SALT, December 2023, NZFTS

Christmases Past Good Enough?

Unwrapped Potential Southern Support December 2023 | saltmagazine.org.nz

UNWRAPPING JOY

Contents 10 Grandparent Gifts

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Jules Badger considers the significance of intergenerational relationships and highlights the opportunities grandparents have to connect with their grandchildren, particularly in the Christmas season.

16 General’s Christmas Message General Lyndon Buckingham shares his Christmas message, prompting us not to miss the quiet heart of Christmas.

18 Memories of Christmases Past

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Members of The Communications Department share their traditions and nostalgic Christmas memories to remind you of your own.

24 The Ripple Effect of Joy Kelly Cooper explores how the unexpected birth of a child in a stable many years ago continues to create meaningful ripples in our lives today.

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26 The True JOY of Christmas Captain Rachel Montgomery reminds us that Jesus did not simply come to be a precious baby. He came to be our Messiah and our Saviour.

34 Christmas Fun! Head to the kids’ page and have some Christmas fun telling jokes and playing road trip bingo.

SALT Magazine The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory Territorial Leaders Commissioners Julie and Mark Campbell General Lyndon Buckingham Founders Catherine and William Booth

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December 2023

Editor Vivienne Hill Graphic design Sam Coates, Nicole Gesmundo, Lauren Millington Staff writers Jules Badger, Kelly Cooper, Captain Rachel Montgomery Proof reading Colleen Marshall, Major Glenys Fairhurst

5 Connect with us saltmagazine.org.nz SalvationArmyNZFTS

22 Subscriptions mailorder@salvationarmy.org.nz Print Management MakeReady

@SalvationArmyNZ salvationarmynzfts Territorial Headquarters, 204 Cuba Street, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141 p: (04) 384 5649 e: salt@salvationarmy.org.nz

Publishing for 140 years Volume 3, Issue 8 ISSN 2816-1351 (Print) ISSN 2816-136X (Online)

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

Views and opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of The Salvation Army.

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

Make Room this Christmas his year in early November social media lit up as people posted images of their Christmas lights and trees. I am not the only person to notice this (see page 8). My family are big on Christmas, so this is not unusual to me, but the surprise was the amount of people who are decorating their houses in anticipation and preparation for a season of joy, hope and peace in early November!

Traditions around Christmas infuse stability and unity as individuals, families and friends throughout our four nations enact their own rituals for this holy season. Children, in particular, can enter into the festivities as the school year comes to a close and the excitement builds for Christmas celebrations and warm summer days.

The theme for this Christmas edition is joy.

It is also about recapturing the wonder and fascination of the season and reminding ourselves of the promises woven into the biblical account of the birth of Jesus Christ.

The frenetic pace of life, the financial pressures, the constant bad news, the family conflicts and unspoken expectations have the ability to derail joy, hope and peace this year. My prayer for you and your family and friends this Christmas is that you will make room for joy, for wonder, for celebration; that you will create spaces in

your routines, hearts and homes to come aside with your loved ones and enjoy the joy and wonder that Christmas brings.

I also ask you to invite into your hearts and homes this Christmas, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. God the Father wrapped all of heaven’s blessings in a tiny baby, his son, and sent him to earth so he could live and die to make a way for you to enter into an abundant life on earth and an eternity with your Saviour Jesus Christ. Invite him in, because amongst his many other blessings, he comes bearing gifts of hope, joy and peace.

If you don’t know him, let me introduce Jesus to you. In the Bible it says: ‘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).

Make room for joy, make room for hope, make room for peace ... make room for Jesus this Christmas.

Vivienne Hill Editor

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ROMANS 15:13 saltmagazine.org.nz

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What’s On? International Day of Persons with Disabilities

03 December This day is sanctioned by the United Nations to celebrate and promote understanding of people with disabilities internationally.

Do You Know These People?

If you recognise the people in this photo, we’d love to hear from you.

Email: archives@salvationarmy.org.nz

Commissioning Weekend | Wellington

8–9 December Graduation, Ordination and Commissioning of

INTERNATIONAL PRAYER • E gypt—Pray for wisdom and tolerance for religious and political leaders in this country, that they may act in the interest of all people and that they may cohabit peacefully.

• L ebanon—Pray for the strengthening of faith for Christians in Lebanon. Pray for those who are providing support and resources to refugees in this country.

• C ameroon—Pray for courage and protection for Christian communities. Many believers are dispossessed of their land and their livelihood and subjected to violence and kidnappings by Islamic terrorist groups.

• Bahrain—New Christian converts in this country often lose their jobs and social status by following Jesus. Pray for a strengthening of their faith and protection from harm by their families.

• M ozambique—Pray for Christians who have lost everything in recent Islamist attacks. Pray for the encouragement of those ministering to these displaced and traumatised believers.

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the Defenders of Justice session, held at The Street Church, Hania Street, Wellington.

These events will be livestreamed at salvationarmy.org. nz/commissioning

Fiji Division 50th Anniversary | Suva 14–17 December salvationarmy.org. nz/fiji50

Carols in the Carpark | Linwood

Linwood Corps Carols in the Carpark, 8.15pm, 177 Linwood Avenue, Christchurch.

Welcome to Cadets | BCM

27 January 10.30am, Booth College of Mission, Upper Hutt.

If your corps or centre is holding an event we would love to add it ot our calendar. Email us at salt@salvationarmy. org.nz.

24 December

SALVATION ARMY PRAYER We continue to pray for the Kingdom of Tonga rebuilding after the eruption; Hāwera Corps; Hibiscus Coast Corps; Wellington Housing Programme; Territorial Human Resources Department; Hutt City Corps; Invercargill Corps; Jeff Farm; Johnsonville Corps; The Salvation Army in South America East Territory; and The Salvation Army in South America West Territory.

WORD OF THE MONTH

Doniferous (English, adjective) Bearing gifts.

Source: TheFreeDictionary.com

Pecan Tartlets These little tartlets are great with coffee and make a good alternative to traditional mince pies during the festive season | Ready in 1 hour | Makes 18–20 mini tartlets

Ingredients For the pastry • 1 heaped cup of plain flour

For the filling • 75g butter, melted

• 100g butter, cut into cubes

• 1 cup brown sugar

• Pinch of salt

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 1 dsp sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 egg yolk

• 1 cup pecan nuts

• ¼ cup cold water

Method Preheat oven to 190°C. Put flour and butter into food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form; or place flour and butter in a bowl and rub in the butter with your fingertips.

Add sugar, egg yolk, salt and water and pulse until just combined, or if making by hand stir in the ingredients and water using a bread-and-butter knife until the pastry just holds together. Add more water if required to form the mixture into a soft dough. Mix or handle the pastry as little as possible as ‘overworking’ results in a tough, sometimes greasy pastry.

Wrap the pastry in paper or cling film and rest it in the fridge for 30 minutes before rolling out. Line mini muffin pans with pastry circles.

In a small saucepan melt together the butter, brown sugar and vanilla.

Allow the filling to cool slightly before whisking in the egg.

Place a spoonful of filling in pastry cases and decorate with a pecan nut.

Bake for 10 minutes or until cooked.

Filling will bubble. Remove from tins while hot and cool on a rack. Dust with icing sugar and serve with cream.

Tip: This will also work in a traditional 12 cup pan for Christmas mince pies but will not give a good result if made as a large tart as it is too brittle.

Source: Sophie Grey | destitutegourmet.com

INTRIGUING INDEX

Christmases Past 1 Meaty Issues

The mince pies we enjoy today were not always so sweet. They originated in the Middle Ages and traditionally contained real minced meat as well as dried fruits.

2 Bulk Buying

If you gave all the gifts listed in the age-old carol ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’, it would equal 364 gifts.

3 Fake It Till You Make It

T he oldest artificial Christmas trees date back to the late 1800s and were made of dyed goose feathers.

4 Special Spiders

In Poland spiders have long been considered symbols of prosperity and goodness at Christmas. Spiders and spider webs are still used as Christmas tree decorations.

5 Toxic Tinsel

Tinsel was invented in 1610 in Germany and was first made of shredded silver and then later with poisonous lead. Earth-friendly, biodegradable tinsel options now exist. saltmagazine.org.nz

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Yule Find Words Sit yourself down with a cuppa and a Christmas mince pie and enjoy a seasonal word search. The words can be found forwards, backwards, up, down or diagonally in either direction.

Light Up Someone’s Christmas Christmas means so many positive things to New Zealanders. It’s a time of celebration. A time to reconnect and spend precious time with the people we love. A time for giving.

But for more than 150,000 people we’ve seen in the last year doing it tough right now, Christmas means something quite different.

Isolated and afraid, they’re worrying about bills and where their next meal is coming from, let alone how they’ll afford Christmas gifts to put a smile on their children’s faces.

So please, give generously to The Salvation Army appeal.

Donate: SalvationArmy.org.nz/ Christmas or call 0800 53 00 00 6

December 2023

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Advent Angel Baubles Beach Bethlehem Candles

Candycane Carols Frankincense Gingerbread Goodwill Ham

Jesus Laughter Love Pavlova Poinsettia Presents

Rejoice Santa Shepherds Sleigh Star Stocking

Tradition Tree Wisemen Wreath

This Christmas give a gift that tackles poverty and injustice around the world.

Go to justgifts.org.nz

Christmas magic is silent. You don’t hear it. You feel it. You know it. You believe it.

QUICK QUIZ 1 W hat is traditionally hidden inside a Christmas pudding?

2 W here did St Nicholas originally come from?

3 W hat Christmas object did Tom Smith invent?

4 W hich author wrote the book The Father Christmas Letters?

5 How many places in the world are named ‘Christmas Island’?

KEVIN ALAN MILNE, THE PAPER BAG CHRISTMAS

Answers page 32

Beckham

R13 | Documentary Series | Fisher Stevens | Watch on Netflix

Beckham is an absorbing documentary, even for those with no interest in soccer.

Through footage and interviews with David and Victoria Beckham, plus assorted football and family connections, we gain an insight into the extreme highs and lows of the soccer star’s professional and personal life. We witness some of Beckham’s more eccentric habits (who else cleans a candle?) and his more painful and challenging experiences as a high-profile player. Ultimately, for all their wealth and notoriety, the Beckhams come across as a likeable couple determined to endure despite the odds and media circus that surrounds them. (Reviewed by Fay Foster)

Killers of the Flower Moon

R | Crime, Drama, History, Western | Directed by Martin Scorsese | See in theatres

Based on a deeply disturbing factual book, Killers of the Flower Moon exemplifies the truth undergirding the verse ‘the love of money is the root of all evil’ (1 Timothy 6:10). De-humanisation based on race has been, and continues to be, an indictment of the very worst kind on humanity. The film’s main antagonist, played by Robert De Niro, is a true prince of darkness—calculating and cold to the core. Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance was stellar, but for me, Lily Gladstone (who plays Molly) stole the show. I barely noticed the film was three and a half hours long. (Reviewed by Jules Badger)

The Lex Fridman Podcast

Technology | Lex Fridman | Available wherever you listen to podcasts

The runtime for this podcast varies, but many episodes stretch over three hours, allowing for a deep dive into the guest’s speciality. The podcast tagline is ‘conversations about the nature of intelligence, consciousness, love and power’, and Lex is an intelligent but inherently curious host, who champions love as a core value. His guests include those who hold unpopular opinions, and Lex chooses to not shy away from the hard questions that come up. Like most media, listeners will need to use their discretion around which episodes to engage with. However, this podcast has challenged my thinking, time and again.

(Reviewed by Matt Gillon) saltmagazine.org.nz

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Shining the Light of Christ this Christmas Julie and I want to first and foremost thank you for who you are in Christ and what you have continued to do in his name throughout 2023.

It has been another demanding and challenging year, and it’s only through the love and power of Jesus that we can achieve what we are called to do as The Salvation Army, Te Ope Whakaora. Together we live out the good news of Jesus Christ so that everyone can experience hope, wholeness and ongoing transformation—the fullness of life as God intended.

This season as we sing carols, tell the Christmas story and … pray people will experience life in all its fullness.

Christmas is almost here! Have you noticed that Christmas lights and trees have been on display a lot earlier this year? There were Christmas lights in our street in early November! I think that more and more people want to enjoy the wonder and joy of Christmas for longer periods of time and displaying lights is a message of the good news of Jesus’ birth to the world. It’s a bit like seeing hot cross buns for sale in January in the lead up to Easter. My initial response was an attitude of how dare they! But as I thought about 8

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this, I realised that these symbols give us an opportunity as part of the wider church to present the good news of Jesus Christ in his coming as a child and his salvation through his death, resurrection and ascension.

In the Bible in the Gospel of John, Jesus said: ‘I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes and trusts in me [as saviour—all those who anchor their hope in me and rely on the truth of my message] will not continue to live in darkness’ (John 12:46, AMP).

This is the vision: The Salvation Army in New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa living out the good news of Jesus Christ, shining the light of hope, wholeness and ongoing transformation in our nations. Thank you for the many ways you show Jesus in your lives and ministries.

This season as we sing carols, tell the Christmas story and show kindness through providing gifts and hampers, we pray people will experience life in all its fullness. There is a song by Chris Tomlin called ‘Here I Am to Worship’. The first verse reads: Light of the world You stepped down into darkness Opened my eyes, let me see Beauty that made this heart adore you Hope of a life spent with you.

May the light, beauty and hope of Jesus Christ be yours this Christmas and also for those who are impacted by your lives and ministries. God bless you and your families this Christmas season.

Commissioners Mark and Julie Campbell Territorial Leaders

John 12:46 I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes and trusts in me [as savior—all those who anchor their hope in me and rely on the truth of my message] will not continue to live in darkness. (AMP) Kua tae mai nei ahau hei whakamārama mō te ao, kei noho i te pōuri tētahi e whakapono ana ki ahau. (PT) Au sa lako mai ki vuravura meu kena rarama, me kakua ni tiko e na butobuto ko koya yadua sa vakabauti au. (FOV) Ham dunia meñ añjora ban ke aaya hei ki jon koi bhi ham pe biswaas kari, u añdhera meñ nai rahi. (FRHNT) Kuo u ha‘u au ki māmani ko e maama, koe‘uhi he ‘ilonga ha taha ‘oku tui pikitai kiate au, pea ‘oua te ne kei nofo ai pe ‘i he po‘uli. (TMB) Ua ou sau o le malamalama i le lalolagi, ina ia le tumau pea i le pouliuli se tasi e faatuatua mai ia te au. (SOV)

saltmagazine.org.nz

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Grandparent Gifts Three years ago, I had a baby. I say ‘I’ with great license, because of course I’m referring to my daughter giving birth to my first grandchild. But I swear I felt every contraction as I watched my daughter, who was once my baby, give birth to her first child.

WORDS Jules Badger

t was a highly emotional moment as I was transported back in time to the day I gave birth to Gabbie. It was like time stood still as our shared experience of childbirth culminated in the arrival of another girl baby in the family. In that moment, I was acutely aware that I was a link in a generational chain—part of a much bigger story. I thought of my own mother and grandmothers and wondered what my influence and legacy might be on this emerging generation. What would my role be in her life? As Christmas approaches, I wonder about the bigger story we are part of—a story that began not with the child in the manger, but with the many generations that came before.

When Rosella was born it was like all my birthdays and Christmases had all come at once! What a precious gift she is to this doting G-ma! And she really is the gift that keeps on giving. I was taken by surprise, though, by the depth of my feelings for her. I didn’t expect to be so utterly besotted; I would literally cut off a limb for her. And it’s not that I wouldn’t have done that for my own children, but it’s different. As a parent I certainly endured plenty of pain—especially during the tumultuous teenage years! But as a grandparent you know hard times are inevitable, so it feels more like an invitation into heartache that you just cannot refuse. And those young parents need your comfort in the middle of that heartache, reassuring them they will get through. You did, so they can too.

I wonder how Mary and Joseph felt when they presented their newborn son to the elderly Simeon 10

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who prophesied that a sword would pierce their very soul (Luke 2:25–35).

The grandparent phenomenon According to blogger Vanessa LoBue, anthropologists and psychologists confirm that grandparents have played a crucial role in human survival throughout history.

Grandparents are life savers—in more ways than one.

Furthermore, adult grandchildren who have a close relationship with a grandparent are less likely to suffer depressive symptoms. This phenomenon has historically been referred to as the ‘Grandmother Hypothesis’ (reflecting traditional maternal gender roles), but a twenty-first century meta-analysis of 17 different studies confirmed that good grandparents make a significant difference to the overall wellbeing of a child.

Of course, this won’t be big news, with most grandparents answering an emphatic ‘yes’ when asked if they are ‘good’ grandparents. I positively dote on my grandchildren! I help with their care whenever I can and shower them with love and affection. But this measure of goodness is couched more in culture than Scripture. For people of faith, grandparents have an important role to play not just in the care and wellbeing of their grandchildren, but also in their spiritual formation.

‘Be careful and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and their children after them’ (Deuteronomy 4:9).

Christmas confusion and clashes Many of us will be spending Christmas with extended family—cousins, adult siblings, aunts and uncles and, of course, grandparents and grandchildren. And while for many of us that will be wonderful, for others it will come with some caveats and challenges. For example, some grandparents will inevitably over-indulge their grandchildren (probably me), causing tension with the beloved child’s parents. Other grandparents will feel they must be the voice of wisdom and interfere with their adult child’s parenting, forgetting that their role has shifted. Christmas can be complicated as we navigate alterations in roles and responsibilities. For some grandparents, what was once certain is now in flux.

What is my role? And when your grandchildren reach adolescence, things can intensify as multiple generations clash with one another, causing confusion and hurt.

Founder of the Legacy Coalition, grandparenting expert Larry Fowler offers tips for Christian grandparents. His advice includes understanding your potential impact as a grandparent, clarifying your role, creating great relationships with the parents of

Let’s lead the way and show children the Christ we know and love, and respect will likely follow. your grandchildren, balancing grace and truth and, perhaps the most practical but challenging tip of all, adapting to your grandchildren’s world. What?!

Fowler offers an instructive example that will no doubt illicit mixed feelings from older readers, but let’s hear him out—especially with Christmas family gatherings looming.

‘The host of our small group of grandparents was talking with another grandma about her 10-year-old granddaughter: “She is always playing a game on her phone. Last week when she came to visit, I told her, ‘If you can’t put your phone down, I’m taking you home!’ And a few minutes later I caught her playing again—so I took her home.” That grandma thought saltmagazine.org.nz

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…when your grandchildren reach adolescence, things can intensify as multiple generations clash with one another, causing confusion and hurt. then afterwards, let’s sit at the table and just talk”?

The granddaughter would have felt what it means to be honoured, the relationship preserved, and the two of them could have enjoyed tea together.’

Never accept defeat Parenting guru Steve Baskin explains that historically, and in most societies, age was always associated with wisdom—we respected our elders because, well, they were the carriers of the sort of knowledge only attainable by living longer. Young people sought the counsel of the elders. In the twenty-first century, however, the implied worship of youthfulness de-venerates elders. Technological expertise and early adoption of anything ‘new’ has distorted the message, and age is no longer exclusively associated with wisdom. Adults who can’t ‘keep up’ with technology or understand the latest trends can be quickly sidelined.

From top: Rosella and Grandma (Jules) share a moment at the launch of When The Light Goes Out in Wellington, September 2023; Rosella and Grandpa (Major Mat Badger) making speeches fun! she was doing a good thing by being strict with her granddaughter, but I’m pretty sure she injured the relationship instead. She wanted the little girl to enter “grandma world”—sit at the table and talk over tea.

What if she had said instead, “Help me learn about this game that you like to play so much on your phone, and 12

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However, Christian grandparents (and their children) mustn’t accept defeat! Fowler explains that ‘as they grow older, adapting to your grandchild’s world may become increasingly more difficult. But you can do it. Start by asking yourself, what are my grandchild’s interests? And then be genuinely interested. Do you have a grandson who is into video games? Sit with him and ask him to explain the game to you rather than scolding him for playing it. Ask yourself these questions: What are his emotional needs?

Spiritual needs or questions? Does he need comfort?

Encouragement?’

Fowler suggests that if you don’t know the answers to these questions, it’s time to change your current approach. ‘Switch from being an advice-giver (most

of us grandparents are really good at that even when it’s unsolicited) to being a question-asker. Take your grandchildren out for ice cream, and then ask them questions to get them talking and listen. Listen. Hold your tongue,’ says Fowler. ‘And here’s a great rule: don’t give your grandchildren more pieces of advice than there are flavours of ice cream in front of you!’

If you’re not convinced, consider this: researcher Dr Lucie Moore reveals that in the UK, the Church is full of grandparents. In 2018, a third of all regular attendees were aged 70 or over. And it is likely similar in New Zealand, as is the rapid decline of young people attending church. So while the potential significance of grandparents for young people’s faith has never been greater, what we are doing is just not working. However, for churches where an intergenerational approach is cemented, a different story is emerging.

Something bigger than ourselves Dr Lucie Moore explains that intergenerational relationships are key to creating faith that ‘sticks’ into adulthood. While the Bible exhorts us to be intentional in passing faith on to the next generation, studies demonstrate that each progressive generation is less inclined toward faith. However, where faith is successfully transmitted, where families and the Church partner together, a holistic understanding of the gospel is presented, and safe spaces are created for doubt. Grandparents have a unique role to play in helping children discover that they belong to something bigger than themselves—they have family history and faith is part of that story.

A UK study revealed that knowledge of family history predicated measures of adolescents’ selfworth and identity development. In other words, intergenerational conversations about the ‘ups and downs’ of family history supports teenagers’ developing sense of self. One of the authors of the study concludes that children who have the most self-confidence have a strong ‘intergenerational self’—they know they belong to something bigger than themselves.

So grandparents, this Christmas let’s humble ourselves and be faithful, loving conductors of the message of Jesus in a world that is not as kind as the one we grew up in. The message of Christmas certainly doesn’t change, but our grandchildren have so much information coming at them from many different mediums of communication—and it’s not all safe and healthy. If we are to pass on faith to the next generation—if the next generation is to hear that important message—it will be as much through ‘how’ the message is transmitted as the ‘what’ of the message itself. We display wisdom not so much by what we have to say, but how we make our grandchildren feel. Do they sense that we are really listening? Do they feel safe with us? Are we a soft place for them to land when everything is falling apart? Or are we more concerned about them showing us respect? Let’s lead the way and show children the Christ we know and love, and respect will likely follow.

…intergenerational relationships are key to creating faith that ‘sticks’ into adulthood.

After all, as Moore points out: ‘What we see in the New Testament is that these intergenerational conversations are not one-way. In inviting children to himself, Jesus challenged a powerful assumption still held today, that adults are inevitably wiser than children. But after rebuking his disciples for preventing the children drawing near, Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it”’ (Luke 18:16–17).

This Christmas, let’s remember who knelt before the child and adopt the same humility as the shepherds and the wise men and maybe, just maybe, we might get a fresh glimpse of the Christ-child in the faces of the next generation. saltmagazine.org.nz

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Unwrapped Potential At some point in our lives most of us ponder a version of the question: ‘Who am I?’ We all want to understand who we are, our value and how we fit into the world. In response to this question, Kelly Cooper unpacks another type of gift this Christmas, the gifts God has placed within each of us.

Our family is like many others.

We begin Christmas mornings with our own set of intentional and quirky traditions: an obligatory family photo beside the Christmas tree, a spirited race to see who can eat their chocolate Santa first and the excitement of opening Christmas presents.

We take turns handing out gifts, savouring each moment as we unwrap them. It’s a fun way to begin a busy day. When the last gift has been opened and gratefully received and the wrapping paper recycled, we sit down to breakfast. Never has there been a gift left unopened under our Christmas tree. That would be unthinkable, not to be curious about what was inside, to leave a gift behind.

Who am I? We are wonderfully made by a Creator who has given us each talent, strengths and interests. There is not a person alive who has not been gifted by God. We might know and accept some of our gifts—the things we are naturally good at, the things we are passionate about, the skills that others call out and see in us. But many of us stop there. We don’t look for more or take the time to explore all the ways we can contribute to our world. We live within our selfimposed limits of who we are and what we are capable of.

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In the Bible in Exodus 3, Moses had an identity crisis that many of us can relate to. When God appeared to Moses and told him that he would be the one to lead the Israelites out of slavery, he replied, ‘Nope, you’ve got the wrong guy!’ His actual words were: ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’ (Exodus 3:11b). What Moses was really asking God was, ‘Have you equipped me for this mission? Do I have the skills within me to do what you are asking?’ Moses doubted and underestimated his own potential.

We are wonderfully made by a Creator who has given us each talent, strengths and interests.

Take action together

are yet to be developed within us.

The great news for those of us who follow Jesus is that our potential isn’t about how far we can go alone, but with God. When we develop and use what he has given us, we unlock the potential he has placed within us. Our God designs us as unique individuals.

There will never be anyone else who can do exactly what he has prepared for you to do.

That is what happened to Moses. He believed the lie that he didn’t have what it takes. Most of us can relate.

We tend to think too small, pray too small and live too small. This kind of thinking stifles what God can do in us and through us. It can also keep us from realising our full potential.

Realising our full potential always involves taking action. It can be scary to take our first steps and to try something new, especially in areas where we feel inexperienced or unskilled. I find it interesting that God does not address Moses’ concerns about his competence or

The Cambridge Dictionary defines potential as ‘someone’s or something’s ability to develop, achieve or succeed’.

Potential includes all the unrealised or untapped abilities and qualities that

capabilities. Instead, he says, ‘I will be with you’. Moses didn’t leave their conversation convinced he was capable of the task ahead of him, but he did leave with the knowledge that

those will negatively impact what we can accomplish. But God knows us better than we know ourselves, and our shortcomings do not limit the potential he has put inside of us.

he wasn’t called to do it alone.

Just like with Moses, God reveals his gifts to us over time. At the right moment, God will illuminate something within us that we haven’t noticed. In his wisdom he does not give us our gifts all at once. It’s a lifelong journey to unwrap our Godgiven potential.

We often doubt our ability to do what God has called us to do. We focus on our weaknesses, past mistakes and flaws and assume that

Potential includes all the unrealised or untapped abilities and qualities that are yet to be developed within us.

Popular opinion suggests that our potential is out there somewhere waiting to be discovered. Perhaps instead our potential is not something we have to search for, but rather something that we are

At the right moment, God will illuminate something within us that we haven’t noticed. asked to receive, like a collection of Christmas gifts under a tree. We have the joy of unwrapping and enjoying each one of them. God has placed within you more than you realise. Is it time to accept and embrace your unopened gifts?

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General’s Christmas Message 2023 The scene was a familiar one. A street filled with festive lights and decorations, music playing and crowds of people moving along, taking note of all the Christmas details.

Right at the end was a house that was in relative darkness, with just a small box containing a nativity scene set up on the front lawn. Most people did not even bother to check it out. Most simply considered the Christmas display was over before they reached that house. But right there was a visual representation of the quiet heart of Christmas. Not a flashy display. Not a lot of lights and sounds.

Just a quiet focus on the one who is born to be our Saviour.

I sometimes wonder whether it is easy for us to miss the quiet heart of Christmas. Even when we are looking at some of the Christmas story we may miss the central message of it all.

Each of the gospel writers presents Christmas in a different way. Some might say that only Matthew and Luke include the Christmas story.

But I want to suggest to you that each of the gospels brings its own special emphasis.

I sometimes wonder whether it is easy for us to miss the quiet heart of Christmas.

Mark—possibly the oldest of the gospels—does not have any birth or infancy stories. Instead, Mark’s 16

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‘Christmas’ is embedded in the opening words, ‘The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God’ (Mark 1:1, NKJV). Jesus is shown to be Son of God from the very beginning.

That’s the good news.

appear. They come to find the one born to be King.

John also does not contain birth or infancy stories, but shows the centre of Christmas originating in the heart of God. The word made flesh dwells among us—full of grace and truth.

Matthew opens with a long list of names in Jesus’ family tree. It’s easy to skip over this and miss its significance. Included in it are five women who all showed remarkable faith, despite that society may have judged them harshly. Tamar, who tricked her father-in-law into pregnancy; Rahab, a prostitute who helped the Israelite spies; Ruth, a despised foreigner; Bathsheba, an adulteress; and Mary, an unmarried mother. Each were part of Jesus’ family history. If Jesus will later be shown to identify with sinners, it’s because it’s ‘in his genes’. Jesus is connected with people like us, who despite sinfulness and frail humanity show faith. Matthew then makes the connection with Jesus being Immanuel—God with us, in our humanness. All of this happens before the traditional Christmas characters—the Wise Men—even

to shepherds—often considered to be religious outcasts because of the

Luke has the angels announcing that Jesus is the Saviour, Christ the Lord. This is not given to the people who you would expect, but rather

nature of their work. For such as these, living on the margins of society, Jesus comes as Saviour.

Jesus is shown to be Son of God from the very beginning.

That’s the good news.

Each of the gospels presents a different view of Christmas. It’s easy for us to become so engaged with the trappings of the Christmas story.

That may include things that we have become accustomed to, that are not even

mentioned in any of the gospels.

Instead we can sometimes miss the quiet heart of Christmas as related in Scripture.

This year, perhaps we can focus again on what the gospels actually tell us about the coming of Jesus.

One who comes for those who are sinners and outcasts. One who comes to be King. One who comes to be Immanuel—God with us. One who comes to be our Saviour. One who has existed from all eternity.

With all the other things that happen at this time of the year,

may we focus our hearts and minds on the quiet heart of Christmas: the reality of who Jesus is. The Son of God. The eternal Word made flesh. Our King. Immanuel.

Our Saviour. Christ the Lord.

With the songwriter, we say ‘O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Immanuel.’

May God bless you at this Christmastime and throughout the coming year.

Lyndon Buckingham General

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Christmas traditions in our territory are unique to our four nations, but each country has a commonality, and the team here in the Communications Department have put together special memories that we hope will remind you of your own special and nostalgic memories of Christmases past.

Illustration: Erika Gesmundo

Memories of Christmases Past Home for the Holidays This is an illustration of our family home in the Philippines that brings all the good memories of Christmas joy for me. We lived at this house with my grandparents until my teenage years. It was a yearly tradition of my mum’s side of the family to come over to our place to celebrate Christmas. My mum had six brothers and, together with all their families, everyone would arrive with presents and food to share. The house was always filled with so much celebration, joy and love.

Nicole Gesmundo, Graphic Designer

Wonderfully Made These handmade Christmas stockings never fail to bring me joy! Every year when I get them out, I’m instantly transported to our ‘beach life’ in Gisborne, where we lived when our children were preschoolers. It was a season spent building sandcastles and paddling in the ocean, as we created memories with wonderful friends and our beautiful faith community.

The Christmas stockings were handmade by Heidi Berry not just for my children (and Mat and I), but for every child on the Gisborne Salvation Army Mainly Music roll in 2003! As well as beautifully sewing over 60 stockings, Heidi hand-painted every child’s name on their very own Christmas stocking—a labour of love reflective of Heidi’s desire that every Mainly Music parent would catch a glimpse of God’s bespoke love for them and the truth that they are fearfully and wonderfully made!

Jules Badger, Senior Writer 18

December 2023

Angel with Air Miles This Christmas decoration always makes me smile as it reminds me of my first Christmas living outside of New Zealand. I was feeling very homesick when this quirky homemade angel arrived in the mail. I immediately felt connected to home and my quirky friend back in New Zealand who took the time to make it for me.

In Loving Memory My mum passed away from ovarian cancer when I was a small boy. Every Christmas Eve, we would have lasagna for dinner. She would always join us, even though she was very ill.

I was eight years old when she died.

But every year after, we had lasagna on Christmas Eve in her memory. This family tradition continued, I learned, even many years after I moved away.

I found out because my partner and I surprised my family this past Christmas, appearing unannounced on their doorstep at their horse farm in the perpetually rainy hills near the Oregon Coast.

It was the first time I had seen my family in almost a decade. They were speechless. After getting over their shock enough to invite us in, they asked if we’d like to join them for dinner. It was lasagna.

Ben Mack, Media Officer

Since that first Christmas, it has travelled around the world with me and I have hung it on my tree every year. Even though I am now living back in NZ, it still speaks to me of love, friendship and the joy of Christmas regardless of where you may be celebrating.

Fay Foster, Communications Administrator

A Christmas Tale Memories of Christmas traditions are sparked for me by sights, smells, tastes and sounds.

The sounds of Christmases past include our local Salvation Army band playing carols around our neighbourhood days before Christmas; Carols by Candlelight services; warm summer nights spent drifting off to sleep while listening to Nat King Cole singing ‘Silent Night’.

But nothing sounds more like Christmas to me than the annual Christmas morning story ‘The Littlest Angel’, as told by Loretta Young and Gregory Peck. My grandmother owned a rendition of the story on four old 78-speed records. These were played at various speeds just for fun, but the story is sweet and the voices velvety. The 78s have long since disappeared, but I recently found this version produced in 1973, and I take great delight passing on the tradition to my children and grandchildren.

Vivienne Hill, SALT Editor, Communications Manager saltmagazine.org.nz

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All Heart Like many families, our shoulderheight, plasticky Christmas tree has a number of whimsical ornaments on it which have been collected over the years, including an orb-like ukelele player that looks like Elvis, and a heavy SeaWorld polar bear. This heart, however, is one of the first things I look for when my family pulls out the box of Christmas decorations each year. I have no memory of its construction, but I know that I made it (or haphazardly stuck bits of cellophane onto a pre-cut heart) as a gift for my grandma when I was two years old. A child prodigy!

It had pride of place on my grandma’s Christmas tree for many years. My sister and I would always help her put up the Christmas tree, and I loved it when she’d ask me to put the heart somewhere on the tree where she could see it well. I felt so loved that she cherished this tape-covered piece of card, just because it was from her granddaughter.

When my grandma passed away a few years ago, this little heart moved from her Christmas tree to ours. It feels really special to have something of hers on our family tree, and this wonky pink heart still means a lot to me. Even if I think my crafting skills could have done with some work.

Holly Morton-Chong, General Editor

Product pictured differs from one in story.

Let It Snow

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One of my favourite December activities as a young teen was decorating my bedroom for Christmas. What started with a few bits of tinsel, grew to a fullscale fake snow operation within a couple of years. Having purchased my can of artificial snow spray from The Warehouse, I’d set about creating newspaper templates for my bedroom windows. Using sellotape to hold the newspaper in place, I’d generously spray the strong smelling snow around my DIY templates until I was satisified that the perfect Christmas images had been achieved. Angels were my go-to motif. I’d finish off the look with fairy lights drapped over my curtain rail, making it impossible to properly close my curtains for almost two months of the year. No lungs or carpet were permanently damaged in the making of this Christmas memory.

Lauren Millington, Senior Graphic Designer December 2023

Bite-sized Treats Our kitchen is a very busy place to be the week before Christmas. Out come well-worn mixing bowls, slightly askew kitchen scales and my trusty old blue spatula. These ordinary kitchen companions have all collaborated in more culinary creations than they could count. My blue spatula certainly shows the scars of a wellloved and well-used utensil. Most noticeable is the small piece that is missing at the top. Several years ago, while waiting for our cake to cook I encouraged my then two-year-old eldest child to enjoy the leftover chocolate batter. Perhaps, due to my unclear instructions, she did what you do when you are learning to eat using utensils— she took a bite. Hastily, I retrieved the crunchy mouthful and together we licked the bowl clean.

While it’s true that the Christmas season can easily feel hectic, every time I use my slightly imperfect spatula, I am reminded that the commotion of Christmas can quickly be silenced by the simple joy of licking the spoon.

Kelly Cooper, Staff Writer

Dancing into the Christmas Spirit I used to feel embarrassed by their enthusiasm but now I appreciate what a fun and celebratory atmosphere they created. We’d have special treats like cherries, pistachios and a cheese platter to snack on while all the food was being cooked. To this day, playing the Boney M CD never fails to gets me in the Christmas spirit!

Julia Martino, Social Media Manager

Photography: Leszek Leszczynski

One of my family’s Christmas traditions is always having the Boney M Christmas album playing while decorating the tree, and also on Christmas Day while all the food is being prepared. Growing up we had a holiday home about 30 minutes outside our town and Christmas was always held there with whatever cousins/aunties/ uncles were around at the time. We’d attend church on Christmas morning, then pack up the car and head out to the bach. My aunty would always bring her CD player from home and have the Boney M album blasting! The aunties would be singing and dancing along and it really helped everyone get in the Christmas spirit.

Blossoming Joy One of my holiday memories is camping with my husband and his family at Opunake beach. It was my first visit to that area and I remember driving down the hill into the little beach community and being absolutely stunned by the magnificent red of pōhutukawa trees against the backdrop of the black sand and blue ocean.

We spent our time exploring the coastline, discovering rock pools, trying to catch a fish off the beach, passing a seal sleeping on the rocks, and roasting marshmallows in the evening. This holiday marked the first of many with my husband’s family and now when I see pōhutukawa trees it reminds me of the great joy of spending time with loved ones.

Captain Rachel Montgomery, Staff Writer

A Great Surprise There is nothing quite like being a kid at Christmas. My favourite memory was receiving a Hot Wheels set that I was completely surprised by. I hadn’t asked for it, and wasn’t really aware of what it was. But after learning how to clamp the simple track to a desk, I spent hours dropping cars onto the track and watching gravity whip it around the loop and over the jump.

As a parent now, I am not sure there is anything more rewarding than surprising a child with an experience that matches their interests and both expands their world and brings joy. The joy of being known.

Matt Gillon, Web Manager saltmagazine.org.nz

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It didn’t take me long to figure out that being a good girl had very little to do with Christmas.

Good Enough?

Jules Badger shares a personal reflection on Christmas in the 1980s and parallels her childlike view of Santa with the reality of her relationship with Jesus Christ.

I grew up in the 1980s, which means my earliest and best memories of Christmas gifts include roller skates and Barbie dolls. Christmas 2023 is feeling a lot like the 1980s all over again, with the return of Barbie and the roller-skating renaissance of recent years. I’m certainly not averse to either—far from it. Barbie in the 1980s has since been elevated from the doll responsible for 22

December 2023

eating disorders to a larger-thanlife twenty-first century feminist icon—‘sleigh’ the patriarchy! And not only am I at an age where I don’t need extendable skates that allow for my growing feet anymore, but roller skates now come in leopard print. It’s like the 80s, only better!

What I remember most about Christmas from my childhood, though,

is going to visit Santa. I’m not sure if that’s because of the photographic proof seared into my brain of my sisters and I trying to look cute but one of us inevitably crying, or actual memories. But I do remember it was a big deal. First, you had to decide what you would ask for (just one thing); second be brave enough to sit on Santa’s knee (stranger danger); and finally, have the courage to voice your request (without crying).

The inevitable question from the big man in red, though, was always: ‘Have you been a good girl?’ I swear that question brought tears to my eyes, had I been a good girl? My young mind was tortured as I tried to review my behaviour. Had I been good enough, or was I too naughty to get the gift I had asked Santa for?

And was being nice for the rest of December, at least, enough niceness?

Enough goodness? Or had I left it all far too late?

Thankfully, my parents took it upon themselves to be the ones who gave the gifts we most wanted. So while Santa filled our stockings with chocolate and trinkets, Mum and Dad got the credit for the big-ticket items we really wanted. It didn’t take me long to figure out that being a good girl had very little to do with Christmas. Mum and Dad already knew my capacity for naughtiness, and yet they still lavished gifts on me. Stereotypical Barbie made way for Tropical Barbie and my

Above: Jules’ mum’s handcrafted nativity set out of wooden clothes peg with handstitched clothes and crowns. extendable skates eventually got bounced for real boot-skates.

Sitting on Santa’s lap quickly lost its appeal—what a waste of time! I was better off just tidying my room.

However, when Mum became a Christian, everything changed. Jesus entered our Christmas for the first time. I remember Mum making a nifty nativity set out of wooden clothes pegs. She handstitched all the clothes and crowns, and the shepherds had pipe cleaner crooks.

She used a black vivid marker to carefully draw faces on the clothes peg shepherds, wise men, and Mary and Joseph. Baby Jesus was a real (plastic) baby, complete with his own (plastic) crib—stolen from Homemaker Barbie maybe? But Jesus certainly stood out from the rest— I just knew there was something special about that little plastic baby.

It would be a few decades before I would even begin to grasp just how special Jesus is. But what I do know is that being good enough for Santa to bring us gifts is the exact

Jesus takes everyone who is unworthy, left out, not good enough, rejected, misunderstood, falsely accused and says come. opposite of what Jesus offers. Santa may be making his list and checking it twice, deciding who is naughty or nice, who is in and who is out, but Jesus isn’t. Really—he’s just not! He doesn’t care if you are good or bad.

Jesus offers us himself—a gift for those who haven’t been good. Jesus takes everyone who is unworthy, left out, not good enough, rejected, misunderstood, falsely accused and says come. Jesus also welcomes the proud bigot, the unwavering misogynist, the hateful homophobic, the corrupt politician and the prolific philanderer—anyone who receives the gift he offers. And what he offers has nothing to do with us or our goodness, and everything to do with God and his goodness. ‘But God

demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us’ (Romans 5:8). It’s not a one-time-only gift that Jesus offers, either. He’s the gift that keeps on giving! When we receive Christ, we are always good enough in his eyes. ‘For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God’ (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Mum’s clothes-peg nativity set has since been passed on to my younger sister and her family and has pride of place under their Christmas tree every year. It was more than good enough to hold and carry the Christmas story from one generation to the next. (Plastic) baby Jesus is still at the heart of the story. We don’t need to sit on Santa’s lap to prove we are good enough to receive a gift—my parents taught me that.

‘If you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him’ (Matthew 7:11). And Jesus continues to confirm this simple, life-changing truth. The good gift of Christ is ours for the taking— any day of the year! saltmagazine.org.nz

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The Ripple Effect of Joy

Kelly Cooper explores the message of joy described in the Gospel of Luke and how the unexpected birth of a child in a stable many years ago continues to resonate and create meaningful ripples in our lives today.

I have a vivid memory of cradling my first child in my arms just minutes after her birth. In that precious moment, a whirlwind of emotions swept through me: wonder, hope, gratitude and an overwhelming sense of responsibility. Our most cherished gift had finally arrived, and she was nothing short of miraculous.

The news of her birth spread like wildfire. Grandparents, aunts, uncles and even distant relatives rushed to meet her and share in our joy. Emails and gifts poured in from friends and 24

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family from around the world. We even received a congratulatory card from my husband’s grandmother’s next-door neighbour! It seemed that the good news of our daughter’s arrival travelled fast and that people from all corners of our lives wanted to be part of our excitement and happiness.

Mary’s joy I wonder if Mary, the mother of Jesus, experienced a similar sense of joy as she cradled her newborn son on that

first Christmas night. Did she gaze upon her baby’s face, marvelling at his fluttering eyelids, his perfect, delicate lips and his soft rhythmical breathing? In that moment, I bet she couldn’t take her eyes off him. Her heart overflowing with love for this baby in her arms.

The birth of Jesus took place in a stable in Bethlehem. There was nothing perfect about this scenario for an expectant mother. Exhausted from travelling on a donkey and ready to give birth, a stable was probably

not what Mary had hoped for. Maybe the scent of barn animals caught her attention as she entered that humble abode. Perhaps she grimaced as she lay on the dirty floor. She may have shivered in the cold night air as she laboured. But I imagine the moment she held her son it all faded away and her entire focus was only on him.

Moments of joy are often like that— sudden, intense and overwhelming.

Our senses heighten, and words often fail to capture the depth of our feelings. Joy becomes an allencompassing experience, touching every part of our being, and Jesus’ birth was no different. His arrival not only brought joy to Mary and Joseph, God intended for his gift to be shared with the world. The birth of this baby started a ripple effect which we can experience today.

Jesus invites us to meet him in the unexpected story of Christmas.

Ripples If you have ever tossed a stone into a calm body of water, you will have seen the ripples last long after its initial impact. A single event can set in motion a chain reaction. The Christmas story began in a similar way. God chose to spread the good news by sending an angel to shepherds in a field, who understandably were initially terrified. Luke 2:10b tells us the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people’. These shepherds were told that this news was so amazing that it would bring joy to everyone.

Joy becomes an all-encompassing experience, touching every part of our being, and Jesus’ birth was no different.

And so, the ripples of joy began. Eager not to miss out on the excitement, the shepherds journeyed to Bethlehem, where they found Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. The birth of Jesus was so remarkable that they couldn’t keep it to themselves. They shared the angel’s message with everyone they encountered. It’s not difficult to imagine the shepherds’ reports of Jesus’ birth being repeated and repeated.

A beautiful aspect of joy is its contagious nature. It is nearly impossible to contain our enthusiasm when we have something exciting to share. When we recall the times we have experienced joy in our lives it is almost always in the company of others. Joy has the powerful ability to multiply when it’s shared.

We may never know the effect of our small and seemingly insignificant actions. The ripples of our words and behaviour can extend far beyond their initial impact. That’s what sharing the Christmas story does.

It allows the good news to radiate outwards, ensuring that the birth of a single child can continue to make a life-changing difference.

Joy in the unexpected That first Christmas, God surprised everyone in more ways than one. No one was looking for the son of God in a stable in Bethlehem. Joy existed without beautifully arranged table settings, Santa-themed decorations or perfectly hung stockings. In every way, Jesus’ arrival in the world was unexpected but the circumstances of his arrival did not diminish the joy.

Our cherished traditions and rituals can bring delight, creating expectations and fond memories of the Christmas season. However, often our most significant moments require far less effort and reveal themselves amid the ordinary. The Christmas story reminds us that perfection is not a prerequisite for joy to exist.

We can all discover and savour joy in the unexpected and the ordinary, just as the shepherds did in a stable in Bethlehem.

Joy has the powerful ability to multiply when it’s shared.

This is the essence of Christmas joy: a precious gift from God that we can share with others. The ripple effect of Jesus’ birth continues in our world, long after his arrival. Jesus invites us to meet him in the unexpected story of Christmas. We are welcomed to participate alongside those who first experienced the joy of his birth—Mary, Joseph, the angels and the shepherds. As we celebrate this Christmas, may we continue to spread the good news with joy and to uncover the delight waiting to be discovered in the ordinary.

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The True JOY of Christmas WORDS Captain Rachel Montgomery

t’s the most wonderful time of the year…’ as the song goes.

Christmas is such a special time as we decorate the tree, hang the wreath on the door, wrap presents and fill the stockings.

We make gingerbread cookies for sharing with family and friends as the familiar sound of carols waltz in on the airwaves. The smell of pine and fruit cake. Lights and tinsel. Excited children counting down the days … Christmas is nearly here!

But Christmas is more than presents and sparkly trees. The joy of Christmas goes deeper than the taste of gingerbread, the happiness on a child’s face, or the time spent with family. It is the deeper mystery and meaning of Christ’s birth.

And while most people think of Christmas with a sweet little baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger—stories of sheep and shepherds, angels and singing, wise men and gifts bringing joy to our heart—the joy of Christmas comes from why Jesus was born in the first place. It comes from what Jesus came to do. He didn’t come simply to be a precious baby. He came to be our Messiah, our Saviour. He came to bring forgiveness for our sins and give us eternal life with him.

This is good news, wonderful news, which fills our hearts with awe and wonder.

Like the shepherds in the fields, we should rejoice at the announcement the choir of angels brought, ‘But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause 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” ’ (Luke 2:10–11).

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas, let us ponder that this baby was born for the purpose of our redemption and forgiveness of our sins.

This is the true joy of Christmas.

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December 2023

Southern Support A new hub in Queenstown is more than a place for help and healing—it’s also a place for the community to come together. Ben Mack reports with photography by Lieutenant Semi Ratu of Ashburton Corps.

There were gooey, molten cheese rolls aplenty on Saturday 11 November in Queenstown, as The Salvation Army opened its new community hub.

But substantial servings of ‘southern sushi’ weren’t the only reason for high spirits, nor were famously fickle southern skies being bright and cheery.

Queenstown Corps Officer Lieutenant Andrew Wilson says the new, $10 million hub is The Salvation Army’s first in Frankton, one of the fastest-growing areas of Queenstown and the deep south.

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Although Queenstown attracts wealthy visitors from around the world, there’s still significant need in the community, where the cost of living is especially high and the lack of affordable housing is a serious issue. The Salvation Army’s last Queenstown building opened in 1990—back when the All Blacks had only won a single Rugby World Cup and the Soviet Union still existed.

With Frankton as a fast-growing area and increasing need in the community, especially away from Queenstown’s CBD, Andrew says there was a need

‘It really embodies he waka eke noa,’ he

for Salvation Army services to be more

says. ‘We are all in this together.’

accessible to more people.

The Salvation Army has had a presence in Queenstown since 1887—a span that’s seen the city transform from a small, rough-and-tumble gold mining town to the bustling adventure-tourism mecca it’s internationally known as today.

Work began in earnest on the community hub in 2018, and was still ongoing when the pandemic struck in 2020. But the teams soldiered on despite the extreme challenges (and long, bone-chillingly cold southern

December 2023

winters), leading to the hub’s opening on November 11, 2023.

‘We’re deeply rooted and embedded in the community,’ says Andrew. ‘It’s important that this building is a space for the community.’

That feeling of community support shows in the diverse array of services provided for everyone, regardless of their background. Services include a foodbank, financial mentoring, social support and counselling, and more.

‘We’re deeply rooted and embedded in the community ... It’s important that this building is a space for the community.’

Community groups can even book out meeting rooms, multi-function rooms and the 150-seat auditorium.

There’s also a Family Store, which anyone can donate to and shop at. ‘You can’t build a Salvation Army building without a Family Store,’ laughs Wilson.

...there was a need for Salvation Army services to be more accessible to more people.

About 150 people were in attendance for the November 11th dawn blessing.

The blessing was led by Ken Te Tau and Rangi McLean (kaumātua advisor to the Rūnanga at The Salvation Army). There was also waiata from Christchurch Māori Ministries, and a performance by the Dunedin Salvation Army brass band.

The following day was the first worship service at the new hub. It, too, featured waiata and the brass band. Andrew says worship services will be held each Sunday at 10.30am. He’s quick to point out everyone is welcome, no matter their faith background or if they have faith at all.

Andrew has already been getting enquiries about community ministries, children’s services and support for families. It’s a sign, he says, of both the need for support that exists in the community, and the sense of partnership the community feels over the new hub.

‘It’s really created a new buzz in the community,’ he says. ‘From the ground up, we’ve designed it with the community in mind. It’s a focal point of building community and resilience. It’s for people to live life to the fullest.’

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Powerful Sunday at Palmerston North Corps On Sunday 6 November, Palmerston North Corps (church) enrolled five new soldiers and two new adherents. ‘It’s so exciting and inspiring to know that God’s not done with us yet! God is clearly still raising up people to join The Salvation Army, fight for souls and reach the world for Jesus,’ says Corps Officer Captain Sammy Millar.

Sammy explains that preparation classes at Palmerston North Corps took place over three Sunday evenings and included sharing a meal together. Using the Mission Matters material provided by The Salvation Army, a group of 15 explorers watched the videos together and had plenty of discussion about the various topics presented.

Sammy believes that there is a hunger for the Spirit of God to move in Palmerston North these days. ‘People don’t want to just sit in the pews and be part of a club, they want to be involved in making significant advancement of the kingdom,’ she affirms.

For the full story, go to saltmagazine.org.nz

Bruce is Still Sent into Ministry After 30 years of ministry within The Salvation Army, Bruce Heather has recently retired. For the last two decades his primary role has been as a Salvation Army Court and Prison Officer in Invercargill. Bruce describes this job as ‘ministry’ rather than ‘work’, sharing that this chaplaincy position grew far beyond his expectations and provided him with opportunities to meet many interesting people.

Offering a friendly face and practical support, Bruce made deep connections with prisoners while in prison, as well as helping reintegrate them into their communities. Bruce’s strong connections have led to him being invited to one man’s daughter’s christening, and officiating at several weddings and funerals.

Bruce sums up his passion to walk alongside prisoners with his own version of Luke 6:31, ‘The way I see it, you need to treat the guys the way you want to be treated. Everybody deserves a second, third or even a fourth chance in life.’

For the full story, go to saltmagazine.org.nz

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December 2023

Retiring for Real In 2013, following her retirement as a Salvation Army officer, Lt-Colonel Margaret Arnold was invited to assume the role of Police Chaplain for the Waikato Police District. After another decade of service, she has recently retired for the second time.

Margaret describes her time working with police officers as ‘an extreme honour and privilege.’ Her duties were many and varied, and included providing a listening ear and encouragement to police personnel, supporting officers through critical incidents and upholding them in prayer.

Reflecting on her time in the role, Margaret describes her highlights as including blessing taonga, attending award ceremonies, welcoming new recruits and celebrating Remembrance Day. Of particular significance was Margaret’s involvement in the production of the Bible for Police with the Police Christian Support Network.

In her retirement, Margaret is looking forward to enjoying her garden, her family and having time to read. She is also excited about upcoming travel and the opportunity to get more involved in her corps.

For the full story, go to saltmagazine.org.nz

Bulgaria Region Official Launch The Salvation Army’s Bulgaria Region, part of the Eastern Europe Territory, was officially launched on Saturday 21st October in Sofia, Bulgaria. Officers and church members from around the region gathered for the afternoon meeting to share in fellowship and celebration. Territorial Commander Colonel Kelvin Pethybridge spoke of his appreciation and recognition of those who have worked closely with the Salvation Army and played a part in helping the dream become a reality.

For the full story, go to tinyurl.com/BulgariaRegion

Webinar about Genderbased Violence Will Bust Myths, Says WM ‘Gender-based violence is not about anger or a lack of impulse control, it is premediated, deliberate and coercive,’ says Dr Natalie Thorburn from Women’s Refuge, who will be speaking at a Salvation Army webinar on 5 December, as part of the worldwide movement, ‘16 Days of Activism to Eliminate Gender-Based Violence’.

Women’s Ministries will host the online morning tea, interviewing experts in the field.

‘Gender-based violence is not only a justice issue, but also a faith issue,’ says Ingrid Barratt of Women’s Ministries.

‘As people of faith, we strive to recapture God’s intention for us: to live as partners in true equality, with equal status and an equal say over our lives.’

WM invites all corps and centres to join in—either by holding their own morning tea or joining online. Find out more at: tinyurl.com/WMUnite

Looking for more news?

Read the latest news online at saltmagazine.org.nz

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Official Engagements Commissioners Mark (Territorial Commander) and Julie Campbell (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 1–3 Dec: Gisborne Corps visit 6 Dec: NZ Covenant Day, Booth College of Mission 8 Dec: Graduation, The Street Church 9 Dec: Silver Star Luncheon, Booth College of Mission; Ordination & Commissioning, The Street Church; Long Service Dinner, Wellington 12–17 Dec: Fiji 50th Anniversary Celebrations 23 Dec–5 Jan 2024: Furlough Colonel Gerry Walker (Chief Secretary) 6 Dec: NZ Covenant Day, Booth College of Mission 8 Dec: Graduation, The Street Church 9 Dec: Silver Star Luncheon, Booth College of Mission; Ordination & Commissioning, The Street Church; Long Service Dinner, Wellington 12–17 Dec: Fiji 50th Anniversary Celebrations 23 Dec–22 Jan 2024: Furlough Lt-Colonel Liz Gainsford (Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development) 6 Dec: NZ Covenant Day, Booth College of Mission 8 Dec: Graduation, The Street Church 9 Dec: Silver Star Luncheon, Booth College of Mission; Ordination & Commissioning, The Street Church; Long Service Dinner, Wellington 12–17 Dec: Fiji 50th Anniversary Celebrations

Gazette Summary To read the full version of Gazette notices, visit saltmagazine.org.nz/gazette Bereavement: We have been advised that Dwayne (Dread) Patea, the youngest son of Auxiliary Captain Teao Kauirangi (Nan) Patea, passed away on 21 October 2023, aged 49 years. We ask you to uphold in prayer Auxiliary Captain Nan Patea, and her extended whānau at this time of grief and loss.

First Time Grandparents: Congratulations are extended to Majors Denise and Ken Smith on the safe arrival of their first grandchild, Noah Sebastian Boyd. Noah was born in Whakatane on 16 October 2023, weighing 6lb 7oz (3.03 kgs). We join with his parents Rachel and Hayden Boyd, and grandparents Majors Denise and Ken Smith, as they celebrate the birth of Noah, and pray God’s blessing on them all.

Appointment: Effective 11 January 2024: Cadet Andrew Connor has been appointed as assistant corps officer, Westgate Corps and chaplain, Salvation Army Social Housing, Auckland.

Effective 11 January 2024: Cadet Tamsyn Connor has been appointed as mission support officer, Royal Oak Community Ministries and assistant corps officer, Westgate Corps (additional appointment).

Retirements: Effective 30 November 2023: Major Iliesa Cola has retired. On his retirement Major Iliesa will have completed 27 years, 11 months and 15 days of active officer service. Iliesa and Litiana 32

December 2023

Cola entered the School for Officer Training, Suva, Fiji as cadets in the Messengers of Hope session. We pray God’s richest blessing on Major Iliesa Cola as he enters retirement and on Major Litiana as she continues in active service.

Effective 31 December 2023: Majors Bruce and Marilyn Tremain will retire. On their retirement Majors Bruce and Marilyn will have completed 31 years, 11 months and 21 days of active service. It is with much appreciation that we acknowledge the sincere and faithful ministry of Majors Bruce and Marilyn Tremain and thank them for their service, given in the true spirit of Servants of Jesus.

We pray God’s richest blessing on Bruce and Marilyn in their retirement.

Effective 31 December 2023: Major Anne Irwin will retire. On her retirement, Major Anne Irwin will have completed 28 years and 23 days of active service. Anne entered the Training College from Dunedin Fortress Corps with Alister and their family in 1995 as a cadet in the ‘Messengers of Hope’ session. We pray God’s blessing on Anne and Alister as they relocate to Wellington, and as Alister continues on in his active service, taking up a new appointment in January 2024.

Effective 31 January 2024: Majors Ivan and Glenda Bezzant will retire.

On their retirement Major Ivan Bezzant will have completed 43 years and 7 days and Major Glenda Bezzant will have completed 42 years and 16 days of active officer service. We pray God’s abundant blessing over them in the days ahead as they enter into this new season of retirement.

Resignation: Effective 18 November 2023: The Territorial Commander announces with regret the resignation from officership of Captain Epironi Toloi. Captain Sera Toloi will remain in her current appointments as a Single Spouse Officer. We thank Captain Epironi Toloi for his service as an officer of The Salvation Army. We pray God’s blessing over Epironi and Sera in the days ahead.

FEES FREE IN 2024 Semester 1 applications close 13 December 2023

School of Bible and Mission Diploma in Christian Studies (Theology) Level 5 Full-time or part-time study Available to students 18 or over

For more information, email the academic registrar tracy.smith@salvationarmy.org.nz Quiz Answers: 1. A silver coin, 2. Patara, in modern-day Turkey, 3. The Christmas cracker, 4. J. R. R. Tolkien, 5. 14.

SALVATIONISTS IN HISTORY

One Moment in Time Tony and Rita Westerman were long-time Salvationists at Tawa Corps.

In a book written by their daughter, Janet O’Halloran-Westerman, is documented a ‘moment in time’ when the life of Tony Westerman hung in the balance and the corps family gathered to pray.

‘Nurse Westerman, I am sorry but your father has been in an accident and is currently being brought here to the hospital by ambulance. As far as we know, he has serious chest and head injuries, and he is likely to be admitted to this ward. You may stand down from duty.

Give yourself a moment to take in what I have told you, and then go and be with your family.’

One moment in time can change a person’s life.

Our daily lives can seem so humdrum, yet we never know when that one moment might come that alters the canvas of our lives forever. November 6, 1979 at 1 p.m. was one of those moments. On this particular November day, Dad and his team of three young apprentices were leaning on the railing of the Arahanga ferry. The towline unexpectedly whiplashed, hitting my dad and the three apprentices standing at the railing on the Arahanga. With a split second to react, Dad threw himself on the apprentice beside him—an act that saved that young man’s life, protecting him from the full whip of the cable.

Also standing with Dad was another apprentice who was to be married the following Saturday. He took the full force of the cable and died on arrival at Wellington Hospital.

The third apprentice was injured, but survived.

My fifty-one-year-old dad, Tony Westerman, was the last to be stretchered off the ferry, unaware that he was about to enter the fight of his life.

Yes, much of life is a miracle, and I thank God for people who are willing to help make those miracles happen. For my dad, his miracle was about to begin.

My parents still attended the Salvation Army church, but it was more than a church to them; it was a family.

As soon as word of the accident reached the pastors of the church, the phones started ringing. ‘Tony Westerman has been in a terrible accident. There are

others with injuries as well. Someone has died. The side door to the church hall has been left unlocked so anyone can come and say a prayer for Tony.’

And they came. They walked and they drove as one by one people made their way to the Salvation Army church in Tawa, quietly slipped through the side door of the church, and started to pray. That day in Tawa, as an ordinary group of men and women gathered on behalf of Dad, something shifted. We couldn’t pray or even think straight, and Dad needed help in the battle as he lay in intensive care. Now, as my parents’ church family quietly came and went throughout the afternoon, into the evening, and through the night, they held us up in prayer.

My dad was fighting yet another battle. Thankfully, it was one he would also win. The day after the many friends and even strangers took time out of their day to pray for my dad, he began improving in leaps and bounds. It wasn’t long until he was moved to the general ward, and then eventually he was sent home to recover. In time Dad went back to work and the events of November 6, 1979 became a distant memory.

All of us have moments when life changes suddenly.

Events that were so pivotal and life-changing become distant memories in the fullness of time, but I still remember those who carried us and walked with us during those difficult days. To everyone who helped us during Dad’s accident and recovery, I have not forgotten what you did for our family, and to those wonderful people, I say thank you.

Excerpt (abridged) from Simply Grace by Janet O’Halloran-Westerman, published by Torn Curtain Publishing 2023. Available at janetohalloranwesterman.carrd.co or order from Amazon.

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Joy to the World

‘...I bring you good news that will cause 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’ Luke 2:10-11 Read: When Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem, God sent an angel to shepherds who were in the nearby fields looking after their sheep.

At first the shepherds were terrified when they saw the angel. Then the angel told them of the good news of Jesus’ birth, and they were full of joy and excitement.

What did the salt say to the pepper at Christmas?

Season’s greetings!

Think: Jesus brought joy to the world as a tiny baby. He was the saviour, healer and redeemer who many people had been waiting for. Think about the joyful times in your life. What makes you laugh and smile? Who are the people in your life that you like to experience joy with?

What does Santa measure in?

Santametres

Pray: Father God, thank you that you sent your son Jesus to teach us about joy. His birth has made a way for all people to experience joy and to know you.

Help us to bring joy to others this Christmas.

Do: Did you know that children laugh on average 300 times every day? Adults, on the other hand, only laugh 10 times per week. See if you can make the adults in your life laugh and feel joyful with these ‘better than your Christmas cracker’ jokes...

What did one Christmas tree say to the other?

You need to lighten up

What kind of photos do elves take?

Elf-ies 34

December 2023

What did Mrs Claus say to Santa when she checked the weather?

Looks like rain dear

Did you hear about the angry snowman?

He had a meltdown

Add some colour!

Mary and Joseph travelled a long way that first Christmas. One way to have fun and pass the time quickly on a long trip is to play a game. As you are travelling, look out of the car window and see if you can spot something from your bingo board. When you see it, circle it. How many can you find?

You can download more bingo cards at: saltmagazine.org.nz/resources

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A PRAYER FOR JOY THIS CHRISTMAS Father, we thank you for your great gift this Christmas, your son Jesus.

We are grateful that the joy of his arrival all those years ago is available to us today.

This Christmas, help us to find you in the ordinary and to delight in the unexpected.

Embolden us to share the Christmas story with others to continue the ripple effect of Christmas joy.

Amen