The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity seeking to share the good news of Jesus and nurture committed followers of him. We also serve people without discrimination, care for creation and seek justice and reconciliation. We offer practical support and services in more than 700 centres throughout the UK. Go to salvationarmy.org.uk/find-a-church to find your nearest centre.
What is the War Cry? The Salvation Army first published a newspaper called the War Cry in London in December 1879, and we have continued to appear every week since then. Our name refers to our battle for people’s hearts and souls as we promote the positive impact of the Christian faith and The Salvation Army’s fight for greater social justice.
WAR CRY Issue No 7608
CHRISTMAS is a time when all manner of traditions are observed. Some of those are specific to individual families – such as whether the presents are opened before or after breakfast, if Christmas dinner is eaten in the middle of the day or the evening and whether Yorkshire puddings go with turkey. There are other traditions, though, that are observed on a national level, none more so than switching on the television and settling down to watch the Queen’s speech. Except, of course, this year at three o’clock viewers will, for the first time, be watching a king’s speech at Christmas. No doubt much attention will be paid to the content and tone of the Sovereign’s festive message. The Queen often spoke of her own Christian faith. In this week’s War Cry, author Ian Bradley reflects on the beliefs that the Queen expressed over the years. He says: ‘She spoke very directly straight to camera about her own Christian faith and was uncompromising about it.’ He adds that, when she did this, she explained that the teachings of Jesus were her ‘great example’. In his interview, Ian reminds us of the Queen’s words in 2014, when she said: ‘For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing.’ In all the excitement and traditions of Christmas, it is easy to forget whose birth we are celebrating. So it is good to be reminded that the baby – born and laid in a manger in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago – can still provide inspiration and an anchor for people of all walks of life today. However we are celebrating Christmas this year, may we experience God’s love in a way that will ad the War C change our lives not just for the next few days, e re ry u’v but for all the days that lie ahead.
Email: warcry@salvationarmy.org.uk The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory 101 Newington Causeway London SE1 6BN Tel: 0845 634 0101 Subscriptions: 01933 445445 (option 1, option 1) or email: subscriptions@satcol.org Founder: William Booth General: Brian Peddle Territorial Commander: Commissioner Anthony Cotterill
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3 Published weekly by The Salvation Army © The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory ISSN 0043-0226 The Salvation Army Trust is a registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399. Printed by CKN Print, Northampton, on sustainably sourced paper
INFO
On call for Christmas The midwives return for a
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seasonal special 4
Star quality A message from the international leader of The Salvation Army
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A royal faith The beliefs of monarchs explored
Your local Salvation Army centre
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Editor: Andrew Stone, Major Deputy Editor: Philip Halcrow Production Editor: Ivan Radford Assistant Editor: Sarah Olowofoyeku Staff Writer: Emily Bright Staff Writer: Claire Brine Editorial Assistant: Linda McTurk Graphic Designer: Rodney Kingston Graphic Designer: Mark Knight
From the editor’s desk
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What is The Salvation Army?
On another note Tenors reveal the miracle of Christmas in new song REGULARS
12 Wisdom in the Words 13 Now, There’s a Thought! 14 Puzzles 15 War Cry Kitchen Front-page picture: BBC/NEAL STREET PRODUCTIONS