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EDITOR Cara Mott
DEPUTY EDITOR AND KA! JAM CO-ORDINATOR Ibukun Baku
Email kidsalive@salvationarmy.org.uk Post 1 Champion Park, London SE5 8FJ
FOUNDERS William and Catherine Booth
INTERNATIONAL LEADERS General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham
TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Julian Watchorn Published weekly by The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399. ISSN 1363-5662.
Have you ever watched a pantomime? A pantomime is a funny, musical show that is put on during the Christmas season. It will often take a classic fairy tale and turn it into something that will have you crying with laughter! From Jack and the Beanstalk to Cinderella, no fairy tale is safe from getting turned into a hilarious pantomime.
CBeebies Panto 2024
CBeebies have put on a Christmas pantomime to watch at home every year since 2003. If you’re one of our older readers and you’re worried that a CBeebies pantomime might be a bit young for you, then we’ve got just one thing to say to you – ‘Oh no, it isn’t!’ CBeebies pantomimes are made for the whole family to enjoy!
This year’s pantomime is a twist on Beauty and the Beast. A handsome man called Beau is turned into a beast after his good looks are stolen! The only way for Beau to return to his normal self is for someone to tell him that they love him. So it’s very good news for Beau that a kind woman called Bella has come to visit his garden! Just like any good pantomime, Beauty and the Beast will have you giggling, booing and shouting out, ‘It’s behind you!’
As well as watching this year’s CBeebies pantomime on your television, why not ask your parents or carers whether you could go to see a pantomime in person? You’ll get to watch a fab fairy tale and you’ll probably laugh yourself silly!
You can watch this year’s CBeebies pantomime, ‘Beauty and the Beast’, in some cinemas and on BBC iPlayer. To find a panto near you, head to bigpantoguide.co.uk.
I wonder what the Nativity story would be like as a panto. Mary and Joseph would be the main boy and girl, the donkey is the perfect pantomime animal and the audience could boo when the baddie, King Herod, is on stage! There’s no good fairy in the Nativity, but we could swap that for a good angel. If the shepherds brought their sheep to the stable then we’d have plenty of classic panto chaos too!
The run-up to Christmas often feels as crazy as a panto, so it’s easy for the story of the frst Christmas to get lost. Around 2,000 years ago God sent Jesus to Earth as a tiny baby. He did this so that Jesus could take the punishment for all the mistakes we make, and so that we can have a happily ever after with God as our friend. Remember that during the Christmas chaos!
Who’s the Prince of Peace?
When I was a kid, I used to go to my room for some peace and quiet. My peace would never last for long. My brother would burst through the door, screaming and shouting. Or my sister would sneak into my room to play a prank on me.
In this week’s Bible story, the shepherds were enjoying some peace and quiet until an angel appeared! Not only did an angel appear, but the shepherds were surrounded by a bright light! Their peace was well and truly disturbed.
However, by the end of the night the shepherds were happy and rejoicing. That’s because the angel told them about Jesus. They even got to meet him!
In the Bible, a prophet called Isaiah said that
Peace By Piece
Jesus would be the Prince of Peace. We all sometimes do wrong things, and we deserve to be in trouble with God. But Jesus brought us peace – this means that if we know him and trust him, God forgives us for all the wrong things we do! That’s why Jesus is the Prince of Peace! Do you enjoy your peace and quiet? The peace that comes with following Jesus is far better than any peace you’d get from hiding away in your room or watching sheep. With the peace that Jesus brings, you’ll know that you’ve been forgiven by God for every wrong thing you’ve done. You’ll also know that God is always with you, so you don’t have to be afraid of anything! This Christmas, choose to follow the Prince of Peace!
We’ve put together a jigsaw puzzle of some peacefully sleeping sheep. The puzzle is almost complete, but one of the pieces hasn’t been added yet! Pick the right piece to go into the empty space.
Read the comment below about the peace that can be found in Jesus asks Jacob Adams A B C D
Advent A Season of Peace
Check out your Bible –Luke 2:8-20; John 14:27
Steve English
Christingle Prayers
Christingles are used to celebrate the light and hope that Jesus’ birth brought to the world. Many churches hold Christingle services during December to celebrate this light. This Advent season we’ll be looking at what each part of a Christingle means. Why not join in with our Christingle prayers and let the light of Jesus fll your heart this Christmas?
The cocktail sticks remind us of the four seasons and the fruits and sweets represent God’s creation.
Join...
Thank you for creating the world and for providing all that we need. Please help us to take care of the world the best that we can, respecting nature and all wildlife. Thank you for the different seasons and how they work together to help provide us with food that we need. Please let all the resources across the world be shared fairly, so that everyone has a warm home to live in, enough food to eat and access to clean water, education and healthcare.
KA! JAM is the coolest Bible activity club around. As a member you’ll go on amazing adventures through the Bible learning about Jesus. Each activity sheet is filled with lots of great stuff about being a Christian. You’ll also receive our mini-mag, Chatterbox which is filled with jokes, games and much more. And to top it off, there are loads of awesome prizes to be won! To join KA! JAM and complete the Bible activity courses online, go to salvationist.org.uk/kajam.
Or if you would like to receive the postal version, simply fill in the coupon below.
To join KA! JAM just fll in the application form and send it – along with two KA! JAM, 1 Champion Park, London SE5 8FJ. Applicants must be between 7 and 17 years old to join.
Name:
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Postcode:
Boy or girl: Do you attend a church, and if so, which one?
I, (signature)
apply for membership of Kids Alive! Jesus And Me. I understand that joining KA! JAM doesn’t mean I have joined The Salvation Army and that it is not a free subscription to Kids Alive!
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To see your name and birthday printed in a future issue of KA! email your full name, address and date of birth to kidsalive@salvationarmy.org.uk. Remember to type ‘Happy Birthday to You!’ in the email’s subject box.
15 December
Olivia Haynes – age 13
18 December
Freddie Melmoth – age 13
Poppy Belle West – age 13 16 December
Christmas
Levi Brown – age 12
Good Will
Hello! I’m Good Will and I’m here to remind you about the importance of doing nice things. I’ve also hidden this stocking on another page in this week’s ISsue. In the Run-up to Christmas, spread some Christmas cheer by… 14 December
Taking some food or drink donations to a local food bank
One of the most popular Christmas carols is called ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’. This carol starts by singing about Christmas being cold and wintry. People sing this song in Australia at Christmas, even though Christmas takes place during their summer! In fact, it’s often so warm on Christmas Day that some Australians will have a barbecue.
You probably know the date of Christmas Day and the name of the reindeer with a shiny, red nose. However, there are plenty of facts about Christmas we reckon you haven’t got stored in your noggin! So here are a couple of random Christmas facts that you defnitely (and by defnitely, we mean don’t really) need to know.
On Christmas Eve in 1968, a spacecraft called Apollo 8 few around the Moon! While the spacecraft travelled above the lunar surface, the crew appeared on television and read from the frst book in the Bible – Genesis. Around half a billion people tuned in to watch because no one had fown around the Moon before!
NASA picture
Ha ha, ha ha, ha ha!
What’s the only prize that Gaston won in Beauty and the Beast? The No-Belle prize!
Why did the Beast go to the dentist? Because he wanted a fang-tastic smile!
Crossword Clues
by Neil Locker
across:
Crossword Clues
Ha ha, ha ha, ha ha!
1 Like the diving end of a swimming pool. 3 Aquatic bird.
7 Seasonal song. 8 Frozen water. 9 Father Christmas comes down it to get into a house. 13 Christmas song: ‘O Come, _ _ _ Ye Faithful’. 14 Christmas song: ‘We _ _ _ _ _ Kings’. 16 Playthings. 17 First day of Christmas gift: a partridge in a _ _ _ _ tree.
down:
1 Christmas song: ‘ _ _ _ _ the Halls’. 2 Organ of hearing. 4 Colour of snow. 5 Christmas song: ‘The First _ _ _ _’. 6 Long-term weather conditions.
10 Christmas song: ‘The _ _ _ _ _ and the Ivy’.
11 Direction from which the wise men came.
12 Period of 12 months. 15 Cereal grass.
Answers on Page 2
He he, he he!
Ho ho, ha ha, he he! He he, he he!
Ho ho, ha ha, he he! ho ho!
Why did the Beast throw Cogsworth from the castle? He wanted to see time fy!
Ha ha, ha ha, ha ha!
He he, he he!
Why did the rose go to the doctor? Because it had a thorn in its side!
Did you hear that the Beast ate Cogsworth? It was quite time-consuming!
Ho ho, ho ho!
Ho ho, ho ho! He he, he he!
‘What’s that you’re eating?’ ‘Taco, Belle!’
Ho ho, ha ha, he he!
What did Mrs Potts say when the Beast turned into a prince?
‘Let’s get this par-tea started!’
‘How did you get in my house, Beast?’
‘Door, Belle!’
Ho ho, ha ha, he he!
What did Cogsworth do when he was hungry?
He went back four seconds!
Hamza’s Wild World Competition
I
magine soaring through the sky with hundreds of beautiful birds, or swimming deep underwater with tons of giant fsh. Imagine roaming the land with lions and elephants! Although it’s amazing to imagine exploring our wonderful world, it might seem impossible to actually explore it in real life. However, with this week’s prize you’ll get to travel all around the animal kingdom from the comfort of your sofa! A wildlife cameraman (and the winner of Strictly Come Dancing in 2022) called Hamza Yassin has written a book called Hamza’s Wild World. It’s all about exploring the brilliant planet we live on. As well as being packed full of eye-catching pictures, this book will also teach you some fascinating facts. You’ll learn which animal is the biggest in the world. You’ll even learn which animal is the smelliest! By the time you’ve fnished reading this book, you’ll probably feel like you’re an animal kingdom expert. For your opportunity to win a copy of Hamza’s Wild World, answer the question below and email your full name, age, address and answer to kidsalive@salvationarmy.org.uk. Remember to put ‘Hamza’s Wild World Competition’ in the subject box. Your entry needs to reach us by Friday 10 January when the winners will be chosen. You can also enter by flling in the details on the coupon below and posting it to: Hamza’s Wild World Competition, Kids Alive! 1 Champion Park, London SE5 8FJ.
In which year did Hamza Yasin win ‘Strictly Come Dancing’?
2010 2016 2022
Name:
Address:
Postcode: Age:
MAKE A MELTING SNOWMAN
Has it snowed where you live yet? If it has, then you might have made a snowman! In this week’s Cookery Corner, we’re going to make a delicious snowman. However, it’s already started to melt!
WHAT YOU NEED
Scales. Bowl. Teaspoon. Tablespoon. Plate. 6 rich tea biscuits. 200g icing sugar. 6 white marshmallows. 1 packet of Smarties. 12 little pretzel sticks. A tube of black writing icing.
With this recipe, you can make six melting snowmen!
1
3 MIX, MIX!
5
6
METHOD
1. Add cold water to your bowl of icing sugar a teaspoon at a time. You want the mixture to be thick but also a bit runny.
2. Put a rich tea biscuit onto your plate and then add a tablespoon of icing on to your biscuit. There should be so much icing that some of it drips onto the plate!
3. Stick a marshmallow on to the icing on your biscuit. Then place an orange Smartie in front of your marshmallow. You’ve just made the snowman’s head and nose.
4. Add two pretzel sticks to your biscuit. These will be the snowman’s arms!
5. Use the black writing icing to add two little black eyes to the marshmallow. Then use the black writing icing to add a smile to the white icing that’s covering the biscuit.
6. Take two more Smarties and add them to the puddle of icing that’s next to your biscuit. These Smarties will be your snowman’s buttons.
7. Your snowman might look like a mess, but we think that it will probably be quite yummy –so tuck in!
8
Living a healthy and an active lifestyle and caring for your physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
Winter Adventure!
Come on! Get your coat on, grab your hat and gloves and put on your fuffest scarf. The outdoors looks beautiful during the winter, even if it’s a bit chilly. So let’s explore and see what we can fnd!
OK, OK – you might not be ready to go out just yet. You might not have had any breakfast yet, or you might be reading this issue at bedtime! That’s fne, but when you go out on your next winter adventure, take this issue of Kids Alive! with you. Over the next two pages, we’re going to try to help you see some wonderful wintry things. Make sure you bring a pencil with you too!
Winter Wildlife
Robins
Robins are beautiful birds, and you’ve got a great chance of spotting them around Christmas! They love eating earthworms, although they’ll also eat fruit and seeds. Robins can be found all over the place. You might fnd a robin in the forest, but you might also spot a robin in the park!
Geese
If you think that the United Kingdom gets cold during the winter, then you should visit some of the countries that are further north than us –they’re even chillier! That’s why geese y to the UK to spend their winter here. There are lots of different types of geese to see during winter, such as the greylag goose and the Canadian goose.
Are you out on your winter adventure yet? If you are, we think that you should keep an eye out for all of the different wildlife that you can fnd! If you see one of these animals, put a tick in the box next to their name.
Winter Gnats
This animal might be a bit harder to spot than the others because it’s tiny! Winter gnats are fies that love the cold. They have long legs and they hang out in big groups. You’re likely to fnd winter gnats in the forest. You’ll know you’ve spotted one because they look a bit like fairies!
Footprints
If it’s snowy or muddy then you might be able to spot the footprints of an animal, such as a badger or fox.
Super Spots
How’s your adventure going so far? Hopefully you’ve spotted lots of wildlife! If you’re wondering where to go next, here are some ideas for places you can explore. Don’t forget to tick the boxes below once you’ve been there!
Forest
There’s no better place to see wildlife during the winter than the forest. It might be a bit muddy, though, so make sure you wear some wellies. While you’re exploring, you could collect a few feathers. Or you could just enjoy listening to birdsong far away from noisy cars!
City, Town or Village Centre
If you live in a city, town or village, you might be able to see stunning Christmas decorations if you go into the centre. You could take the time to enjoy the Christmas lights hanging from lots of buildings.
Church
OK, so this one isn’t outside – but if you’ve never been to church before then going during the Christmas season is a brilliant idea! You’ll get to hear plenty of Christmas carols, which will be sure to help you to get into a Christmassy mood. Plus, you’ll get to hear all about Jesus.
Draw a Place!
If you’ve taken this issue of Kids Alive! out on your adventure with you, draw the favourite place that you’ve been to in the box below.
We hope that you have a wonderful time exploring the outdoors this winter!
Age? 8.
Rosanna
Favourite colour? Red.
Favourite food? Pizza.
Favourite sport? Football.
New Junior Soldiers
A junior soldier is a young member of The Salvation Army Lee, Winton; Olivia, Worksop.
Favourite bit of Kids Alive!? Crossword.
Favourite Bible story and why? Creation story and Noah’s ark, because lots of my favourite animals get on the ark.
Favourite TV programme? Is It Cake?
What do you want to be when you’re older? A vet. Dogs, fish. Hobbies? Drawing and Cubs. Tell us a joke. What do moles learn at school? Mole-tiplication! What special skill or talent do you have? Chess, crochet and baking. Tell us something interesting about yourself. I have two annoying brothers and my mum, dad and dog! Is there anything else you would like to tell us? I have previously had a picture published in Kids It was a picture of a deer.
If you’d like to star in our reader profle section we’d love to hear from you! Get a grown-up to send us an email using the address in the blue box below. Then we’ll send you the forms to complete.
G e t I n T o u c h !
The Kids Alive! team loves to hear from its readers. And guess what –other readers love reading your news! So why not get in touch? You can email or post your own colourings, drawings and letters. Or you could ask your Sunday school, church or corps leaders to email us or write to us with any news about the fun stuff you’ve been doing at your church or corps. Email: kidsalive@salvationarmy.org.uk Post: Kids Alive! 1 Champion Park, London SE5 8FJ
Cool Colourings
Check out this ‘cy-cool’ Tour of Britain Colouring from Simon, aged 7. We love how detailed everything is, particularly the outft the cyclist is wearing and the pebbly pathway! Take a look at this awesome National Radio Day Colouring from Esther, aged 8. Not only has Esther done a fab job of adding colour to the Kids Alive! logo, but she’s also written a brilliant message –‘God is good’!
Caring for Creation
Caring for our planet is super important! In fact, it’s so important that we’ve got two different news stories all about it to share with you!
Watford Salvation Army hosted a special meeting called an ‘Eco Summit’ for 60 kids from different schools. Kids got to learn about how to use less water and how to be environmental champions in their community!
Leigh-on-Sea Salvation Army started a project to turn an old boat into a little garden! Some of the kids at Leigh-on-Sea even took part. Here’s a picture of the fnished boat. Excellent work, everyone!
I’VE JUST POPPED IN TO WISH YOU A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS, PERCY.
THANK YOU, PATCH. ATISHOO!
what’s the matter, percy? you don’t look well.
AS SOON AS I PUT UP MY CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS I GET A SORE THROAT AND A RUNNY NOSE. I
