Kids Alive! 23 December 2023

Kids Alive! – formerly The Young Soldier – Issue No 7391

23 DeCEMBER 2023

The world's longest-running publication for children!

salvationist.org.uk/kidsalive

50P/60c

BBC picture

this week...

Living a healthy and an active lifestyle and caring for your physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

WIN!

Seasonal 'Elf Check'

this week...

God Is With The Shepherds

Kids Alive! is available online – go to salvationist.org.uk/kidsalive KA - p1 - 23 December.indd 1

15/12/2023 10:35

What’s Inside?

Puzzle Answers Turn this page upside down to read the answers

Tabby McTat and Ed’s Bit

3

KA! JAM

6

Advent Prayers

7

Kiddo!

8–9

Giggle in the Middle

10

KLiXX Creaturez Competition

11

Colouring Corner

12–13

KA! World

14–15

Your Space

16

Patch’s Pals Naughty Norman

DOWN: 1 Good. 2 Lie. 4 White. 5 Noël.

6 Dancing. 10 Angel. 11 Glad. 12 Shoe. 15 Red. CROSSWORD ACROSS: 1 Gold. 3 Swan. 7 Opera. 8 Ice. 9 Watched. 13 Log. 14 North. 16 Doll. 17 Edge.

BIG MYSTERY: A guitar.

GIGGLE IN THE MIDDLE BULL’S EYE 1 Juice. 2 Olive. 3 Sauce. 4 Eagle. 5 Peace.

6 House. New word: Joseph.

CHRISTMAS BIBLE BRAINTEASERS 1A. 2B. 3C. PICK OUT PATCH: Page 16.

KA! JAM WHICH WITH WHICH? Chips with vinegar. Television with remote.

Strawberries with cream. Cards with envelopes.

Toast with jam. Mary with Joseph. God with us.

Shepherds with sheep. Wise men with gifts.

Play with friends.

Love our comic? Check out Morning Praise with Kids Alive! on Salvationist Radio every Sunday at 9–9.30am

Go to salvationist.org.uk/radio to get your Sunday started with half an hour of music, prayer, a thought and lots of giggles

e Availabl online!

Subscribe* to

23 DeCEMBER 2023

The world's longest-running publication for children!

salvationist.org.uk/kidsalive

50P/60c

BBC picture

4–5

Kids Alive! – formerly The Young Soldier – Issue No 7391

this week...

Living a healthy and an active lifestyle and caring for your physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

WIN!

Seasonal 'Elf Check'

this week...

God Is With The Shepherds

Kids Alive! is available online – go to salvationist.org.uk/kidsalive

for £4.33 a month

Hey there, readers! I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this issue of Kids Alive!

If you would like to get your own copy delivered to your home every week, why not add a Kids Alive! to your Christmas list and ask your parents or guardians to take out a subscription* for you? Every week, Kids Alive! includes a cartoon Bible story, a competition, puzzles, jokes, comic strips and topical activities and articles for you to enjoy.

Ask your parents or carers to go to sps-shop.com/kids-alive, call 01933 445445 (option 1, option 1) or email subscriptions@satcol.org to set up a subscription. *A subscription costs just £4.33 a month (or a one-off payment of £52). This subscription offer applies in the UK and Republic of Ireland, with 51 copies delivered over 12 months. Please note that different prices apply to Europe and international orders.

EDITOR Justin Reeves DEPUTY EDITOR Cara Mott GRAPHIC DESIGNER Philippa Martin KA! JAM CO-ORDINATOR Ibukun Baku PROOFREADER Chris Horne CONTACT US Phone Office – 020 7367 4910 Territorial Headquarters Switchboard – 0845 634 0101 Email kidsalive@salvationarmy.org.uk Post 1 Champion Park, London SE5 8FJ FOUNDERS William and Catherine Booth GENERAL Lyndon Buckingham TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Julian Watchorn Published weekly by The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory.

salvationist.org.uk/kidsalive

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.

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15/12/2023 10:37

I

t’s almost that wonderful time of year. No, we’re not talking about the visit of the jolly, big, red-clothed fellow carrying a sack full of prezzies – although that is something wonderful to look forward to.

We’re talking about the moment when families all over the United Kingdom gather to watch characters from one of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s well-known books come to life.

This year’s Christmas Day treat is Tabby McTat, which is the story of busker Fred and his musical cat Tabby McTat. Fred and Tabby enjoy a happy life singing on the streets of London entertaining all who gather to hear their songs.

This cat’s tale takes an unfortunate twist when a thief eyes up the busker’s money-filled hat and nicks off with all their cash. Things don’t get any better for the talented pair when Fred chases the thief, falls, breaks his leg and is whisked away in an ambulance.

Separated from his musical mate, Tabby is left on the city streets to look after himself.

Will Fred and Tabby McTat be reunited and return to their happy life? You’ll have to watch Tabby McTat (or read a copy of the book) to find out.

BBC pictures

To watch ‘Tabby McTat’, tune into BBC One at 2.35pm on Christmas Day or watch it later on BBC iPlayer

When Tabby McTat’s left ‘feline’ sad and alone, he doesn’t know which way to turn. The good news is (spoiler alert!) a new friend steps into Tabby’s world and looks after him.

Life doesn’t always go to plan. That’s when friends and family show us some extra care, cheer us up and get us back on track.

Sometimes new people step into our lives at just the right time. I believe that’s God working through his people.

Before Jesus was born, people had got themselves into a sad mess, not knowing which way to turn. At Christmas we celebrate the start of God’s rescue plan – the birth of Jesus. A new friend who stepped into our world to show us the right way to live and give us the opportunity to be forgiven for the things we do wrong. Now that’s what I call good news. Have a very happy Christmas!

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15/12/2023 09:58

Read the comment below about how God doesn’t have favourites

God is With Us says Austen Hardwick

T

he Christmas story is full of surprises. Gabriel tells Mary that she will have a baby, wise men on camels bring strange gifts and an angel choir visits shepherds in their field. Those shepherds happened to be some of the poorest workers around. Imagine having to work outdoors all day looking after sheep – it would be cold, the work would be very physical, you might smell and your hands would get very dirty.

As the first visitors to baby Jesus in the feeding trough, they surprise us.

If I had to sum up the Christmas story in one word it would be ‘with’. The Bible says that Jesus would be known by the name Immanuel meaning ‘God with us’. And the biggest surprise is that he’s not just with the rich wise men but he’s with the poor,

stinking shepherds too. On that night, God chose to be with everyone.

If God didn’t come to be with us, he would just be a big idea, possibly sitting on a cloud with a beard.

But in Jesus we have God’s best self where he ran, jumped, laughed, swam, loved, had friends, was let down by friends and faced death – it’s a life that matches ours.

Do you ever feel like God cannot come near because he’s stuck on that cloud or because you are not as ‘religious’ as others? Perhaps you don’t pray like they do or read your Bible enough. Don’t let that put you off this year. On Christmas Day thank God that he knows how you feel every day – he’s been there too.

Which With Which?

Chips Television Strawberries Cards Toast Mary God Shepherds Wise men Play

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with with with with with with with with with with

Match the words listed on the left with the words they go with in the list on the right

Jam Us Sheep Gifts Envelopes Friends Cream Remote Vinegar Joseph

Answers on Page 2

15/12/2023 10:01

Advent – Getting Ready for Christmas God is With the Shepherds

Check out your Bible – Luke 2:8–20 Kids Alive! follows the Salvation Army Children and Youth’s Explore It! resource – go to salvationist.org.uk/resources/discipleship/explore-it Steve English

KA - p4-5 - 23 December.indd 2

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15/12/2023 10:01

Advent Prayers

‘God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen’ is a Christmas carol that celebrates the comfort and joy that Jesus’ birth brought to the world. Each verse reminds us of God’s promise that he’s always with us. Through Jesus, God poured out his love and set the world right again. As we look forward to Christmas this Advent, let’s use this carol as a prayer and thank God for the comfort and joy he offers.

Dear God,

Thank you for sending your son, Jesus, to the world you created.

Thank you, Jesus, for showing us God’s love and for teaching us how to follow you.

As we celebrate your birth this Christmas, help us to spend time with you.

While we sing, eat and celebrate, may our hearts be full of joy as we treasure the friendship we have with you.

Help us to trust you even when times are tough and to remember your promise that you’re always with us.

May your love and light continue to shine brightly and bring hope and healing to the world.

Amen

KA! JAM is the coolest Bible activity club around. As a member you’ll go on amazing adventures through th e Bible learning about Jesus. Each activity sh eet is filled with lots of great stuff about be ing a Christian. You’ll also receive our mini-m ag, Chatterbox, which is filled with jokes , games and much more. And to top it off, there are loads of awesome prize s 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 vers ion, simply fill in the coup on below.

To join KA! JAM just fill in the application form and send it – along with KA! JAM, 1 Champion two first-class stamps Park, London SE5 8FJ. – to: Applicants must be be tween 7 and 17 years old Name: to join.

Date of birth: Address:

Boy or girl: I, (signature)

6 KA - p6 - 23 December.indd 1

Postcode: Do you attend a church,

and if so, which one?

apply for membership of Kids Alive! Jesus And Me . I understand that joining KA! JAM doesn’t mean I have joined The Salvat ion Army and that it is not free subscription to Kid a s Alive!

PLEASE USE BLOCK CAPITALS.

15/12/2023 10:04

irthday Happy Bir to You!

Pick Out Patch

ure issue birthday printed in a fut d an me na ur yo e se To of birth me, address and date of KA! email your full na y.org.uk. Remember to type arm to kidsalive@salvation ct box. u!’ in the email’s subje Yo to ay thd Bir py ‘Hap

r 2 3 Decembe – age 13 Daniel Cook

25 December Bret Packer – age 7

r 26 Decembe 31 December e6 hineka – ag Nokutenda C Lilly Gadsby – age 12 1 Januar y 2 Januar y – age 12 Julia Dixon 12 e Joseph Stockwell – – ag age 12 Owen Scott y ar 3 Janu 5 January Freya Pyart – age 12 Leah Rae Brooks – age 11

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? ? CHRISTMAS ? ? ?

BIBLE BRAINTEASERS

?

?

?

Christmas is just around the corner, so I’ve decided to go to church tomorrow dressed as a shepherd! See if you can spot this version of me on ANOTHER PAGE IN THIS WEEK’S ISSUE.

Would you consider yourself to be a Bible buff? Do you know how many fish and loaves Jesus used to feed 5,000 people? Which teenager defeated a giant and who was swallowed by a huge fish? From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is full of incredible stories and interesting information. Test your Bible knowledge by having a go at the questions below.

?

?

?

1 What did Mary

place the new-born Jesus into?

A A manger B A cot C A Moses basket

CLUE: Luke 2:7

?

?

?

2 What did the wise men follow to find baby Jesus?

A A map B A star C A compass

CLUE: Matthew 2:9–10 ?

?

wise men gave 3 The Jesus gifts of frankincense, myrrh and _ _ _ _?

A Silver B Ruby C Gold

?

CLUE: Matthew 2:11 ANSWERS ON PAGE 2

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15/12/2023 10:08

o, H o h a, ha h ! e he h

Where do kittens go on school trips?

The mew-seum!

Who delivers ? presents to cats Santa Claws!

The answers to the clues run from the outer segments towards the middle, so they all end with the same letter. We’ve given you the TPKKSL SL[[LY VM LHJO HUZ^LY HUK ^OLU `V\»]L ÄUPZOLK [OL SL[[LYZ PU the outer segments will spell a six-letter word reading clockwise from number one. Clue: Mary’s husband in Nativity plays.

1

6

I

U A

5

2

I G

Why do cats take so long to wrap presents?

Because they want them to be purr-fect!

3

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oc

r ke

ple: 1 Breakfast drink, for exam orange _ _ _ _ _ 2 Mediterranean tree ent with 3 Roast turkey accompanim y_____ Christmas dinner: cranberr 4 Bird of prey _’ 5 ‘Sleep in heavenly _ _ _ _ (‘Silent Night’) ristmas 6 ‘’Twas the night before Ch not and all through the _ _ _ _ _ even a creature was stirring, not a mouse’

8

What’s a cat’s favourite colour?

Purr-ple!

Why did the cat stay home from school?

It wasn’t feline well!

U

4

H o ho, ha ha, he he!

H e he, he he!

What did the cat wearing a bird disguise say?

‘Me-owl!’

What’s a cat’s favourite Christmas film?

The Sound of Mew-sic!

What do you call a cat sitting on the beach at Christmas?

Sandy Claws!

Did you hear about the cat who tried to decorate the Christmas tree?

It was a cat-astrophe!

H e h e, he he!

H o h o, h a h a, h e h e!

ystery item Identify the m ying glass in the magnif

ers w s n A ge 2 a

on P

across:

Crossword Crossword Clues

1 One of the gifts of the three wise men.

3 Waterbird. 7 Musical play. 8 Frozen water.

9 Carol: ‘While Shepherds _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Their Flocks’. 13 Seasonal fuel: Yule _ _ _.

14 Where Santa is said to live: _ _ _ _ _ Pole.

16 Barbie or Ken, for example. 17 Verge.

Clues

down:

by Neil Locker

1 Carol: ‘_ _ _ _ King Wenceslas’.

2 Untruth. 4 Popular old seasonal song: ‘ _ _ _ _ _ Christmas’. 5 French Father Christmas: Père _ _ _ _. 6 ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ gift: nine ladies _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

10 Messenger appearing to the shepherds, for example. 11 Happy or pleased.

12 Item of footwear. 15 Colour of Rudolph’s nose.

TABBY MCTAT WORDSEARCH Find the ‘Tabby McTat’-related words in the grid

TABBY MCTAT FRED SOCK COINS CHECKED HAT PAT SUSAN SOAMES BUSKER PRUNELLA SAMUEL SPRAT GUITAR HAPPY SAD SONGS

s r q a l l e n u r p t a a v b u s k e r y a z m t t g j m u k l b h s u i m a z p q s b t v o e u h o h w x y a c d a l g w a f d m g h n s m s l n q p c e j k i a e p o s v t p w k x f d s r h n a k i y j c r y z a v t g b c z t q e b f t e a f s h o m p d h g b q p y c e g s n i o c

9

COMPETITION

WIN!

have you he big day is almost here! What presents to change late written on your Christmas list? It’s too you’ll have to enter your letter to Father Christmas now, so of these toys. our competition if you like the sound ’re clickable figures!

KLiX X are the ultimate fidget toy – they collect, Spider, There are three different characters to es in two different Scorpion and Cobra, and each one com and KLIKBOT figures, colour combinations. Like the StikBot animated adventure KLiX X can also be used to create fun, easy to position films. Their unique design makes them Studio app, which for stop-frame films. Using the free Zing can star t making includes music and sound effects, you Scorpion and Cobra. your own blockbusters starring Spider, answer the question For your opportunity to win a KLiX X toy, address and answer below and email your full name, age, ember to put ‘KLiXX to kidsalive@salvationarmy.org.uk. Rem entr y needs to reach Competition’ in the subject box. Your ners will be chosen. us by Friday 19 January when the win ils on the coupon You can also enter by filling in the deta tion, Kids Alive! below and posting it to: KLiX X Competi 1 Champion Park, London SE5 8FJ.

T

Which of these is in the KLixX toy range?

Python

Viper

Cobra

Name: Address: ____________ Postcode:

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Age:

_

Remember, the best way to enter is to email your entry to kidsalive@salvationarmy.org.uk

15/12/2023 10:12

CAT COLOURING Check out this cute little cat! They look well wrapped up for the winter weather, but they need some colour too. Then they’d be purr-fect! Add some colour to the design below and if you’d like to share your artwork with other readers, email your colourings to: kidsalive@salvationarmy.org.uk.

Make sure you write ‘Cat Colouring’ in the subject box and give us your full name, age and address.

Alternatively you can post your colourings to: Your Space, Kids Alive! 1 Champion Park, London SE5 8FJ. One last reminder, if you’re sending by post remember to fill in the details below so we know who you are. We send a gift to everyone whose colouring we publish, so don’t miss out!

Name:

Age:

Address: Postcode: Go to salvationist.org.uk/kidsalive to download a printable PDF of this page

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lifestyle and caring ve ti ac an d an y th al he Living a tual well-being. iri sp d an l ta en m , al ic ys for your ph

Seasonal ‘Elf Check’ The big day is nearly here! If you’re reading this on 23 December then there are just two more sleeps until Christmas Day. Have you been good? We’re sure you have, but you can make sure you’re on the nice list by using our seasonal ‘elf check’.

1 2 3

You receive a Christmas card from someone in your class. What do you do?

A Open it straight away and say, ‘Thank you so much.’

B Take it home then leave it lying around.

C Chuck it in the bin without opening it.

Do you believe in Santa?

A Obviously!

B I think so.

C Of course not!

Your local Salvation Army is running a Christmas present appeal for children who won’t get much or anything on Christmas Day. What do you do?

4

A Ask your parents or carers if you can help choose something special for another child.

B Give something – hopefully it will make you feel good.

C Nothing. It’s not your problem they don’t have presents.

The parts for the Nativity play have been given out. Your best friend got the part you wanted. How do you react?

A Congratulate your mate – they’ll be great!

B Feel quietly disappointed, but try not to make your pal feel bad.

C Walk off in a huff and refuse to take part.

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15/12/2023 10:32

5

It’s the Christmas lunch at school and you see the new kid sitting alone. What do you do?

A Invite them to sit with you and your friends.

B Look around hoping someone else will go and sit with them.

C Ignore them.

6 7 8

A ‘Thank you so much. I love them!’

B ‘Um… thanks.’

C ‘What a boring present!’

How do you feel about Christmas jumpers?

A I’d wear one all year round if I could!

B I’ll wear one to see if it helps me feel festive.

C They’re hideous!

What will you leave out on Christmas Eve?

A A drink and treat for Santa. Plus something for the reindeer too!

B Whatever I can find if I remember.

C Nothing. It’s Santa’s job to give you stuff!

9 10

On Christmas morning your grandma gives you socks. What do you say?

The person in front of you at the shop doesn’t have enough money to pay for their turkey. What do you do?

A Offer them your pocket money to pay for the rest.

B Ask your parents or carers to help them.

C Tell them they shouldn’t pick up what they can’t afford!

What’s the best thing about Christmas?

A Celebrating Jesus’ birth.

B Listening to Christmas music.

C All the presents you receive!

Mostly As

Mostly Bs

Mostly Cs

Well done – you’re so full of the joy of Christmas, you could be an elf yourself!

Keep channelling your inner Arthur from Arthur Christmas!

It seems like you want to be full of Christmas spirit, but you’re struggling a bit just like Cindy Lou from How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Keep trying and you’ll get there!

Uh-oh!, Scrooge alert! You’re not going to be on the nice list at this rate. There’s still time to change, even if it’s at the last minute, just like Scrooge did in A Christmas Carol.

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New Junior Soldier

Er yn Age? 5.

Favourite colour? Blue.

Favourite food? Olives.

Favourite sport? Basketball.

Favourite bit of Kids Alive! ?

Colouring.

Favourite Bible story and why?

Baby Jesus, because it’s the main story.

Favourite TV programme?

PAW Patrol.

What do you want to be when you’re older? Scientist.

Pets? None.

Hobbies? Arts and crafts. Playing with slime.

Tell us a joke. What did one duck say to another duck who did something really fast? ‘That was quack!’

What special skill or talent do you have? Being funny.

Tell us something interesting about yourself. I’m crazy.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us? I’m good at drawing.

Here’s a photo of Justice who was enrolled as a new junior soldier at the Salvation Army church she attends.

(A junior soldier is a young member of The Salvation Army).

Also in the photo is the amazing cake made for her by her great auntie.

During her enrolment Justice was told that her middle name, Gabriella, means ‘God is my strength’ and encouraged to always remember that throughout her life.

If you’d like to star in our reader profile section like Eryn we’d love to hear from you! Get a grown-up

to send us an email using the address in the green box on the right.

Then we’ll send you the forms to complete.

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Cool Colourings This beautiful Comfort and Joy Colouring was sent to us by Ania, age 10. What a perfect reminder of why we celebrate Christmas!

Ava, age 6, has done a great job colouring in Father Christmas.

We love the different colours she’s chosen – it makes it unique!

G et I n To 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

What a jolly-looking Father Christmas – look at that red nose! This was coloured

by Faith, age 11. We think she’s captured the big man’s personality perfectly!

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15/12/2023 10:26

WITH A NAME LIKE NAUGHTY NORMAN, I’M WORRIED I MIGHT BE ON SANTA’S NAUGHTY LIST, PATCH.

MAYBE IF YOU STOPPED BEING NAUGHTY, SANTA WOULD TAKE YOU OFF IT.

DO YOU THINK IF I DID SOMETHING NICE THAT WOULD HELP?

IN THAT CASE, I’M GOING TO BE NICE TO MY SISTER AND GIVE HER A NEW DOOR SIGN.

…HE’LL THINK THE PERSON ON HIS NAUGHTY LIST IS SLEEPING IN HER BEDROOM AND NOT MINE!

I THINK IT MIGHT, NORMAN.

now when santa comes…

YOU’RE SO NAUGHTY, NORMAN! THE SALVATION ARMY – A CHRISTIAN CHURCH AND REGISTERED CHARITY

LOCAL INFO LOCAL INFO LOCAL INFO

Published by The Salvation Army. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory, 2023.

Printed by CKN Print, Northampton.

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Please Recycle Me! 15/12/2023 10:15