In the whole narrative of Christmas there is no word of Mary recorded. Luke 2:19 simply says, “…but Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

In Bethlehem the long awaited promise was fulfilled. The newborn child was to be the Saviour. Israel was no longer the great nation whose faith had sustained them in days gone by. They were captives in their own land, not only by the Romans, but by their sinful lives. What Israel needed now was a Saviour.

As we listen to the news or read the paper, we realize how much we are like the Israel of old. Wars, sickness, poverty and injustice – it was a world much like ours, populated with people like us: sinful, lost people who need a Saviour.

In Luke 2:10 we read that the first announcement of Christ’s birth came to shepherds. “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” The message of the Gospel is not something reserved for the powerful or the exclusive, it’s to shepherds!

One of the things I enjoy at Christmas is hearing children’s letters to Santa. One of my favourites said, “Dear Santa, There are three little boys who live at our house. There is Jeffrey, he is 2. There is David, he is 4 and there is Stephen, he is 7. Jeffrey is good some of the time. David is good some of the time, but Stephen is good ALL of the time. I am Stephen!”

Unfortunately, we aren’t all Normans – we’re shepherds! The real message of Christmas is salvation. “Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11) Bethlehem leads right to Calvary. Christmas is the announcement that we were worth enough to God for Him to come. God cared enough for us, the shepherds of this world, to send Jesus.

The shepherds welcomed the Saviour, but many missed the experience of that first Christmas. In the hustle and bustle that often accompanies this season, may we take a few moments to ponder, as Mary did on that first Christmas, the miracle of the Saviour’s birth and allow it to be one of those moments when our breath is taken away as we think about the depth of God’s love in sending Jesus. May we never take this gift for granted!

 Decorating the Christmas tree occurs as a family event. Usually after the Christmas parade, our family puts on some Christmas carols and drinks some egg nog as we decorate together. We all have different ‘jobs’ to assist with this but the one thing we all share is the placing of the tree ornaments. As we place on the homemade and significant memorable ornaments, the ‘story’ behind each ornament is shared with the children. The most memorable of these are the children’s ornaments they received on their ‘first Christmas’. This usually raises the story of ‘their birth’. As we share about their birth story, we reflect on the birth story of our Lord and Saviour. Sometimes the questions the boys ask in reflection leaves us with a sense of ‘wonder’ and ‘mystery’ at the birth of Christ.

The giving of our time in some ministry expression. Throughout the years this has varied from helping with hampers or visiting the nursing homes and prisons to helping serve a community Christmas meal. Each experience is unique and although we are tired at the end, the reminder that this tiredness may have been reflective of Mary and Joseph after their long journey to Bethlehem helps prepare my heart once again. 

Christmas Eve celebration. It has been a blessing to live in a city where we have extended family. On Christmas Eve, after all the work has been done for the day, we gather together late into the night to share together as family. Amongst the food and the gifts, and all the people gathered in a small space, is the reminder that the night of our Lord’s birth. I imagine in my mind that it was in a crowded space amidst the ‘hustle of the world around them.’

There are other ways in which I treasure the season of Advent in my heart but I share these because they may not be the traditional ways in which ‘Advent’ is observed. In my life however, they are tangible ways I look forward to in my modern experience of reflecting on and embracing the birth of Christ .

When we give as God desires us to give, we do it with our whole heart, mind, and spirit.  To give of ourselves is to have faith that God will use the gift. To give of ourselves is to be open to God’s leading – to allow Him to use not only our money, but anything we have for His purposes.

I love verse 12 of 2 Corinthians chapter 8.  It says: “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.” God desires that we give in relation to what we have received.  This was powerfully illustrated one day, as I stood at a Christmas Kettle.  As I stood, along came a young man – hobbling with two canes.  As he slowly approached he asked – can I give my pennies?  “Yes,” I said “Certainly – all donations are very welcome.” He dropped four pennies in the kettle and slowly walked away.   A short time later an old man came by with a long tattered beard –“I am homeless, will you accept this loonie of mine?” he asked.  ”Certainly, God bless you” was all I could say before he was gone.  Then later a young boy came and dumped forty cents in the kettle.  Then he proudly said “That was my money” as he zipped his little wallet up, and off he went.

Real wealth – is not found in what we have, but in what we give.  A man or woman is rich or poor, not by the amount they have in their account but by the depth of love in their hearts. I received a total of $1.44 from those three people.  In the eyes of the world it didn’t mean much.  But as I ponder this I believe that in God’s eyes, it meant more than a large gift given to secure a tax break.   What was so significant about those three donations?  That $1.44?  They were given out of pure hearts, out of weakness and poverty.  They didn’t have much to give, but out of their poverty they gave what they had. Thank you for your willingness to give back to the Lord this year.

As I carefully unwrapped decorations and strategically placed them, I was suddenly surprised by a song which began playing on the Christmas CD. It was called, “Jesus the Son of God” as sung by a beautiful soloist and the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. The words go like this:
He came in sweet surrender to a manger here below
He came in love so tender so all the world would know
The Saviour sent from Heaven born that holy night
Jesus our Emmanuel came to give us light.

Jesus the Son of God born to be our Saviour
Jesus the Son of God born to be our Lord

The sweet voice rose and the tune was captivating as my ears began to drink in the sounds. I recognized the beauty of the lyrics, the melody and voice. I am not sure if I actually stopped what I was doing to listen more intently but soon I found I could not resist the power of the words which followed next.

Bow down and worship Him
Worship Him worship Him
Bow down and worship Him
Worship Jesus our Lord

My activity was arrested. I was compelled by some force within and I found myself needing to sit on the sofa with hands uplifted and in my mind the words reverberated, Bow down and worship Him
Worship Him Worship Him

Lord I bow down and worship you
Worship you Worship you.

In those moments, of unhurried rhythm, I experienced what Christmas is all about. As you are swept up in the current of Christmas activity, I would wish you a serendipitous moment of great value. As the shepherds and Magi gathered to worship Him so may you find in the activity of Christmas, a moment of bowing down to worship Him!

I stood on the upper deck of a mall recently and watched the people on the lower level walk feverishly from one store to another. Some were carrying bags, some were carrying cups of coffee, and others looked as if they were deep in thought – probably looking for that perfect Christmas gift.

I remember a few years ago speaking to someone who was hoping for a perfect Christmas. I asked, “What would that look like for you?”  Is there such a thing as a Perfect Christmas?? Everyone is bombarded with advertisements showing impossibly perfect people, buying the perfect gifts, and preparing the perfect party or being with the perfect family.

I once heard a pastor speak these words, “We take all the joy out of the holidays by trying to make them perfect.”

Everyone has expectations for this season such as the perfect gift to give someone you love, the perfect gift to receive, the perfect meal prepared, the perfect weather, just enough snow to enjoy some outdoor activity at just the right temperature, the perfect family dinner, with everyone enjoying the meal and having good conversation…. The list could go on.

The reality is, we don’t live in a perfect world. We are not perfect people… but we have been given a perfect gift, the gift of God’s son that came allowing us to experience the gift of salvation.

I don’t know what your expectations are this Christmas. Are you expecting everything to be perfect? What would make this season perfect for you?

I read a verse the other morning that sums up my hope for this season and the year to come.

“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 NIV

Take some time today, and look for way that you can make this a memorable Christmas. It may not be perfect as the advertisers will depict, but there will be those opportunities to share the love of Christ and the spirit of Christmas with others who may not understand the perfect joy and the perfect peace that we have in our lives because of the gift that was given to us in the person of Jesus Christ.

Click on the present below to watch a movie, “The Best Christmas Present Ever”.

Cadet David Hickman (Brantford-Wyndfield Community Church, Ontario Great Lakes Division) gave his testimony proclaiming God’s presence in his life from a very young age. Succumbing to temptations of culture, David’s relationship with God lessened. “But, God had a plan…” mission trips to Africa allowed David to become acquainted once again with God’s plan and desire for his life, to be a Salvation Army Officer.  The congregation was blessed through the ministry of Cadet Darryl Burry, with his vocal solo, “Word of God Speak.”

Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, expounded on God’s word.  Biblical passages from Isaiah 41: 8-10, 42: 5-9, 43:18-19 were spoken on, reminding and challenging each listener that God has called each by name, into holy and righteous living and in so doing believers should expect God to do a new thing in the lives of those he has called.

A public welcome and worship for the Proclaimers of the Resurrection commenced Sunday afternoon at Southland Community Church.  Flags of Canada, Bermuda and the College for Officer Training were marched in as the Heritage Park Temple Band played a rousing march.  As excitement mounted, Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle, Colonels Floyd and Tracey Tidd, Majors Eric and Donna Bond proceded into the sanctuary, to greet publicly, the cadets of the Proclaimers of the Resurrection session.  Flag Bearer, Cadet Dusty Sauder with his wife Laurie and children, Elaina & Ayrton (Swift Current Corps, Prairie Division) led their session mates to the platform.  Major Eric Bond, Training Principal extended words of welcome to the hundreds in attendance who had come to witness the welcome of the Proclaimers of the Resurrection cadets.  Prairie Division, Divisional Commander Major Wayne Bungay offered a prayer of Thanksgiving for those who were present and those abroad for the impact that they have had on the cadets who have entered Training College.  A CFOT Worship team continued to lead in worship as the words of “My Redeemer Lives,” “Hosanna”, and “Your Name” were lifted up to the throne of God.

Colonel Floyd Tidd, Chief Secretary, introduced Territorial Leaders, Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle, signifying that it is God’s plan that as Canadian Officers they return to Canada after serving in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, “For Such a Time as This…”  Following the presentation of Cadets of the Proclaimers of the Resurrection session by the Training Principal to the Territorial Commander, Commissioner Brian Peddle dedicated the sessional flag.  Facing the cadets, the Commissioner encouraged the cadets in their calling to Officership indicating that they as a session are unified under the sessional flag.  Reciting Catherine Booth, “The flag is a symbol of victory” cadets were challenged to be faithful to God and the victory that God has had in their lives.  A prayer of dedication of the flag and the Proclaimers of the Resurrection was offered by Commissioner Rosalie Peddle.

The enthusiasm of the afternoon continued as the Holy Spirit used the prepared words of Commissioner Brian as he spoke from Scripture a challenge to all those present. In turning to the cadets the Commissioner commenced, “You are Proclaimers of the Resurrection,” turning to the congregation his words were, “I am a Proclaimer of the Resurrection, you are a Proclaimer of the Resurrection.”    The thematic message to be spoken was “The Resurrection Proclaimed.”  Listeners were reminded and encouraged of what it means to be a “Proclaimer of the Resurrection.” It means being a kneeler, kneeling before the throne of God, thus allowing the placement of the Father in His rightful position to occur in our lives. Being a proclaimer indicates leaders and leadership will emerge, as was the case of those who first encountered the risen Lord.  From and encounter with the risen Lord, individuals will want to lead others into a similar encounter. Being a Proclaimer of the Resurrection also means celebration.  Christ is the answer for the world today and this message of resurrection needs to be celebrated.  Commissioner Peddle reinforced the Scriptural teaching with words from Philippians 3:10, “I want to know the power of the resurrection, through experiencing the power of the resurrection we will be Proclaimers of the resurrection power of the living Jesus.”

Colonel Tracey Tidd in her prelude to the closing song, On We March With The Blood and the Fire, reinforced the Commissioner’s words reminding those in the sanctuary, “The Lord’s command is to go into all the world and preach the gospel unto all,” in so doing we will all be Proclaimers of the Resurrection.  Lt. Col. Sandra Rice, Secretary for Personnel, pronounced the final benediction sending cadets and congregation to be “Proclaimers of the Resurrection”.

The 70+ delegates had the opportunity to participate in a number of activities, worship and team events, all conducted in Spanish. 

To read more about this event, follow this link:  http://salvationist.ca/2011/08/ontario-hosts-camp-for-hispanic-families/

 Auxiliary Captain Fabio Correa is an Associate Corps Officer at Yorkmister Citadel.  He is responsible for Spanish Ministries and Community and Family Services.  Auxiliary Captain Angelica Hernandez is at Toronto Harbour Light Ministries.  She is a Resource Officer with Immigrant and Refugee Services.

The College for Officer Training is happy to announce the names of The Proclaimers of Resurrection Session (2011-2013).  With no further ado they are:

Peter and Ruth Hickman and their children Levi and Vivian

Randy and Anne Holden

David and Laura Hickman

Joshua and Tina Howard and their children Abigail and Julian

Dusty and Laurie Sauder and their children Elaina and Ayrton

Ricaurte and Vilma Velasquez and their children Bryan and Cristian

Justin and Colleen Gleadall and their children Malakai and Payton

Please join us in praying for each of them and their families as they make their final preparations for Training College.

We are under a lot of pressure and this pressure tests our character. One of the most valuable lessons I am learning is how to be in ministry together with my wife. I affectionately call my first year of training the “domestication of Peter Kim.” What this means is that I have learnt what it means to be in “Shared Leadership” with my wife. We have 3 young children and we now work together in our roles and responsibilities to ensure that our ministry together starts at home and extends outward.

We know that our mission is the same as Christ’s mission. We are to share the love of Christ, serve suffering humanity, and to be a transforming influence in our community. This is our mission and our training develops and equips us to do that as Officers in the future.

I have the privilege of being assigned at the Weetamah Corps for my placement as a second year Cadet. This placement allows me to work with those less fortunate and the experience has made me more convinced of my calling to Officership. I recognized the real human and spiritual needs that are there. I see that working with the community is essential to the ministry. At Weetamah I changed my understanding of what a Christian looks like. Those at Weetamah Corps are people who come from all over and whether you have the resources for a better life or not, you are still considered to be one of the family, in Christ.

The core value of acceptance and care are definitely the strongest values that are evident at Weetamah. They are accepting of all who come in and there is no sense of judgment. One person at the Corps when asked about what they think of The Salvation Army said, “I smell and I am poor but The Salvation Army welcomed me in. They accepted me when others did not and I am still here smelly and poor but welcomed. I love what The Salvation Army stands for.” I too share that same sentiment.

The above post was written by Cadet Peter Kim.  Peter and his wife Grace have three beautiful children: Nathaniel, Jonathan and Annabelle. 

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The people at Zemabawk Corps are friendly and have heart to serve God.  We had lots of worship services every day throughout the week.  We had prayer service early in the morning and, except on Friday, we had worship service every night.  On Sundays, we had five services and since we see each other often, there is unity among the people in the Corps and the people knew each other very well.

I did lots of visitation and participated in various activities.  Besides the activities we had at Zemabawk Corps, I also had a chance to attend the Young People’s Congress for two days. The Congress was held at Bethlehem Corps, where more than 3,000 children came together, dancing and praising God.  I was spiritually blessed at this Congress.  I also had a chance to attend the Central North Division Home League Local Officers Seminar, India Eastern Territory, which was also a blessing for me.

It was a great privilege for me to spend my summer back at home where I could serve God in my own language with my own people.  I thank God and our leaders, who made the arrangements for this assignment, and last but not least, I thank all the people at Zemabawk Corps who helped me and moulded me, and gave me suggestions so that I can become a better minister in the future. 

 (For a closer look at a picture,  just click on it.)

Cadet Lalrengpuii Hmar Sungte is in Training at CFOT in Winnipeg rather than in her home Territory as a part of a special arrangement between the India East Territory and the Canada and Bermuda Territory. 

Lalrengpuii is from Aizawl, Mizoram. After Commissioning she will be returning to India for her first appointment as a Salvation Army Officer.