, but this year the pressure is really on for staff and volunteers. With closures during lockdown, many stores will be open every day except Christmas Day to try and recoup losses.

Our frontline mission relies heavily on surplus funds from store income to operate. In the wake of Covid-19 War Cry challenges readers to not only shop local this Christmas, but to shop second-hand and support our Family Stores, so we can continue to deliver local missions effectively to those most in need.

BY JULES BADGER

I

f ever a ‘shout-out’ was needed for our Family Stores, it’s this Christmas!

National Family Store Manager Gareth Marshall not only recognises, but applauds, the ‘above and beyond’ efforts delivered by staff and volunteers during 2020.

‘To the many who also stepped up and helped out in the Foodbanks while the stores were closed during lockdown, and the intensity of workload you have sustained throughout 2020—thank you! Your efforts are appreciated and they have been so vital for The Salvation Army to be able to care for people in your local community during this difficult year,’ he says.

Family Store Managers Donna Main (Hornby, Christchurch) and Brenda Kendrick (Whanganui) both love their jobs, and agree that while Christmas is always challenging—but rewarding—at their stores, this year there are new and different challenges because of Covid-19.

New challenges ‘We’ve seen plenty of new faces in the store as the impact of people losing jobs sets in. Life is not as affordable as it was, and the person who used to have a great job is getting by on peanuts now and finding it hard,’ says Donna. ‘We’ve also noticed that the requests for food parcels have gone up—way up. We used to get one a week through the store, now we get them every single day.

‘Coming out of lockdown, we were bombarded with donations—just like every other store in the country. People had been at home and had the opportunity to sort and clean and have a throw-out,’ explains Brenda.

Gareth observes that, ‘donations are well up this year and our teams have been working hard to keep on top of processing what has seemed like a sustained ‘Christmas-rush’ throughout the year. This has resulted in a good supply for those families that have found life difficult, with the double impact being the increase in funds for our mission services.’

Donna concurs when it comes to this ‘double impact’. ‘I love the fact that on one hand there’s the donors giving to us, and then on the other hand through CHRISTMAS 2020 WarCry 7

our selling of their goods, we can raise a surplus to increase the funding for Salvation Army programmes.’

A few weeks ago, Donna had the joy of calling a woman who’d put some items through on welfare and telling her they were ready to pick up. ‘The squeals of glee on the other end of the phone—she was just so happy and thankful, it nearly made me cry. It’s unreal being able to be part of something that seemed so simple, but was big for her. I’ve been fortunate enough to do okay in life, and it’s so rewarding to help people with the basics they need to live.’

Both Donna and Brenda are alert to the stress their customers are carrying. ‘Since lockdown, people have been a bit short and we know it’s just stress. We have to take a step back and remind ourselves that it’s rough out there for a lot of people at the moment. There’s been so much change in people’s circumstances. They’re not angry at us, they’re just processing and dealing with a heck of a lot of change,’ explains Donna.

At the Whanganui store, Brenda and her team are also treading carefully. ‘We remind ourselves every day that we don’t know the life story of the people coming through the door. We don’t know what they faced yesterday or what’s on their plate today. If people are a little bit agitated, or even a bit angry, it’s about showing grace. Sometimes it’s just a case of asking: ‘Hey are you okay?’ and that’s all some people need. You can sense that they feel it’s okay because someone’s noticed me today.’

‘PEOPLE’S SITUATIONS HAVE CHANGED BECAUSE OF LOCKDOWN AND THEY’RE WANTING TO SIMPLIFY THEIR CHRISTMAS IN GENERAL.’ A simple Christmas Brenda’s finding that a lot of customers are wanting to shop differently this Christmas because of Covid-19. ‘People’s situations have changed because of lockdown, and they’re wanting to simplify their Christmas in general. Some are saying openly that the lockdown period gave them the chance to re-evaluate their lives—how they’re living and what’s really 8 WarCry CHRISTMAS 2020

important to them. There’s this realisation that ‘stuff’ is not as important as people. Some say they’re shopping second-hand out of a desire to support the various charities around town.

Others are definitely protesting commercialism and for others it’s about affordability.’

Donna says Cantabrians are taking more notice of waste.

‘A lot of people are now being more thoughtful about how they shop in terms of waste—people don’t want to be so wasteful and so they’re shopping second-hand. Others simply want to support the cause of the Sallies to help their community. And of course, we’re making Christmas affordable for people who can’t shop in certain stores because the prices are out of their reach. Christmas has become so commercialised, it really is just over the top for many,’ she reflects.

In Whanganui last year, Brenda met a family who had agreed that they would buy all their gifts for each other from local charity shops. ‘They were busy hunting high and low throughout the various stores in town, including ours, and the feedback we got afterwards was that the family had a ball buying their gifts,’ reports Brenda.

In Hornby, Donna has observed families coming in and teaching their children about donating. ‘Parents bring the kiddies in, and they explain to them that if they want new toys, they need to bring in some they don’t play with so much for someone who might not get as many new things as them. That’s a really nice way of explaining things to kids,’ says Donna.

Abundant, affordable and spectacular ‘We have a bit of a reputation around town for stocking great Christmas decorations and cheap Christmas trees,’ boasts Brenda. ‘Our customers start asking in mid to late October when the Christmas stuff is coming out! We get spectacular stuff that we can sell at affordable prices.’

Donna says that Hornby customers are also looking for decorations, as well as kitchenware. ‘People are looking for big dessert bowls, platters, fancy dishes and table runners—things we don’t sell a lot of during the year—and of course Secret Santa gifts. We put out little toys as stocking fillers and people come in especially looking for them. I think some parents would be lost without their “Sallies stocking fillers!”’

In Whanganui there’s no Kmart, and so Brenda and her team have developed a special tradition: ‘We do our own local version of the ‘wishing tree’. We set up the tree with little tags on it and people come in and take a tag and then go out and buy a gift—sometimes from the store—and then place it under

IF PEOPLE ARE A LITTLE BIT AGITATED, OR EVEN A BIT ANGRY, IT’S ABOUT SHOWING GRACE. the tree. We take all the wishing tree gifts down to Community Ministries,’ she explains.

The human connection Family Stores also play another special role in communities in the lead-up to Christmas. ‘At Christmas you do have to take things a bit slower and give customers some time. There are some that come in and you can tell they’re just a little bit lost at this time of year. Some don’t have big families, or they’re not close by. So, we just try and take it slow and be aware—we don’t mind at all,’ says Donna.

Brenda says it’s similar in Whanganui. ‘We see more people coming in around Christmas time just needing that human connection. Some live alone or don’t have family nearby. I’m picturing a wonderful, older gentleman who comes in once, maybe twice a day. He wanders about and chats to everyone.

Sometimes he’ll see someone he knows, and we’ll end up with a few people sitting on the lounge suites having a good old chinwag—it’s good to see! People need that social connection.’

The glue that holds everything together People volunteer with The Salvation Army for all sorts of reasons. ‘For some it’s the social contact, for others they need to do something because they’re on a benefit—there are so many reasons why people join us,’ says Donna. Brenda says she especially loves the people who volunteer because they are ‘likeminded about helping others. It’s awesome to serve not only God but your community, and give back and support it,’ she says.

Brenda and Donna are both emphatic that without their volunteers their stores would struggle. ‘It only works because of the volunteers! We couldn’t run the store without them.

They’re the glue that holds the place together—the backbone of the place. If they were to drop away, we would be in big trouble!

And we could always do with more,’ says Donna.

There has been extra pressure placed on volunteers and staff this year because of Covid-19. Brenda explains that, ‘we all

understand the reasoning behind needing to be open every day except Christmas this year. There are a lot of challenges for The Salvation Army in trying to recoup the losses from being closed over lockdown, and because there was no Red Shield Appeal … that was a big financial blow. Being open over Christmas was a bit of a challenge for my team to get their heads around to begin with, but they’ve really stepped up and said, “Oh, I can do that!” I’m really proud of my team. And being open will give us more opportunities to talk to our customers and listen to them and just have a bit more time with them. You just never know what the day might bring and the conversations you might get to have,’ enthuses Brenda.

A big wave of prayer A big challenge for stores is organising extra volunteers for the Christmas period and getting them police-vetted in time. ‘Sadly, we have people who want to volunteer but if we don’t recruit in October, we can’t use them. We need the lovely people from our corps and centres who are already police-vetted to volunteer— we’d love their help!’ says Brenda. ‘But what Salvationists can all do,’ she says, ‘is pray for us. There’s a lot of pressure on our staff and volunteers over the Christmas period. Some days you feel like you’re running all day and you get home and put your feet up and fall asleep on the couch! When that happens, you know you’ve had a big day! But it’s not just the physical aspect, it’s the interaction with customers who are stressed, and dealing with phone calls from agitated people. Some people in need ring us thinking they’ve called the centre, and you hear their stories and carry them home with you. So, a real wave of prayer for Family Stores across the country over the Christmas period would be absolutely wonderful!’

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BLUE CHRISTMAS Even though it’s marketed as the Christmas holidays, there’s every chance that you are approaching this so-called silly season with a sense of dread. While most of us love to see our families and it’s great to have some time off from work, the Christmas season comes with a lot of baggage—and not just from carrying those extra presents in your luggage.

For some, especially the hosts and organisers, it can be a stressful day trying to make sure everything goes pitch perfect.

For others, you might be burying a hatchet or argument with a family member for the day.

If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, loneliness, sadness, exhaustion, stress, hurt or any number of negative emotions in the lead-up to Christmas, the idea of trying to keep up a happy pretence for your family all day—or even being around people—might seem impossible and unbearable.

If this rings true for you, then you are not alone. It is important that this Christmas is restful for you, so here is some advice on how you can take care of yourself and make the most of the December break.

1. Acknowledge How You Are Feeling. While it is a great reason to celebrate, Christmas Day itself is just another day, and if you could magically put aside your emotions, you would do it every other day as well. You cannot force yourself to be happy, and it is not healthy to try. Be honest with yourself and accept that Christmas is not going to solve your problems but, with the right attitude, it can be a great distraction and some good time to share with your loved ones.

THE NUMBER ONE THING TO REMEMBER THIS CHRISTMAS IS THAT IT DOES NOT NEED TO BE PERFECT.

2. Learn to Say No. With Christmas comes a whole lot of extra events. Gingerbread house-making evenings, carol services, community barbeques, end-of-year staff dinners and parties— on top of gift shopping, wrapping and cooking… the list goes on. Some of these are more important than others. While you should not tuck yourself away completely, it is okay to say no to some things. Put your mental health first so you can enjoy the events in which you do want to partake.

3. Eat Healthy. This is a good rule of thumb at all times, but remembering to eat your fruit, vegetables and protein will keep your mood up, stop you from falling ill and give you the right energy to get through the season. Remember to exercise—even if it is just a thirty minute walk, the fresh air and time alone may do you some good as well.

4. Where Necessary, Reach Out to Someone. It can be a professional (eg, a psychologist, doctor), pastoral care or

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ministry support workers, a friend or a family member. If you foresee yourself struggling on Christmas Day, let a close family member know to keep an eye out for you, or let the host know that you might need to duck out every so often to recharge for a few minutes.

5. Take Time For Yourself. This is not just about turning down invitations and not over-exerting yourself; this means remembering to take a breath, or allowing yourself to go for a quick walk, listen to some music or draw away from the crowd for a couple of moments to refresh.

The number one thing to remember this Christmas is that it does not need to be perfect. The important reason for the season is that Jesus Christ was born and came to save the world. That is what matters, not keeping a smile plastered on your face as people exchange Kris Kringle gifts.

Source: www.mayoclinic.org

TESTIFY! Angela Swinney of Hornby Corps is passionate about social justice.

She is a foster carer, and loves her community through service, prayer and crochet.

I grew up in a Christian family and chose to follow God when I was invited to a dinner to hear evangelist Ray Comfort speak. The year before, I had been healed of asthma, but hadn’t really done anything with my Christian walk. I started getting asthma again that night.

I knew then that I had to either commit, or have asthma for the rest of my life.

I foster children. When I moved to Christchurch, my nieces needed care and protection through Child, Youth and Family (now Oranga Tamariki). I took up the challenge and fostered the two of them. Then, 18 years ago, I got offered a baby boy for a night. He has been with me on and off since he was 14 months old.

Hornby Corps is a great fit for me, because The Salvation Army is so into social policy. My jobs have all been focused on people or children, and social equity and justice is very much my passion. When I first started going, sometimes there would only be six of us there. Now, we have 30, 40 or more. It was also the right fit for my foster boy at the time. He only stayed at church till he was old enough to be left at home alone, but The Salvation Army still supports him.

The verse that has been on my heart for a long time is 1 Samuel 1:27: ‘For this child I prayed’ (KJV). Even though my boy is far from knowing the Lord, I know that God has heard my prayers. Sometimes it gets a wee bit discouraging, but the focus is not today or tomorrow. Only the Lord can change his heart. I’ve had to become very patient, and throughout my journey I’ve learned about empathy and acceptance.

I was asked to step up to leadership at the corps and help with the kids on a

I MADE ALL 26 CHILDREN A PONCHO OR BEANIE AND PRAYED FOR EACH OF THEM BY NAME. IT WAS REALLY FUN. Sunday. Just before Covid-19, I went to crochet lessons at Spotlight and also learnt how to crochet from YouTube. I made all 26 children a poncho or beanie and prayed for each of them by name.

It was really fun. Then I started making shawls, because my cousin’s having a baby. Now, everyone seems to want a shawl and I’m praying for the babies! I also help at the Foodbank two days a week, which I absolutely adore. Because my boy is of an age where he’s going to be independent next year, I’m excited to see where God is going to lead me after this. I don’t know whether he’s going to give me more children, or place me in a job.

I’m the local chairperson of Otautahi Foster Care Association. We host

events, like a brunch for caregivers and Christmas parties for the children.

Foster parents usually have quite a few children and there’s so many end-ofyear breakups, so we usually host the parties in midwinter. We make it quite festive, and I buy sparklers so they can write their names in the air. We’ve even had snow once—it was beautiful.

I think I befriend the ones who need befriending. Last Christmas, I had all these people who had nowhere to go over for Christmas dinner—street workers, the LGBTQIA+ community— and it was really cool. My boy has given me a huge opportunity to witness, talk to, love, support and be Jesus to others.

They’re all his children.

CHRISTMAS 2020 WarCry 11

A New Way to Watch

New Faith Network is available in New Zealand in time for the Christmas holidays. Simon Hope talkes to Henk Bout and Els Griffioen about the Christian answer to Netflix.

Despite the popularity of online streaming services such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer and YouTube, many people have difficulty finding quality Christian media online. New Faith Network aims to change this. The streaming service is on a mission to inspire Christians globally by sharing the stories of the Bible. It has curated hundreds of Christian films and series into a collection designed for all ages, making it not only accessible but also fundamentally safe and family-friendly.

As streaming platforms increasingly became mainstream providers of film and TV, broadcasting veteran Henk Bout saw the potential for sharing biblical stories online. He founded New Faith Network in 2017 and is now fulfilling a lifelong dream to play a part in spreading the good news of Christ far and wide.

Originating in the Netherlands, the service is blessed with growing international momentum. It is now also available in Belgium, Norway, Sweden, the UK and the Republic of Ireland, and recently launched in New Zealand and Australia. So far, its membership base has grown by around 110 per cent every year.

A recent boom over the past six months has seen an increased uptake of 150 per cent.

Henk explains: ‘Our subscriber numbers have increased every year because there is a growing demand from the Christian community for this type of content. We listen and respond to their needs by offering more titles, being more innovative and continually improving our service. Our opportunity to grow has been supported by our strong bonds with local and international partners.’

With eyes on the future, New Faith Network is continuing to stay in step with current technology. As well as a website and mobile app, the service has a smart TV app compatible with Android TV operating systems and an Apple TV app. People with 14 WarCry CHRISTMAS 2020

Google Chromecast can also watch everything on their television.

Providing a monthly subscription service that many will find familiar, the service has been heralded as ‘the better alternative’ to mainstream streaming services thanks to its content and ethos. With this in mind, it has become a reliable source of Christian films, programmes and documentaries that are safe and edifying for all ages.

This tailoring to Christian viewers’ requirements is clear to see in the way New Faith Network curates and creates content.

Holding Christian values in mind and staying connected to their beliefs, the service aims to unite diverse communities on one platform, regardless of differing viewpoints.

The catalogue is unique in its emphasis on Christian material.

It is also set apart by the way that every video—outspoken Christian content, feel-good romance or something else—is handpicked and screened by the editorial team. Viewers can

HOLDING CHRISTIAN VALUES IN MIND AND STAYING CONNECTED TO THEIR BELIEFS, THE SERVICE AIMS TO UNITE DIVERSE COMMUNITIES ON ONE PLATFORM, REGARDLESS OF DIFFERING VIEWPOINTS.

be confident that they will never be surprised by a bout of foul language or scene of nudity.

And with many videos to choose from, there is plenty of material to keep children and adults busy during long winter evenings. The service already boasts several animated Bible series created especially for children. The selection includes the powerful series The Torchlighters, which tells stories of influential Christians throughout time—including episodes on John Wesley, Corrie ten Boom and William Booth.

‘Personally, I really like I Can Only Imagine,’ senior producer Els Griffioen suggests. ‘The film tells the story of Bart Millard’s life, his relationship with his father and how he wrote the title song for his dying father. Or if you like films based on the Bible we have three great ones: The Book Of Daniel, The Book Of Esther and The Book Of Ruth.

‘We’re also currently filming our first original production in the UK called The Origin, which is about Christian speakers and reverends telling their life stories, how they came to faith, how they got their calling and more.’

Els’s background in television and love of storytelling led her to join the team as a way to combine her passions with her love for Christ. As senior producer, she is aware of the impact that New Faith Network’s stories can make.

‘I think you can get inspired a lot when you hear testimony from someone else,’ she enthuses. ‘How do they deal with things in their lives? How do they experience God in their lives? I think that’s a part of a lot of the films and series we have. You can really see how God has worked in somebody’s life through all the things that they have experienced. It can work as an inspiration for your own life.’

By fulfilling this need for family-friendly content fed by religious beliefs, New Faith Network aspires to be more than a Christian streaming service, inspiring people around the world to tackle life’s questions.

‘I’ve run an Alpha course for years now,’ Els continues. ‘If someone is a new Christian and I want to give them something easy, I can suggest a great movie about the life of Jesus. We used to swap DVDs in our small group, but now I just say, “Check out this movie on New Faith Network!” It makes it so much easier to share great stories.

‘We want to inspire Christians around the globe. It could be through biblical films or just a portrait of somebody’s struggles and how God helped them. Especially now, we want to keep people in touch with the living God even if we can’t leave home.

‘From time to time we do tests in some countries to see if there is demand. All tests we’ve done show that there is a demand among Christians to have their own streaming service. I don’t know where it will end, but we’re still growing!’

MORE INFO | For more information or to start watching, visit newfaithnetwork.com. Please note, not all movies referenced are yet available in New Zealand. (Previously published in Salvationist magazine—United Kingdom with the Republic of Ireland.)

Origins of ‘O Holy Night' A favourite Christmas carol ‘O Holy Night’—or ‘Cantique de Noël’—is noted for its inspiring words and stirring melody, which capture the wonder and sacredness of that ‘Holy Night’ over two thousand years ago, particularly the chorus: …A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn Fall on your knees O hear the angels' voices O night divine O night when Christ was born O night divine O night O night divine…

The carol has quite a history. It was written by a French poet Placide Cappeau in 1847, at the request of a parish priest who commissioned the poem for Christmas mass. Why he would ask Cappeau is a mystery, because Cappeau was an atheist.

Cappeau wrote the poem on a carriage trip to Paris, and took his inspiration from the Gospel of Luke—imagining the birth of Jesus. The poem so moved him that he decided to ask his good friend and composer Adolphe Adam to write a composition to accompany the poem. Adam was Jewish, he did not celebrate Christmas nor believe in Jesus Christ, but the ‘song’ soon became the most beloved carol in France.

Once church leaders discovered the origin of the work, they denounced the song and said it had a total absence of the ‘spirit of religion’ and it was banned from church services. Nonetheless the French people continued to sing the carol. Legend has it that on Christmas Eve of 1871, during the Franco–Prussian War, a French soldier jumped out of the trenches and started to sing ‘O Holy Night’, which inspired a German soldier, from the other side, to respond in-kind with another hymn. As a result, fighting stopped for the whole of Christmas Day. Eventually the carol was taken to America by abolitionist John Sullivan Dwight who thought the words in the third verse supported his abolitionist views on slavery: ‘Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother; and in his name all oppression shall cease’.

Then in 1906, Thomas Edison’s former chief chemist spoke into a microphone, his words carried over the airwaves for the first time in history. He spoke from the Gospel of Luke and then proceeded to play ‘O Holy Night’ on his violin, the first-ever song played through the airwaves.

A song sung by choirs and individuals from around the world, written by a non-believer and a Jewish composer, has become one of the most glorifying and sacred songs of the Christmas season.

CHRISTMAS 2020 WarCry 15

A People of Peace T

he year 2020 has been unique, interesting and challenging. We have lived through a global pandemic, the ramifications of which continue to impact our lives.

We have witnessed the best of humanity as communities came together and helped to care for the vulnerable and those who needed to shield. We have seen the worst of humanity as racism cost lives and led to violent protests by demonstrators from varying viewpoints.

All of this has combined to both exhilarate and exhaust us throughout this year.

It is into our messed-up, complex, ever-changing, uncertain and perplexing world that Jesus comes as the Prince of Peace.

Jesus was familiar with prejudice, oppressive political regimes, institutionalised religion and suffering. So, although the man Jesus lived 2,000 years ago, his words still have relevance because he, as the Son of God, has an eternal perspective.

So, what did Jesus teach us about peace? In the Sermon on the Mount, as he began his teaching ministry, Jesus said: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God’ (Matthew 5:9). Then, in preparing his disciples for his departure and the arrival of the promised Holy Spirit, Jesus says: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid’ (John 14:27).

This is the same Jesus who spoke to the wind and waves, saying, ‘Peace, be still!’ (Mark 4:39 King James Version). To the woman who anointed his feet at Simon’s house, Jesus said, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace’ (Luke 7:50). After

The General’s Christmas Message 2020

explaining many things to his disciples, Jesus said, ‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world’ (John 16:33).

Peace distinguishes the earthly existence of Jesus. In announcing his birth, the angels declared, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests’ (Luke 2:14). As Jesus appeared to his followers after the Resurrection he would declare: ‘Peace be with you!’

(John 20:21).

If Jesus was so intent on sharing the peace of God with others, we must do the same, but we cannot share with others what we do not first have for ourselves. Consequently, we need to ensure we are living in relationship with God and receive his peace that is beyond our understanding, yet which keeps our hearts and minds secure in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

It is from this position of peace, of keeping our focus upon God (Isaiah 26:3), that we are able to experience the peace of God in the storms of life and share that peace with others. We are called children of God when we are peacemakers, peacebringers and peacebuilders because we share the very essence and nature of God with others.

So, in this Advent season and beyond, let us be people of peace. May our very presence bring peace into rooms, situations and lives because we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

May our words be words of peace because we share the words of God. Wherever you are and whatever situation you find yourself in, may you experience the peace of God today.

Brian Peddle General Except where mentioned otherwise, Scripture quotations are from the New International Version.

Groundbreaking Ceremony for Queenstown Corps More than 40 people from Queenstown Corps and the local area came together to bless the land of their new corps and community centre on Sunday 8 November.

The turning of the sod ceremony was attended by Ngāi Tahu kaumātua Michael Skerret and Pou Tikanga Cultural Advisor (Central Division) Ken Te Tau, who shared from Isaiah 52:7, ‘How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”’

Building is due to commence soon on the Frankton location.

‘While the clouds hid the full beauty of the new plot, the corps looks forward to the day when they can worship in the shadows of the Remarkables mountain range,’ said Corps Officer Lieutenant Andrew Wilson.

16 WarCry CHRISTMAS 2020

Groundbreakers (from left): Lieutenants Ruth and Andrew Wilson (corps officers), Don Mahon (soldier), Winsome and Michael Skerrett (Ngāi Tahu) and Ken Te Tau (Pou Tikanga/ Cultural Advisor, Central Division).

Recognition for Te Hononga Tāngata Te Hononga Tāngata—Royal Oak Housing Community—has collected an Award of Merit in the Property Council New Zealand Rider Levett Bucknall Property Industry Awards 2020.

This follows the development’s New Zealand Institute of Architects Local Architecture Award in Auckland earlier this year.

Salvation Army Social Housing National Director Greg Foster says that the national award is a great honour—especially given Te Hononga Tāngata was judged alongside upmarket apartment complexes.

‘We were nominated amongst twenty different groups for the Multi-Unit Residential Property Award,’ he says. ‘We were one of three that got an Award of Merit … We were the only housing provider that got an award.’

Salvation Army Principal Advisor Dr Greg Coyle, National Property Services Manager Vesna Wells and Northern Property and Project Manager Janelle Harrison were in attendance alongside him, as well as representatives from architectural firm Designgroup Stapleton Elliott.

Te Hononga Tāngata recently passed its twelve month milestone. In addition to its national architectural recognition, the vision to create an established, thriving community within the space has also been realised.

‘Almost 90 percent of the tenants that started off on day one are still there, so that’s a good sign,’ Greg says. ‘Every time you go there, there’s a great feeling of community and people looking out for each other. We’ve been very happy with how it’s developed.’

New International Disabilities Statement The Salvation Army has released an International Positional Statement on Disabilities, with the aspiration to acknowledge and amplify the voices of people with disabilities within its worldwide network.

New Zealand Salvationist and Doctoral Candidate Coralie Bridle was encouraged to initiate the process, sending a letter through her divisional and territorial leaders to reach the Army’s International Moral and Social Issues Council (IMASIC). She was then invited by Dr James Read, Chair of IMASIC, to be part of the team to help formulate the statement.

Members of the IMASIC group then worked with four other consultative members from around the world who had some experience in the disability field.

A crucial step in forming the document was sending initial drafts to people in The Salvation Army who live with disabilities themselves.

‘This is an international document, so it necessarily has to speak to a whole lot of different contexts,’ Coralie explains.

‘New Zealand is in a very different position to some other countries around the world where there’s no actual legislation to protect the rights of people with disabilities.

The Salvation Army in those contexts now has a document to inform ministry practice.’

The statement was released in November, and Coralie hopes that it will encourage Salvationists to theologically consider what it means to be created in God’s image. ‘All people are, and therefore all people have inherent dignity.’

The statement makes an important distinction between simply including people with disabilities, to

enabling them to flourish.

‘Inclusion needs to move beyond making a space for a wheelchair to fit in the hall on a Sunday morning or the toilets being accessible; it’s things like people with disabilities being included on corps leadership teams or having a voice into policy making,’ Coralie says.

‘God’s desire for all people is that they flourish. Now, what it will mean for a person with a disability to flourish might be different than what it takes for someone else to flourish or it may be exactly the same. This is why the document notes that people with disabilities want to live ordinary lives. They might just need different supports to enable the living of that life.’

The document uses ‘person-first language’. In doing so, it recognises personhood before the disability. This also reflects the New Zealand context where person-first language has a strong legacy within the disability sector.

Coralie believes the release of this statement is a significant moment for people with disabilities and their families. It acknowledges that others care about them and their place in The Salvation Army.

‘One of my great hopes would be that this document might help us to see ways in which we are not being the body if we aren’t making these efforts to enable all people to flourish,’ Coralie says.

‘We’ve got to open our eyes to see that the gospel needs to be embodied by a wide diversity of people.’

Read the International Positional Statement on Disabilities | salvationarmy.org/isjc/ips

CHRISTMAS 2020 WarCry 17

The Salvation Army Christmas Breakfasts The Salvation Army Christmas Breakfasts took place in late November and were held in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington to provide the opportunity to celebrate and reflect on a difficult year with our donors and corporate partners, which was a timely move in light of the Covid-19 lockdowns.

Territorial Leaders, Commissioners Mark and Julie Campbell, were still in Australia due to Covid-19 border restrictions—their pre-recorded, but heartfelt, thank you to corporate partners was a poignant reminder that we are still living in unprecedented times. Chief Secretary Colonel Gerry Walker was the master of ceremonies for all three breakfasts.

Exposure's Tim Harper addresses the Christchurch Breakfast.

Photography by Jonathan Manning.

Christchurch Breakfast, Toyota Financial Services sponsor table. Photography by Jonathan Manning.

A special part of the events was the presentations, handed out by Territorial Secretary for Communications Lieut-Colonel Michelle Collins, of awards to corporate partners—ANZ, UNICEF, Zuru, Contact Energy, and Countdown—who went above and beyond with financial support for mission delivery during our Covid-19 response and lockdown.

A series of moving and highly impactful video clips prepared

by Tim Harper and the team at Exposure were a feature at each of the breakfasts. Tim will be known to many readers as one of the names behind The Offering Project. Tim spoke and shared what it was like to be ‘looking from the outside in’ at the breadth of mahi (work) undertaken by The Salvation Army.

The clips produced by Tim’s team showcased the Army’s work in welfare, addictions, Māori Ministry and the Aspire youth programme, as well as a ‘manifesto’ clip explaining why the Army does this work.

Local representatives at each event spoke from the heart about what 2020 had looked like from their perspectives and responses to the need of people during Covid-19 lockdowns and beyond, and expressed their thanks and appreciation for the donors and partners help.

An unexpected moment at the Wellington breakfast was the presentation to The Salvation Army of the original artwork, ‘Te Ope Whakaora Shield’, by legendary New Zealand artist Dick Frizzell. Colonel Gerry Walker accepted the artwork from Tim Harper with surprise and pride.

18 WarCry CHRISTMAS 2020

Kevin Denholm from Exposure receives a pounamu from Territorial Chief Secretary Colonel Gerry Walker at the Auckland breakfast.

Chief Secretary Colonel Gerry Walker with Catherine Thompson of Contact Energy, award recipient, in Wellington.

GAZETTE Conclusion of Appointment in Retirement: Commissioner Garth McKenzie concluded his Appointment in Retirement as Mission Training Officer, School for Office Training, Upper Hutt, on 18 November 2020. It is with sincere thanks and appreciation that we honour Garth for his faithful service in this role since 25 August 2009 (11 years, 2 months and 25 days). Please continue to uphold Garth and Commissioner Mel McKenzie and their family in your prayers at this time.

GOD SAYS, ‘DON’T BE AFRAID—HAVE COURAGE, HAVE JOY’.

In 700 BC, the people of Israel were facing hostile enemies. The nation of Assyria was raiding and conquering and causing all sorts of terror, particularly on Israel’s northern and eastern borders.

God knew how they were feeling, so he issued them a promise through one of his most respected spokesmen: the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah spoke about the coming Messiah; he said, I want to give you a picture of our deliverer.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

These words can also be a comfort to you. They can remind and reassure you that God knows your feelings, your tiredness, your anxiety, the pressures you are under.

He knows you.

Tim Harper of Exposure presents Chief Secretary Colonel Gerry Walker with the Dick Frizzell art piece ‘Te Ope Whakaora Shield’.

God says, ‘Don’t be afraid—have courage, have joy. And the way you’re going to get that relief and joy is from an action you would never have anticipated: I’m going to send a child to deliver you. A child who will lead you, and the the government will be on his shoulders. And if you want to know what this child will be like, I’ll tell you. He is going to be a Wonderful Counsellor. He is going to be a Mighty God, an Everlasting Father, and a Prince of Peace.’

Some commentators say this passage in Isaiah is the fourfold name for Jesus.

Others say the fivefold name. This depends on whether you separate the ‘wonderful’ and ‘counsellor’ rather than ‘Wonderful Counsellor’, but the ultimate objective and fulfilment is in Jesus: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10–11).

I leave you with an advent prayer by Henri J.M. Nouwen: Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.

We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.

We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.

We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.

We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.

We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.

To you we say, ‘Come Lord Jesus!’

Amen.

Chief Secretary Colonel Gerry Walker with Nick Mowbray from Zuru, award recipient, in Auckland.

May you know him as Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.

Commissioner Mark Campbell Territorial Commander CHRISTMAS 2020 WarCry 19

UN-met

Expectations of Christmas My favourite children’s Christmas story is Jesus’ Christmas Party,

by Nicholas Allan, written from the perspective of the innkeeper.

Having kindly offered Mary and Joseph space at the rear of his inn, the innkeeper headed off to bed.

BY MAJOR SUE HAY

But all through the night people kept knocking on his door, asking about a new baby. Every time his sleep was disturbed, the innkeeper directed people round the back. However, with each interruption his irritation grew—as did the volume of his response. Near the end of the story, the innkeeper can be heard yelling, ‘Round the Back!’ at his unsuspecting Christmas visitors.

The innkeeper went to bed on Christmas Eve expecting a good night’s sleep. His expectations were not met! Christmas 20 WarCry CHRISTMAS 2020

continues to come to us wrapped in multiple layers of expectation. We want this season to be one of gratitude and celebration; we long for Christmas Day to be calmer and happier than is realistic!

We hope for peace and goodwill. But life doesn’t always match the perfect world projected by the peddlers of Christmas dreams. Under the glare of Christmas lights and the intensity of Christmas demands, those dreams can disintegrate around us. Many of us are left with acute feelings of disappointment, loneliness, sadness and resentment. Somehow our heightened expectations seem to enlarge the gap between the fantasy of a perfect Christmas and the reality of our actual experience. We may feel like we are the ones sitting round the back of everyone else’s merry and bright Christmas celebrations.

WE HOPE FOR PEACE AND GOOD WILL. BUT LIFE DOESN’T ALWAYS MATCH THE PERFECT WORLD PROJECTED BY THE PEDDLERS OF CHRISTMAS DREAMS. I suspect that first Christmas didn’t quite happen as Mary and Joseph expected either. Mary probably hoped for a quiet birth in her hometown, surrounded by familiar maternal figures. I doubt she would have chosen to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem so close to her due date. She would never have expected her joy over the birth of Jesus to be replaced with the terror of death threats against him from King Herod. Nor would she have anticipated how Herod’s paranoia would force her little family to flee as refugees to Egypt. I am sure Mary’s experience of her very first Christmas would have felt like living round the back of the life she had hoped for.

THE EXPECTATIONS SOCIETY PLACES ON THE CHRISTMAS SEASON ARE SO INCREDIBLY POWERFUL BECAUSE THEY CAPTURE THE DEEPEST HOPES AND LONGINGS OF OUR HEARTS. The expectations society places on the Christmas season are so incredibly powerful because they capture the deepest hopes and longings of our hearts. We want to feel joy; we crave the comfort of meaningful human connection; we need hope to sustain us; we long for faith to act as the antidote to our deepest fears; we want our hearts to be at peace.

Yet, for so many of us, this Christmas will not satisfy these deep heart-felt longings. And no matter how much we try to will ourselves into the spirit of the season, no matter how much we try to project a picture-perfect image of our lives to others (and even to ourselves), our reality falls far short of our annual Christmas expectations. If we dare to face our reality, we may be confronted with the difficult truth that our joy is fading, our hope is stretched thin, our faith is fragile and peace has not yet settled over our hearts. This is particularly challenging for those of us who are professional dispensers of joy, hope, faith and peace. It’s deeply disturbing to discover that even our own sermons feel like another empty Christmas promise!

I don’t know about you, but when I find myself round the back at Christmas, I just want to escape from that sense of isolation and angry disappointment. I want to run away from my inner pain.

And if running doesn’t work, then I’ll usually try to stuff those feelings down with potato chips or chocolate! It’s easier to numb our pain, right? Anything to drown out the reality of being round the back. Yet the more we avoid our reality, the further round the back we seem to end up.

So I started to think about how to change that experience. I suspect transformation begins the moment we can acknowledge reality; the moment we accept the things we cannot change.

Rather than avoiding reality we need to take the time to step into it. Even if that space round the back is uncomfortable or unwelcome. We need to sit with, and process, all of our uncomfortable and unwelcome feelings. Yet we don’t need to do this alone. Because Jesus is round the back—waiting for us! Author Richard Rohr is adamant: Jesus always goes to where the pain is. Jesus longs for us to bring our pain to him at the manger. Christmas is God’s invitation to stop running and hand our reality over to the Christ child. That’s when we discover this baby has many names, including Emmanuel, meaning ‘God with us’. Discovering God with us round the back invariably changes our hearts, even when our circumstances remain challenging.

Even the grumpy innkeeper stumbled upon this truth. Woken by one too many cheerful Christmas visitors, he was ready to unleash all his ‘I hate Christmas’ angst on the gathered throng. Instead, having stomped his way round the back he came face to face with Jesus—God with him, right there, ready to receive all his resentment and rage. Sharing sacred space with Jesus melted his heart. The encounter with Jesus didn’t change his situation, but it did change him!

This year let’s put aside unrealistic Christmas expectations. Instead, let’s join Jesus round the back. I can’t promise the encounter will change our circumstances. However, I can promise that as we sit quietly with the Christ child, our hearts will be changed.

Because grasping the reality of God With Us brings comfort. Grasping the reality of God With Us helps us adjust our expectations. And grasping the reality of God With Us brings serenity, especially when reality doesn’t meet our expectations at Christmas.

CHRISTMAS 2020 WarCry 21

QUIKQUIZMAS 1 Name the child actress who appeared in Miracle on 34th Street (1994 version), Matilda and Mrs Doubtfire.

2 What popular Christmas beverage is also known as ‘milk punch’, and in which country did it originate?

3 Where is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest Christmas pageant held?

4 How many reindeer are mentioned by name in the poem ‘Twas the night before Christmas’?

5 Who was the angel Gabriel speaking to when he said, ‘Blessed art thou among women’?

Answers this page

PRAY The Overseas Development Officer,

Palmerston North Corps, Papakura Corps, Territorial Personnel Section, Petone Corps Plant; The Salvation Army in Kenya East.

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GIANTXMASWORDSEARCH

Want to Know More?

ANGELS BETHLEHEM CAROL DECEMBER EMMANUEL FAMILY FRANKINCENSE FRUITCAKE GINGERBREAD GOLD GREEN HAM HOLLY

I would like: to learn about who Jesus is information about The Salvation Army The Salvation Army to contact me prayer for the following needs:

Name Email

JESUS JOSEPH JOY MANGER MARY MINCE PIES MYRRH NOEL ORNAMENT PAVLOVA POINSETTIA PRINCE OF PEACE PUDDING

RED REINDEER SHEPHERD SLEIGH STAR STOCKING TINSEL TURKEY VIRGIN WISEMEN WRAPPING PAPER WREATH

Address Phone Send to: warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz or War Cry, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141

Find SALVATION ARMY JOB OPPORTUNITIES:

salvationarmy.org.nz/employment

Quiz Answers: 1 Mara Wilson, 2 Eggnog, which originated in England, 3 Adelaide, South Australia, 4 8, 5 Mary.

22 WarCry CHRISTMAS 2020

Make your own Christmas Wreath!

Do you have a traditional Christmas wreath at home? Did you know it represents Jesus’ crown of thorns, with the red holly berries symbolising his blood that was shed for us?

Create your own wreath—use whatever colours and design you want (our guide is just that—a What do guide!), and then write below what each colour you call a and part represents. Once you’re finished, you rich elf? can cut it out to decorate your Welfy. bedroom door!

‘And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.’

Luke 2:7

The parts and colours of my wreath represent:

Christmas will look different for many families this year. Lots of you will have loved ones who lost jobs or money, which means you might need to celebrate Christmas more simply.

The mood around the table might be dampened, and some people might be missing because they cannot travel.

Some of your traditions might not go ahead as usual.

Nativity Maze!

Can you help the shepherds find Mary, Joseph and Jesus at the manger?

Christmas Stealth Search!

There are a number of Christmas Kiwi hidden in this edition of WarCry. Can you find them all?

It is okay to feel sad about these things.

Back in the day, Mary and Joseph were probably disappointed with their circumstances, too. First, they had to travel for a census—when Mary was heavily pregnant—to a town where there was no room for them! Rather than having her baby within her family home, Mary was in a dirty, smelly stable. If that wasn’t enough, they soon had to go on the run! But they had their new baby, Jesus, and they drew hope from him.

That hope remains. Jesus entered the world in the humblest of circumstances to bring salvation. Let’s look to our Saviour and the true meaning of Christmas, something that no yearly circumstances can take away.

THINK ABOUT...

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B C D

How can you make this Christmas special for your family?

CHRISTMAS 2020 WarCry 23

‘All the Christmas presents in the world are worth nothing without the presence of Christ.’ Dr David Jeremiah