WAR CRY
everlasting light The
How Christmas can brighten up people’s lives
What is The Salvation Army?
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.
Editor: Andrew Stone, Major
Deputy Editor: Philip Halcrow
Assistant Editor: Sarah Olowofoyeku
Staff Writer: Emily Bright
Staff Writer: Claire Brine
Editorial Assistant: Linda McTurk
Graphic Designer: Mark Knight
Graphic Designer: Natalie Adkins
Email: warcry@salvationarmy.org.uk
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United Kingdom and Ireland Territory 1 Champion Park London SE5 8FJ
Tel: 0845 634 0101
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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
The Salvation Army
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Christmas is a time for traditions. For many people, the festive period wouldn’t be complete without carol singing, cards, Christmas trees and mince pies. What a lot of us won’t know, though, are the origins of these and other customs.
To help enlighten us, Christian minister J John has written a book called Celebrating Christmas: Traditions, Truths and Tales which explains where so many of our Christmas activities come from.
‘We can be familiar with traditions, but not know why we celebrate them,’ he tells us in this issue of the War Cry. ‘I think it’s intriguing.’
But while the self-confessed lover of Christmas is fascinated by its traditions, J John says that they are not the most significant part of the season. For him, the important part of Christmas is that it celebrates the birth of Jesus, God’s Son, who came into the world so that anyone can have a personal relationship with God.
‘In the midst of my personal celebration of Christmas, I love God,’ he says and explains how that affects him, adding: ‘I love life and I care for people.’
That is a sentiment many other Christians can relate to. They want to help other people. In this issue Brendon Whitaker tells us how The Salvation Army helped him when he was sleeping rough and trapped in drug addiction.
The church and charity supported Brendon and, as a result, he made a fresh start which led to him volunteering at its community café in Bradford.
‘I enjoy it,’ he says. ‘It means a lot when the staff say I’m valued here, and when people come and say thank you.’
The Salvation Army would not exist to help Brendon and thousands of other people every day of the year if Jesus had not been born 2,000 years ago.
Whatever our own Christmas traditions may be, the birth of Jesus and the difference he has made to millions of people’s lives are well worth celebrating.
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A sceptical young boy is taken on a journey
to find answers at Christmas
Film feature: The Polar Express in cinemas from Friday 29 November
by Sarah Olowofoyeku
This Christmas Eve isn’t like other Christmas Eves for one young boy. He’s lying awake, waiting for the ringing bells of Santa’s sleigh – only this year, he doesn’t believe they’re coming, and it’s left him feeling down. In the animated film The Polar Express, which is on re-release in cinemas in the UK and Ireland this weekend to mark its 20th anniversary, the sceptical young boy (voiced by Daryl Sabara) is about to go on a lifechanging adventure.
His parents sent him to bed, but instead of sleeping, he’s researching the North Pole, the place Santa supposedly lives. But, according to his encyclopaedia, the North Pole is ‘barren’ and ‘devoid of life’.
Just then, the boy hears a noise outside. Creeping out of his bedroom and into the snow, he finds a huge locomotive steam train in front of his house. The conductor (Tom Hanks) jumps out and tells him that this train is the Polar Express and it’s going to the North Pole!
The conductor asks if he’s coming, noting that the boy didn’t take a picture with Santa at the mall this year, didn’t write him a letter, and had his little sister leave out the milk and cookies. ‘Sounds to me like this is your crucial year,’ he says.
With no time to waste, the conductor jumps back on the train and, after a final hesitation, the young boy climbs aboard too. Entering a carriage filled with excitable children, it’s not long before he’s thrust into some testing situations. This will be no easy ride.
On his way through the train to help one of the children who has got into trouble, he meets a man who asks him what he thinks of Santa Claus. ‘I want to believe,’ the boy replies.
‘But you don’t want to be bamboozled!’ the mysterious man says. ‘Seeing is believing, am I right?’
And yet sometimes, the train conductor later says, ‘the most real things in the world are things we can’t see’.
It’s a case of fiction imitating reality. Many people feel the same as the mysterious man in the film. They find it hard to believe in something unless they’ve seen it. However, millions the world over do believe in something – or rather someone – they haven’t seen.
That’s the person whose birth is remembered at Christmas – Jesus. Christians celebrate God’s Son who came to bring joy
and pay the price for all people’s mistakes. But that was 2,000 years ago, so they haven’t had a chance to see him in human form.
One Bible writer said to others like them: ‘Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy’ (1 Peter 1:8 New International Version).
The journey of faith isn’t always a
smooth ride. But those people who have chosen to believe in Jesus have found that it’s no gimmick. He’s the real thing. Through him, they experience joy and meaning in this life, and hope for their future – even after they die.
The invitation to believe is open to all. If we choose to trust in Jesus today, this Christmas won’t be like any other Christmas – and our lives will be changed for ever.
We can lighten up our lives
A seasonal message from Commissioner Jenine Main, one of the leaders of The Salvation Army in the UK and Ireland
As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, many of us find ourselves longing for the warmth and brightness of summer. The darkness of winter can bring about a sense of gloom, often exacerbated by seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression linked to reduced sunlight. Yet, amid this seasonal darkness, we find solace in the festive lights and decorations that adorn our homes and streets in December.
This longing for light is not just a modern sentiment; it echoes a divine preference. In the beginning, as described in the Bible’s creation story in Genesis, darkness covered the face of the deep. Then God said, ‘Let there be light’, and there was light. God saw that the light was good, a testament to his desire for illumination and clarity over darkness and chaos. It’s
interesting to note that, while God created the night, he did not declare the darkness as good. Instead, he blessed us with the moon and stars to provide light even in the night.
Darkness, in many forms, continues to pervade our world. It manifests in the ‘dark’ themes of films and TV shows, the sinister connotations of the ‘dark side’, and the hidden dangers of the ‘dark web’. More tangibly, darkness is present in the lives of those trapped in poverty, homelessness, human trafficking, abusive relationships and other situations that fill them with fear and anxiety. These forms of darkness are not just physical but emotional and spiritual, creating a sense of hopelessness and despair.
To dispel this profound darkness, God sent Jesus as the everlasting light. In
Jenine Main
the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah described people walking in darkness as having seen a great light. Jesus came to bring life and light to all people, a light that cannot be extinguished or overcome by darkness. This light is a beacon of hope, guiding us through the darkest times and illuminating our path.
Jesus’ light guides us to freedom
This light is not confined to the festive season. Unlike the twinkling Christmas lights that disappear in January, or the cosy hygge that fades with spring, Jesus’ light is everlasting and transformational. It brings warmth, hope and life into the darkest corners of our world. His light offers us confidence to walk through life without fear, illuminates our path so we can walk safely and securely, and shines hope when we are enveloped in hopelessness.
Jesus’ light guides us to freedom when we feel trapped, enables us to live in truth and honesty, and shines into our grief,
leading us out of despair. It is a light that transforms our lives, bringing clarity and purpose where there was once confusion and aimlessness. This light is not just for Christmas but for every day of our lives, providing a constant source of hope and strength.
As the coming of Jesus is celebrated this Christmas, let us recognise that his light continues to shine in our world. It is a light that dispels the darkness of fear, anxiety and hopelessness, bringing peace and joy to our hearts. This everlasting light is a reminder of God’s love and presence in our lives, guiding us through the challenges and uncertainties we face.
May this everlasting light dispel any darkness in your life, bringing you hope, peace and joy this Christmas and throughout the coming year! Let us embrace this light and allow it to transform our lives, bringing warmth, hope and life into the darkest corners of our world. May the light of Jesus shine brightly in your hearts, illuminating your path and guiding you towards a future filled with hope and promise.
Prayerlink
The War Cry invites readers to send in requests for prayer, including the first names of individuals and details of their circumstances, for publication. Send your Prayerlink requests to warcry@salvationarmy.org.uk or to War Cry, 1 Champion Park, London SE5 8FJ. Mark your correspondence ‘Confidential’.
jThere is no set formula to becoming a Christian, but many people have found saying this prayer to be a helpful first step to a relationship with God
Lord Jesus Christ,
I am truly sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life. Please forgive me. I now turn from everything that I know is wrong.
Thank you that you died on the cross for me so that I could be forgiven and set free.
Thank you that you offer me forgiveness and the gift of your Holy Spirit.
Please come into my life by your Holy Spirit to be with me for ever.
Thank you, Lord Jesus.
Amen
Extract from Why Jesus? by Nicky Gumbel published by Alpha International, 2011. Used by kind permission of Alpha International
Christmas
J JOHN tells why he has written a book about the tales and traditions of the season
Interview by Emily Bright
Christmas is a time rich in traditions. But, while lots of people enjoy the festivities and food with all the trimmings, many don’t know the history and reason behind them.
Author and church minister J John has decided to explore the subject by writing a guide, Celebrating Christmas: Traditions, Truths and Tales. In the book, he tackles topics ranging from Advent to yule logs, and everything in between.
‘Within our Christmas season, there are tales, traditions and truths,’ he tells me over a video call. ‘We can be familiar with traditions, but not know why we celebrate them. I think it’s intriguing. My prayer is that the book helps to unwrap the truth of Christmas.’
J John is a self-confessed lover of Christmas. While some people bemoan the commercialism of the season, which they believe has drowned out the Nativity story, he sees this time of year as an opportunity to celebrate all the good gifts God has provided.
‘We Christians sometimes separate the sacred and the secular,’ he reflects. ‘For me, it’s all sacred. I love the Bible verse where it says: “Whatever you do, whether you eat or drink, do it with thankful hearts.”
‘Sometimes people will say: “Christmas trees are pagan.” For me, they’re not. They’re symbolic. I love the smell of the Christmas tree. I love the lights and the angels I put on it. I’m celebrating life.
‘Within the tales and the traditions, there’s truth. I personally believe that at Christmas, people are far
more receptive and responsive to the truth, values and principles of Christianity than at any other time of
One tradition that many families and schools are receptive to is Nativity plays – complete with the wise men, shepherds, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.
As parents dress up their little ones in tea towels, oversized robes or paper crowns, it can be easy to take the tale of the Nativity plays for granted. But J John believes that the story of Jesus’ birth – as told in the Bible – offers fascinating insights into his
Continues page 8 f
unwrapped
Carols
‘The word “carol” comes from from an old French word “carole”, which referred to a popular circle dance accompanied by singing,’ writes J John. The earliest formal collection of carols was published by Wynkyn de Worde in 1521.
Christingle
A Christingle is an orange pierced by cocktail sticks laden with sweets, topped with a candle and a wraparound red paper ribbon. The orange signifies the world, and the candle represents Christ, the light of the world. The sweets signpost people to God’s goodness, and the red paper, wrapped like a ribbon round the orange, is a reminder of the blood that Christ shed for humanity.
Trees
In the pre-Christian world, people displayed at least part of a coniferous fir tree in their house during winter because it appears alive while other trees lose their leaves and seem dead. According to Christian legend, St Boniface, an eighth-century missionary, discovered pagans sacrificing to an oak tree and so cut it down. He was amazed to find a young fir tree sprouting from its roots. By the 19th century, Christmas trees grew in popularity in France and the UK, thanks to the endorsement of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
later life too.
For example, he explains that each gift that the wise men brought signposted who Jesus would grow up to be.
‘When the wise men came, they gave Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh,’ J John explains. ‘Gold in the Bible is a symbol of kingship. They understood that this baby was more than just a baby. According to the Bible, he was the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords.
‘Frankincense is a symbol of prayer, of communication, so they had understood the King of Kings had come to communicate with people.
‘They also gave myrrh, which in the Bible is a symbol of burial. They understood that the King of Kings had come into the world to die. And the gospels explain to us that Jesus died to purchase forgiveness for us.
‘People need to know that they can be forgiven, that they can experience this new life and can have a hope for the future. It’s a discovery that will change people’s beliefs, behaviour, attitudes and actions, as they experience what Christmas is really all about.’
J John’s faith has encouraged him to develop his own personal Christmastime traditions. He tells me that during the colder months he looks to find ways of offering practical items to people experiencing homelessness.
‘I’m always looking to see if I can help somebody,’ he says. ‘In the midst of my personal celebration of Christmas, I love God, I love life and I care for people.
‘In my winter coat pockets, I will have the following items: a pair of socks, a toothbrush, a little booklet about Jesus and a little cross from Bethlehem. Every time I see a homeless person, I say: “Would you like a clean pair of socks, toothbrush and toothpaste?” And they reply: “Yes please.” I also then give them the booklet and offer to buy them a coffee and a sandwich.
‘But I also say, “Can I give you this small wooden cross? This represents the most precious thing I have.” Not one person has ever refused it. There was one person that took it and held it and started crying. I told them: “God really does love you.” He said: “I know, because God sent you.”’
J John hopes that his book will also help people to come to know more about God.
‘I pray that people will enjoy reading about Christmas traditions,’ he says, ‘and that this will create curiosity and conversation about Jesus and help people to begin to discover three things: forgiveness from the past, new life here today, and a hope for the future.’
l Celebrating Christmas: Tales, Traditions and Truths is published by Philo Trust
Mistletoe
‘Romans saw mistletoe as an emblem of peace, love and understanding but also hung sprigs of it over doorways as protection from evil,’ J John writes. As one of the few plants that visibly thrives during winter, it has also been associated with fertility. The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe was first recorded among servants in the 18th century.
Mince pies
Twelfth-century European knights returning from Crusades in the Holy Land brought back recipes of meat cooked with fruit and sweet spices. In Tudor times, mince pies were made with meat, dried fruit, suet and spices, and it was only during the 19th century that the meat was switched for nuts, apples and raisins.
Cards
The first commercial Christmas cards were invented in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole after he introduced the ‘penny post’ to Britain, with stamped letters enabling the sender, rather than the recipient, to pay the postage cost. ‘With the development of printing technology’, writes J John, ‘high-quality colour cards became cheaper and soon the sending of cards was an essential part of the Christmas season.’
Turn to page 10 f
John Rutter
From page 9
remembers. ‘But I didn’t think anything of it until I went to university and my director of studies suggested that I put on a concert in order to gain some conducting experience. I took his advice quite promptly and organised a concert in the run-up to Christmas, asking my friends if they’d be in the choir and orchestra. One of the songs we performed was “Shepherd’s Pipe Carol”.
‘It just so happened that my friend’s boss, who attended the concert, was a senior executive at the EMI record company. He asked me if I had enough material similar to “Shepherd’s Pipe Carol” that could go on an LP. So I said yes, then got writing quite busily. Once I’d got about 40 minutes of material together, we recorded the LP and EMI released it.’
After hearing John’s record of Christmas compositions, which included
the ‘Nativity Carol’ – another piece John had written at school – a publishing company got in touch.
The words come first – then the music tends to follow
‘Much to my surprise, Oxford University Press wrote me a letter to see if I’d be interested in having my Christmas carols published,’ John says. ‘I mean, you don’t say no, do you? Within 48 hours, I received a contract in the post, in which the publishers offered me an annual retainer of £25, which meant that they would have first refusal on anything I wrote. So that was the start of
my career in music.
‘As time went by, these little carols that I’d written caught on. They were picked up in all sorts of different countries. Thanks to their success, I found that I was able to support myself financially. I had to live on tinned Irish stew for a while, but gradually the invitations came in asking me to write more music. And I’ve been on that path ever since.’
Some of John’s best-loved Christmas music includes ‘Star Carol’ and ‘Magnificat’, a larger choral work in seven movements, which is accompanied by an orchestra and often performed across the world. He has also created new musical arrangements of many traditional carols, such as ‘Silent Night’ and ‘Joy to the World’. I ask him to tell me a little about his creative process.
‘The words come first,’ he says. ‘Then,
John has written many Christmas carols over the years
Christmas composer brings joy to the world
Christmas composer world
John’s music is sung around the world, including at the annual ‘Carols from King’s’ service broadcast from Cambridge
once I’ve sorted that out, the music tends to follow. At the moment I have all sorts of prayer books, Bibles and liturgies stacked up by my bedside, as I have promised to write a new piece for a concert next year at St Paul’s Cathedral. It’s only if I can’t find words that express exactly what I want to say that I’ll write my own.
The Bible continues to inspire me
‘The other thing I do when I’m composing is write out my texts by hand, because it helps me to get inside the words. It makes me slow down. I can ask myself: “What does this text really mean? What’s it saying?” Then I try to convey the words through music. And nothing beats a good tune for carrying a message to the heart of a listener. I find that if you speak words, some people will take notice – but if you sing the words to a good tune, everyone will remember them.’
For years, many people have found
their hearts stirred and their faith encouraged by listening to John’s music. At Christmastime, in particular, his carols provide a gentle prompt for listeners to reflect on the Nativity story and their understanding of it. It’s a story that John finds endlessly inspiring.
‘Whether it’s historically true in all the details I don’t think matters,’ he says. ‘I ask myself: “Is it inspiring? Does it lift me up? Does it point me to something higher?” And the answers are yes, yes and yes. If there was scientific proof that Jesus’ birth didn’t happen exactly as recorded in the Gospels, it wouldn’t bother me all that much – because the power of the story is in what it represents. It represents the world as it could be. And as it should be. It’s a story which says that the most important thing in the world is love. It’s a story rooted in a miracle.’
Having grown up in the Church of England, John is comfortable contemplating the traditions associated with religion and the role that Christianity plays in his life. He believes that faith provides people all over the world with something vital.
‘I will always stand up for faith,
because without it, we’ve just got a material world, which I find pretty depressing,’ he says. ‘I think that whether we admit it or not, we all have a gap in our head for something which goes beyond us. I also think that the rituals, observances and writings of religious faith are among the greatest treasures we have in our civilisation. Although I’m not a regular churchgoer these days, I’d be heartbroken if our churches ever closed down. The Bible continues to inspire me, because its stories are forever new.’
And they continue to inspire his Christmas composing. John tells me that his newest carol, ‘Christmas Child’, will receive its premiere in early December in a concert at the Royal Albert Hall. His hope for all his festive music is that singers and listeners alike experience a feeling of joy.
‘I’d like to think that my carols bring people a little bit of joy, whether it’s gentle or exuberant,’ he says. ‘I also want them to find hope. In a world that sometimes looks a bit hopeless and dark, I think the music of Christmas can bring light and hope. And those are things that our world always needs.’
‘ADDICTED–BUTThe SalvationArmy GAVEmeachance TOGETCLEAN’
Brendon Whitaker was sleeping rough and trapped in a heroin addiction. But the help he received changed everything for him
Feature by Emily Bright
Brendon Whitaker
Singing festive songs while preparing a Christmas meal for 40 people at The Salvation Army’s Oasis café in Bradford, Brendon Whitaker could reflect on how far he’d come. With the help of the church and charity’s hostel in the city, he’d got off the streets, recovered from a heroin addiction and began volunteering. A matter of months later, he became the café’s full-time chef.
The festive season normally presents challenges for Brendon, as it comes with lots of reminders about his brother and dad, who have both died. He also doesn’t see his mum very much. But, he says, The Salvation Army has helped him channel his energy in a positive way.
is enough”. Something told me to go back to The Orchard, to just try it. So I started going to the day centre. I knew the staff who had helped me before and they took me back, to my surprise. It was make or break for me at that time.’
Staff played a pivotal role in Brendon’s recovery. Their empathetic and practical support gave him everything he needed to make a fresh start.
‘When I first came back,’ he recalls, ‘I was just in myself, stuck in a shell. Then my support worker, who has been through addiction himself – he’s nine years clean –encouraged me to get out and do something.
‘Christmas is a hard time,’ he explains. ‘I usually hate it and treat it like any other day. But when I’m doing things for other people, like helping out at the Christmas meal, I enjoy it. It means a lot when the staff say I’m valued here, and when people come and say thank you.’
Brendon first encountered The Salvation Army through The Orchard, one of its 80 hostels – known as Lifehouses –across the UK. He was at his lowest ebb. It was during the first year of the Covid pandemic, he’d lost his house and was in the depths of drug addiction.
It was make or break for me
The Orchard provides round-the-clock support to people experiencing homelessness, offering 42 single bedrooms, kitchens, lounges, laundry facilities, computers, a training room, garden areas and a chapel. Four rooms are dedicated to those recovering from addiction. It runs drop-in sessions with nurses and a dentist, and activities such as cooking, football and walks as well as hosting self-help and Narcotics Anonymous groups.
Brendon gradually pieced his life back together, and he moved in with his girlfriend. But when their relationship fell apart a year later, he was without a place to live once again and relapsed into his drug addiction.
He recalls: ‘I was on the streets for two weeks, in town, sleeping in doorways. I was taking heroin. People always judge those who take heroin and crack, but people who are taking that stuff are generally people who are lost or in pain.’
Brendon decided to return to The Salvation Army for help.
‘Something clicked,’ he explains, ‘and I thought “enough
‘I started helping with maintenance and DIY. Then I started volunteering in the café, and I love it. I love serving people. I like that they have enjoyed and appreciated something I’ve made. I like having a chat and a laugh with people.’
With the help of The Orchard, Brendon got clean again. ‘I did it off my own bat, without the help of methadone, but with the support of the staff. Even coming to church helped me, as it’s accountability for me. I’ve got friends who are still stuck on drugs. I want to shake them and make them see there’s more to life than that.’
During Brendon’s recovery, he felt understood. Crucially, he had someone on hand to help whenever he was tempted to revert to drugs.
‘It helped having a support worker who has been through addiction and understands. If I feel like I’m going to relapse, I go to him and he talks me through it. The routine and being busy in the café has helped as well.’
Brendon is honest about his struggles with addiction, but says that The Salvation Army’s team has never given up on him.
‘I’ve had a few relapses since last year,’ he explains. ‘But rather than telling me to “get lost”, they’ve been understanding and given me another chance. They do actually care and have put faith in me to run the café, which means a lot to someone who has messed up. I have to rate them for that.’
Brendon has an optimistic outlook about what lies ahead for him feeling that his days look much more merry and bright.
‘I feel good about the future,’ he says, ‘and would love to do support work or drug work eventually so I can help people like I’ve been helped.’
PUZZLES
1. Wither (4)
Lie (3)
Slightly open (4)
Wonderful (9)
Fertile soil (4)
Peace emblem (4)
Showy (5)
Puzzling problem (5)
Emit audibly (5)
Fragrance (5)
Restrict (5) 19. Wash (5) 20. Big and strong (5)
Go on foot (4)
Retain (4)
Contemplated (9)
Smooth (4)
Bind (3)
Fleet of ships (4)
Tumble (4)
Dutch cheese (4)
Mortal (5)
Foundation (5)
Corrosive liquid (4)
Fury (4)
Exact copy (9)
8. Satisfied (9)
11. Bubbles (5)
12. Distant (5)
13. Hasten (5)
14. Mate (3)
16. Cereal (3)
21. Decree (5)
22. Commerce (5)
23. Wild dog (4)
24. Weave (4)
25. Eager (4)
26. Supplicate (4)
Sticky gingerbread
INGREDIENTS
METHOD
450g wholemeal plain flour
20g ground ginger
2tsp mixed spice
2tsp bicarbonate of soda
100g soft brown sugar
200g butter or margarine
350g black treacle
100g golden syrup
2tsp caraway seeds
300ml milk
4 eggs, beaten
1 lemon, juice and zest, plus extra to garnish
1 orange, juice and zest, plus extra to garnish
50g root ginger, peeled and thinly sliced, plus extra to
Preheat the oven to 160C/Gas Mark 3.
INGREDIENTS
225g wholemeal flour
140g soft dark sugar
140g unsalted butter, softened
175g mixed dried fruit
450g mincemeat
55g walnuts, chopped
3 eggs
3 tsp baking powder
2 tsp mixed spice
1 orange, grated zest
1 lemon, grated zest
Place the flour, ground ginger, mixed spice, bicarbonate of soda and brown sugar in a large bowl and mix well.
Melt the butter or margarine, treacle and syrup on a low heat, then add the caraway seeds and gradually beat in the milk. Remove from the heat and leave to cool. Add the eggs and mix well.
Pour the liquid mix into the dry mix and use a whisk to beat together.
Pour the mixture into 2 450g loaf tins and bake for about 45 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
Add the lemon and orange juice to a pan with the sugar and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and add the root ginger and zests. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove the cakes from the oven and drizzle over the lemon and orange mixture from the pan. Scatter over the ginger and peel, to serve.
Christmas cake
METHOD
Preheat the oven to 170C/Gas Mark 4. Grease and line a 20cm springform cake tin.
Place all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix until smooth and even. Spoon the mixture into the tin and smooth the surface.
Cut a circle of greaseproof paper and lay over the cake. Make a small hole in the centre of the paper to allow the steam to escape.
Bake for 1½ - 2 hours, until the cake is firm and springy to the touch.
Allow to cool in the tin for 20 minutes, then turn out on to a wire rack to cool.
If desired, cover the cake with marzipan and icing.
Light of the world, you stepped down into darkness
Tim Hughes