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As we step into 2026 together, hear from Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas as she shares a powerful New Year message for The Salvation Army. God is doing something fresh among us; a season of pioneering, planting and innovation. Inspired by Isaiah 43, Miriam reminds us that we are not standing still, we are moving forward with courage and faith, embracing new ideas, new expressions of church and new opportunities to serve and love people in Jesus’ name. Join us in 2026 as we lean into all that God is doing.

Boxer-turned-priest Father Jud, played by Josh O'Connor. Wake Up Dead Man is the latest instalment of the popular ‘A Knives Out Mystery’ series. Detective Benoit Blanc teams up with an earnest young priest to investigate a ‘perfectly impossible crime’ at a small-town church with a dark history. Salvos Online journalist ANTHONY CASTLE reviews the film from a faith-based perspective.   A young priest walks into an old church for the first time. The pews are empty, and a mark on the far wall shows where something had once been hung. He steps closer to realise what is missing from the sanctuary. The cross is gone.   The symbolism that opens Rian Johnson’s latest murder mystery film may not be subtle, but its clarity serves a larger purpose.   Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is the latest whodunnit from the writer/director and another case for the mercurial detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig), but it also asks a question facing faith and culture right now: what is the real value at the heart of the Church?   Father Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor) is a former boxer who turned to the priesthood. After punching a deacon in frustration, Father Jud is assigned to the small-town Catholic Parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude. There he finds the congregation dwindling under the fire-and-brimstone preaching of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin).   Monsignor Wicks relies on shock and shame; his sermons are uploaded to YouTube, where they gather a larger following, while those in the pews increasingly walk out. “Are you here to take away my church?” Wicks asks. “I am here to serve,” Father Jud replies.   The two priests begin to work together, but Wicks is inexplicably stabbed to death in an alcove of the sanctuary during the Good Friday service. With no clear explanation as to how he was killed, Blanc arrives on the scene and calls it a “perfectly impossible crime”. Others call it a miracle.   The detective begins quizzing the parishioners about the case in a whirlwind tour of the ensemble cast that has all the wit and twists for which this franchise is known. The plot has all the secrecy and surprises expected of the genre, with a dose of miracle added to the mix. Johnson’s film is built around a series of polarities: reason and faith, grace and shame, an empty tomb and a missing cross (with many Biblical Easter Eggs along the way). Wake Up Dead Man writer-director Rian Johnson.  Writer/director Rian Johnson has reflected on his own experiences while promoting the film. A former ‘youth group kid’ , the filmmaker found his faith changing in adulthood. While no longer identifying as Christian, Johnson’s film wrestles with the questions that defined his faith and his doubt, and offers a surprisingly devout answer.   These are times of polarisation and distraction. Social media is a space where shame and misinformation are weaponised. Those in the Church can fall prey to this, like anyone. Wake Up Dead Man isn’t just a fun murder mystery but also a call to action for any parts of the Church that may have found itself distracted.    While the film’s miracles are debunked and the killer caught, the rationalist detective does come to see the worth in personal sacrifice, following a confession by Father Jud:   … my real and only purpose in life, which is not to fight the wicked and bring them to justice, but to serve them and bring them to Christ ... We are here to serve the world, not beat it. That’s what Christ did.   Rian Johnson’s film asks questions of the faith he once held and finds answers for those who are still faithful. There is a true value to be found at the heart of the Church, not in shame and judgement, but within Jesus, in the picture of the cross and the service it represents.   Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is now streaming on Netflix Detective Benoit Blanc, played by English actor Daniel Craig, of James Bond fame.

Ukrainians have now endured almost four years of the full-scale Russian invasion. As many of us in Australia and around the world enjoy a holiday break after the Christmas season, others, such as those in Ukraine, continue to live with the trauma, fear and devastation of war. Salvation Army personnel in Ukraine and beyond are continuously working to bring help and hope to their communities, regardless of circumstances. Here, The Salvation Army's international magazine, All The World , shares four snapshots of stories from the frontlines.   Natalia Korkhova, Dnipro, Ukraine In March 2022, Natalia Ivanivna, 67, fled from Pology in the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine. She and her family escaped under heavy shelling, travelling dangerous, mined roads, and were robbed by Russian soldiers at checkpoints. After losing everything they settled in a small dormitory room in Dnipro. They are now living here – five people in one room – while Natalia’s son-in-law serves in the army.   “It was the first time in years I felt something light inside,” she shared. “The warmth of people around me helped me open up again.”   Natalia, a former accountant, hesitantly approached The Salvation Army for support. Over time, she became a volunteer and began attending programs. Last Christmas, she participated in a craft class and worship: “It was the first time in years I felt something light inside,” she shared. “The warmth of people around me helped me open up again.” She started praying and seeking connection with God – a meaningful shift in her life journey at such a difficult time.  Halyna (left) has now found peace. Halyna Pohrebniak (Kharkiv, Ukraine) Halyna is a displaced woman from Kupyansk. She lost her home in the chaos of war and barely managed to escape. Alone and exhausted, she arrived in Kharkiv with only a small bag of belongings. Last year, she received a devastating medical diagnosis – a possible brain tumour.   “I don’t want to talk about the war … I cry every time,” she said. “But here, I found peace.”   She came to The Salvation Army seeking help, but found something more – community. “I don’t want to talk about the war … I cry every time,” she said. “But here, I found peace.” During the Christmas Day celebrations at her church in 2024, she became a soldier (full member) of The Salvation Army. “You helped me see God differently,” Halyna shared. “You gave me hope when I had none.”   Nazarenko Family (Vinnytsia, Ukraine) In the summer of 2023, Viktor and Natalia Nazarenko fled their village in Zaporizhzhia after it was occupied. In Vinnytsia, they were referred to The Salvation Army by local services. Viktor quickly became a volunteer. Later, Natalia started attending worship services and programs.   For the first time since fleeing, their children laughed freely, and they felt a sense of safety and belonging. Last year they celebrated Christmas with their new family of The Salvation Army: “In our real home, there are now Russian soldiers. But here, with the Army, we celebrated Christmas like a real family,” Viktor said. The event included songs, food, games and warm conversation. For the first time since fleeing, their children laughed freely, and they felt a sense of safety and belonging.  Yuliia (Kyiv, Mayak Corps) In 2022, Yuliia and her husband evacuated from Sievierodonetsk. Her husband had previously survived captivity in 2016, so the decision to flee was immediate when the full-scale invasion began. With their young son, they began a new life in Kyiv.   Last year they celebrated Christmas at Mayak Salvation Army church and Yuliia was deeply moved. “We never celebrated Christmas – only New Year. But here, I felt something very different. Like I belonged to the family.” She later offered to teach fitness classes at the church for free, saying: “It’s my way of giving back.” Her three-year-old son also attended the celebration and received his first real Christmas gift.   Their mother shared: “For the first time since the war began, I saw my children smile and relax.” The Christmas event allowed the children to be children again – not victims, not refugees, but kids surrounded by care and celebration.   Kostia and Masha (Pisochyn, Ukraine) Kostia and his older sister Masha were forced to flee with their family when the war reached their hometown. “There were bombs. It was so scary,” he said. They settled in the small town of Pisochyn, where they knew no one and had nothing to do.   Soon after, they were invited to The Salvation Army’s local centre. There, they found not only safety and structure, but joy. “We make crafts, we have friends now,” said Kostia. His sister, Masha, especially enjoyed the Christmas celebrations which included a festive event with gifts, songs, games and a warm meal. Their mother shared: “For the first time since the war began, I saw my children smile and relax.” The Christmas event allowed the children to be children again – not victims, not refugees, but kids surrounded by care and celebration.   A child holding a Christingle orange with a lit candle on top, surrounded by festive decorations and warm lights. The tradition of making a ‘Christingle’ orange originated in Germany and is practised in many countries around the world. The orange represents the world in which a candle is inserted to symbolise Jesus the light of the world. The red ribbon represents Jesus’ sacrifice, and the sweets symbolise God’s bounty.  This Advent, when we light our Christingle candles, or Advent candles in other countries, let us not forget those in Ukraine and other regions of the world such as Gaza and Sudan where people continue to live under war conditions. We extend our love this Christmas to Natalia and her family, the Nazarenko family, Yuliia and her family and Kostia and Masha and all those who are suffering in war-torn countries.   Editorial Team IHQ Program Resources The team behind All the World

Nuria Gonsalves (left) is the CaLD Community Engagement Lead for the Mission Support Department. The Eva Burrows Leadership Scholarship for Women is awarded annually to a person who has excelled in advancing The Salvation Army’s mission over the past two years and is seeking support to develop their leadership capabilities. The 2025 scholarship has been awarded to Nuria Gonsalves, the CaLD Community Engagement Lead for The Salvation Army. READ MORE: What is the Eva Burrows Leadership Scholarship? Nuria recently gave Salvos Online an insight into the plans she has for the scholarship and what this will mean for her and for the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) community in which she lives, works and does life with in 2026. Tell us about yourself, and what is your current role? My name is Nuria Gonsalves, and I currently serve as the National Lead for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) Community Engagement with The Salvation Army Australia. I’ve had the privilege of serving with TSA for over 17 years, and my passion lies in empowering diverse communities to feel seen, valued, and connected. In my role, I support and coach officers and corps across the country to engage meaningfully with multicultural communities. I lead national initiatives, develop culturally responsive resources, and build strategic partnerships that foster inclusion, faith, and belonging. Coming from a multicultural background myself, I bring both lived experience and professional insight to the work I do, and I count it a blessing to walk alongside emerging leaders as they grow in confidence and faith. What inspired you to apply for the Eva Burrows Leadership Scholarship? I have always been inspired by the life and leadership of General Eva Burrows. Her courage, humility, and unwavering heart for people deeply resonates with me. She showed us that true leadership is about service, about lifting others up, especially the vulnerable and overlooked. What keeps me going is seeing the transformative power of relationships, when someone feels seen, valued, and empowered to lead in their own community. That’s when change happens. This scholarship will allow me to grow so I can continue championing that kind of change across Australia. I applied for this scholarship because I want to continue that legacy; to invest in my own development so I can more effectively empower others, especially leaders from CaLD backgrounds. My vision is to help build a movement where people of all cultures feel equipped and encouraged to lead with purpose, compassion, and faith. “This scholarship is not just for me; it’s for every emerging leader who never saw themselves in leadership. I want to help them believe they are called, capable, and created for impact.”  - Nuria Gonsalves What course will you be doing and why? I will be studying the Graduate Certificate in International and Community Development. This course will deepen my understanding of community development principles and help me apply them through a culturally responsive and faith-driven lens. It aligns strongly with my current work and will strengthen my capacity to support The Salvation Army’s engagement with diverse communities across Australia. What are you hoping to see as a result of this training? I hope this training will expand my leadership capacity and enable me to mentor and support the next generation of CaLD leaders more effectively. I also aim to use the learnings to refine and enhance our national engagement strategies, ensuring we continue building communities where everyone feels welcome, included and empowered. Ultimately, my desire is to help shape a future where cultural diversity is celebrated, where emerging leaders are equipped and encouraged, and where The Salvation Army continues to reflect the heart of Christ in all communities.

Getting There!  chronicles key moments from the lives of Peter and Margaret Collins. BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE Retired officer Major Peter Collins has recently published Getting There! , a book that documents 45 snapshots from Peter’s life as a soldier, an officer and a follower of Jesus. In the book, the 45 snapshots are ordered according to their location, or “memorable destination” as Peter describes them. The destinations span Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, New South Wales and a couple of spots internationally. The stories Peter tells range from devastating, such as the story of the death of a man that his parents, also Salvation Army officers, were trying to assist through alcoholism, to amusing, such as the stories from Advent carolling at the Arndale Corps in South Australia. Major Peter Collins says proceeds from his book will be donated to the Army’s Historical Society. There are sobering reminders of historical events intermingled with the personal stories, such as the Port Arthur massacre, which happened while Peter and his wife Margaret were in another part of Tasmania, and the aftermath of the Holocaust, which Peter and Margaret were confronted with while on a trip to Israel. In his foreword, Peter describes life’s destinations as beginning in the future, but remembered in the past. “Sometimes a destination brings anxiety, as well as joy,” he writes. “It can be a step into the unknown. As Christian people, we establish faith goals as we go into the world to spread the gospel. And if we have the faith, a glorious destination is promised!” Peter and Margaret plan to publish Getting There! as an eBook, with proceeds going to The Salvation Army Historical Society – South Australian chapter. The purchase price of the book is $20 plus postage. To obtain a copy, contact Peter Collins: peter.collins@salvationarmy.org.au

The Australasian Journal of Salvation Army History and The Salvation Army Historical Society - Brisbane Chapter have put out a call for papers for The Salvation Army History Symposium 2026. The theme for the upcoming symposium will be ‘History: A Narrative of Many Lives’. The theme originates from a paper written in 1868 by Edward A. Pollard, where Pollard wrote in part that “History is profoundly and logically nothing more than a collection of biographies, a narrative of many lives.” Presentations will be 30 minutes in length, and can constitute a verbal reading of a research paper, a poster presentation, multimedia presentation, a paper intended to raise questions, or an historical narrative or biography. Questions and submissions can be directed to Garth Hentzschel at ajsahistory@gmail.com . For more information, see the call for papers here .

Jesus didn’t sugarcoat the future for the disciples when he told them that they would face opposition and danger, and that true discipleship involved self-denial, writes James Burns. BY JAMES BURNS* I wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. But what does prosperity look like for you? It may be buying a holiday home, upgrading your car or for some, simply having money left at the end of the month, when all bills have been paid. A few years ago there was much talk about the so-called ‘Prosperity Gospel’, which asserted that it was God’s will for all Christians to be healthy and wealthy, living lives that are free from suffering and characterised by material success. If a person has enough faith, they will receive the blessing they ask for, it said. Whilst many people literally bought into this belief – and why wouldn’t you? - cynically, the main people who really seemed to benefit were those tele-evangelists who publicised it. Not many of us would claim to have all the wealth, health and happiness we desire in answer to our prayers. Yet, how often do we quote Jeremiah 29:11 : “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” ? And do we really know the context in which the prophet Jeremiah brought those words from God? In his book, The Hitch-Hikers Guide to Heaven , John Blanchard reminds us that Jeremiah told the captive exiles that they “had been deported due to their sin and they should accept their punishment, settle down in Babylon and even pray for the welfare of their pagan overlords ”. It’s tempting to claim this promise from God to get us out of trouble, be it financial or of any other kind. But we need to note that God’s promise was not to an individual, but to all the people, and that it would not be fulfilled until 70 years later, when many of those living would have died. So, definitely not the instant answer to prayer that we often expect. Jesus didn’t sugar-coat the future for the disciples when he told them that they would face opposition and danger, and that true discipleship involved self-denial. And of course, Jesus suffered so much hatred and finally execution, all for our sake. Given this, we should not be surprised when life doesn’t go smoothly for us. For if God did not make life easy for his own son, how can we expect it for ourselves? But without distorting the sense of God’s pledge, we can certainly claim his promise to give us hope and a future, if we are serious about finding him and making him pre-eminent in our lives. For what better future can we have than one that is based on his will for our lives, fully believing that whatever difficulties come our way, we will not go through them alone? God doesn’t promise to take us out of our problems, rather that we will never face them alone. “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life .... I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11: 28-30 The Message . The Good News translation of this passage talks about a yoke – a wooden harness, and I picture an ox struggling to carry or pull a heavy load. I don’t know about you, but that’s a picture I can relate to when life is tough for me. So, Jesus’ offer to give me rest is very appealing. But then he says, “Take my yoke and put it on you”. Now, he had me at the rest bit, but I don’t need an even heavier load, thank you. But then I picture Jesus and I yoked together, so that he is sharing my load and walking alongside me as I go through life. Then his answer makes sense: the yoke he will give me is easy, and the load he will put on me is light. Of course, there is nothing wrong in trying to better ourselves, and we can seek God’s guidance for how we can best do that whilst keeping true to our faith in God and the Christian lifestyle. As long as we don’t make that the focus and priority of our lives such that it takes the place that is rightly God’s. I like the clear way that God’s promise to the exiles is paraphrased in The Message : “When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. When you come looking for me, you'll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed” ( Jeremiah 29:12-14 ). Perhaps God’s idea of prosperity for us is about seeking him, finding him, wanting him above all else and trusting him to guide us to a prosperous future: a life lived according to his values, and not society’s definition of what prosperity looks like. Could it also be that in God’s economy, prosperity means our having faith, hope and love left at the end of each day, no matter what life throws at us? Let’s ask our Heavenly Father to support us to become that well-off. Again, I wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. *James Burns is a Salvationist freelance writer from Dunstable Corps in the UK.

Heathcote Mission Leader James Redwood and community outreach worker Chez Wilson at the opening of the new ‘Hope Shop’ community of hope.  BY LAUREN MARTIN   A new Community of Hope that opened its doors in Sydney this week aims to be a place of belonging and welcome to all.   The ‘Hope Shop’ at Heathcote is part of Shire Salvos and combines a second-hand retail store with a community space where people can enjoy hot drinks, warm meals and fellowship.   At its official opening on 27 May, Shire Salvos Mission Leader Mark Soper said the Hope Shop would be so much more than a second-hand store.   “This is not just a store; we want this to be a place where people can belong and be known. Part of the shop is actually a sitting area where people can come, sit, and have conversations.” The Shire Salvos Hope Shop in Heathcote, southern Sydney, was officially opened on 27 May. The centre has a large kitchen to cook and supply meals to people in need. Fresh food and groceries will also be available. It has an office where a Salvation Army homelessness support worker will see people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. It’s envisaged that other Salvation Army services, such as Moneycare Financial Counselling and Doorways casework, will also be available at the Heathcote Hope Shop. The shop is open from 10am-4pm Monday to Friday.   “We will be making this place a residential address for those who are sleeping rough because if you’re sleeping rough, you cannot get a government benefit unless you have a residential address. That’s actually a real stumbling block for a lot of people.”   The suburb of Heathcote, on Sydney’s southern edges, borders the Royal National Park, where many people experiencing homelessness live.   “We will convert one of the toilets out the back into a shower for people who might need a shower, and we will also have a laundry facility,” said Mark. Upstairs from the Hope Shop is a three-bedroom unit, which will be used as transitional housing.   Barbara’s heart for homeless The inception of the Hope Shop has been God-ordained, with the idea coming from a local woman, Barbara Koppe, who began to connect with the work of Shire Salvos in nearby Helensburgh.  Barbara Koppe, whose passion for, and connections in, her local community inspired The Salvation Army’s ‘Hope Shop’ at Heathcote, southern Sydney. She shared her heart for the people experiencing homelessness who lived in the national park, and she wondered if there was anything that The Salvation Army could do. That then led to a meeting between the Barbara, Shire Salvos representatives and the owner of a local second-hand store, who was looking to retire and thrilled when she heard what The Salvation Army wanted to do in the space.   “There is a real culture in Heathcote of people giving back,” said Mark, referring to the beautiful work that was already being done in the community to assist locals in need through the second-hand shop and also a free-food ministry run by a local couple that The Salvation Army will now partner with and continue.   The centre will be run by Salvation Army community worker James Redwood and part-time outreach worker Chez Wilson (nicknamed The Salvation Army’s ‘pocket rocket’ for her huge faith and heart for others, despite her small stature!). Local volunteers will also staff the centre. “We’re dependent on the community … and we are passionate about working together,” said Mark. “Because I believe that when we work together, great outcomes happen.”   God has brought the right people on board to assist. Craig and Robin Smith are two key volunteers. Robin ‘just happened’ to meet Shire Salvos Mission Leader Mark Soper in a café when Mark was seeking the Lord to provide resources for the Hope Shop. He had specifically prayed to God that the centre would need passionate Christians skilled in vocations like hairdressing, coffee-making, food preparation, and builders to help renovate the centre.   “Things were moving slowly, and although I had a deep faith that God wanted us to be in this space, I was starting to have doubts,” Mark said.   “And then what happened, I was just about to walk out of the café, and I was sharing with a couple that I had met about our vision for the work at Heathcote, and then this woman came up and said, ‘I overheard you talking about Heathcote, do you have five minutes to chat?’”   It turned out that the woman – Robin Smith – was a qualified hairdresser, a barista, and a certified chef and wanted to volunteer. “Robin was a confirmation for me at that time that God had everything under control,” said Mark.  Customers and visitors to the Shire Salvos Hope Shop in Heathcote, southern Sydney, can enjoy a cuppa, meet new people, and gain assistance if needed. It also turned out that Robin’s husband, Craig, is a project manager and handyman – another answer to prayer!   “I think God definitely had a plan for me to meet Mark that day and I totally believe that it was the plan for us to meet and become involved in this, and for Craig too,” said Robin. “As Christians, we’ve got to look after people and to befriend and talk and just be with people … and show our faith in actions as well as words is important.”   Craig has been assisting with the renovations of the Hope Shop, and the couple plans to volunteer every Monday. “I think it’s a good outreach. There are a lot of people in need, and I think it’s important that we help people that are less fortunate than ourselves,” she said.   The Salvation Army honours and remembers Barbara Koppe, whose vision for The Salvation Army to assist people in need in her local area has now been realised. Unfortunately, Barbara passed away before the opening of the Hope Shop. She will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her.   Shire Salvos Mission Leader Mark Soper (left) with community outreach worker Chez Wilson and Heathcote Mission Leader James Redwood at the opening of the new ‘Hope Shop’ community of hope.

Bringing hope and the love of Jesus to people in desperate circumstances is what The Salvation Army does best. Photo: SolStock/E+ via Getty Images BY MAJOR SHELDON BUNGAY* On our first Christmas as Salvation Army officers, my wife Ashley and I lived in north-east Canada, where our front door was only 60 metres away from the frigid North Atlantic Ocean. Despite the bitter, cold winter wind that whipped off the ocean, rattling our windows, the weather was no match for the warmth of our people in a small town in Newfoundland, who treated us so kindly and made sure our first Christmas with them was memorable. It was a busy season, and, like many, we were tired by the time Boxing Day rolled around. I was looking forward to a full day of rest – no uniform required, no hampers to deliver, no services to lead. The only things on my agenda that day were Christmas movies, comfy blankets and leftover turkey. Nothing else needed my attention. Or so I thought. Knock! Knock! KNOCK! I can still see the defeated and dishevelled look of the distraught young woman standing at our back door. Her eyes were puffy and red, swollen from the flood of tears that poured over her hollow cheeks. The reason for her arrival was desperation. Her ex-partner had filled their three daughters’ ears and hearts with promises of Christmas provisions. He was going to fill the stockings, put presents under the tree and give joy. In reality, he gave nothing but heartache. On Christmas Day, they waited patiently for Christmas to show up, but it never came. The three girls were tucked into bed that night without the pleasure of opening a single present.   This young mother, with little resources and few friends, turned her attention to The Salvation Army, hoping for just that – hope. A few phone calls later, a few strings pulled with a local business owner, and with the assistance of a nearby community and family services office, I was back in my uniform and knocking on the door of a family in need. My arms were full of Hannah Montana T-shirts, Bratz Doll outfits and sparkly gift bags, among other things little girls wanted in 2007. I’ll never forget the excited looks on their faces and the look of appreciation on their mother’s face. As wrapping paper and bows started falling around them, each new gift brought shrieks of laughter. Then, in a moment of wonder, the youngest looked up and exclaimed in my direction, “Wait! Are you Santa?” No, but I am thrilled that I get to play him on occasion. Even more importantly, in moments like this, I also get to be the hands and feet of Jesus. It’s hard to believe it has been almost 20 years since that Christmas. Over the years, I’ve done my best to provide for others. I’ve delivered countless presents, sometimes to families living in heartbreaking conditions. I’ve seen neglected children wondering who this stranger was with gifts or a frozen turkey under his arm. I’ve been in a home where grief had gripped a widow’s heart, and she couldn’t bring herself to even decorate the tree. I’ve visited the intensive care unit on Christmas Eve and prayed with a retired officer who wasn’t long for this world. I’ve stood at Christmas kettles for hours, fuelled only by caffeine and chocolates. I’ve slept on the sofa in my uniform, too tired to make it to bed. And yes, I’ve even donned the red velvet suit and white beard to play Santa. There’s a risk in writing these words and sharing them publicly. Some might think I seek applause or praise, or that I boast in my own efforts. Please believe me when I say that is not the intent, nor should it be the perception. I share because I want to point to the One who motivates the efforts and is the reason all our work is possible: Jesus. I have no idea what happened to that young mother or her three girls, who would all be in their 20s by now. But on that Boxing Day of their childhood, I hope they somehow knew that people helped them not because they wanted to be Santa, but because of their love for Jesus and his people. It’s an honour to serve. Whether you’re an officer, a Salvationist or a volunteer simply wanting to help, may we never forget the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’ we do. This article had been shared courtesy of Salvationist Magazine in Canada. *Major Sheldon Bungay is the Divisional Youth Secretary in the Prairies and Northern Territories Division of the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

A typical nativity scene that households around the world have had on display at Christmas for generations.  BY FAYE MICHELSON     What is the power of that so-familiar picture we see at Christmas? It’s a little scene of a man and a woman bending over a newborn, sometimes flanked by farm animals and shepherds, sometimes by kings bearing gifts, all illuminated by a large bright star.    What is the mystery wrapped up in the nativity scenes decorating houses and communities at Christmas? Crafted from wood, glass, or plastic and printed on cards, figures representing Mary and Joseph gazing at a tiny baby have been seen for hundreds of years across many generations.    What is the might of the infant, set centre-stage in all these scenes? Like all babies, there is the promise of a life to be lived. But, unlike the Marys and Josephs frozen in their nativity-scene time-capsules, we already know how the promise of this baby lives out. We know how he grows up, we know how he dies, and we know how the promise he fulfils comes from God.   Historical resistance This is the story that hasn’t changed in 2000 years.   It didn’t change in Cromwell’s England in the 1600s, even though the Protestants officially banned it. The Puritan movement was against festivities because it vehemently opposed anything that was associated with Catholicism – even celebrating the birth of the Saviour they worshipped. They were also against it because there were no birthday parties for Jesus mentioned in the Bible. And it seems they were against it because they were against anything fun; the first Christmas ban coincided with a legislated monthly day of prayer, repentance and fasting in 1644.    The bans kept increasing over the next decade to include the total banning of services and celebrations, and even imposed fines on parties in homes (no wonder there were riots in Kent!).    The government and political movements of the day could impose what bans they liked to change Christmas, but there was one thing they couldn’t change: the baby sent by God and the hope he represented. People wanted to celebrate that; in 1660, the Christmas ban was lifted.    Celebrating hope  What is it about the birth of a baby 2000 years ago that sparks joy? It might seem counterintuitive to celebrate anything in a world where so many suffer so unfairly. And yet, last year, the residents of Ukrainian villages near the border with Belarus embraced Christmas, making the most of a joyful time. These villages, which had been occupied within hours of the full Russian invasion on 24 February 2022, suffered extensive damage to buildings, with power supplies destroyed for years in a country with freezing winters. The Salvation Army regularly visits these villages and others to provide support.   Ivan Berezkin, of The Salvation Army in Eastern Europe, said the Christmas celebrations they organised were met with “great passion and enthusiasm”, especially the gifts. “Of course, Christmas celebration must be accompanied by Christmas presents,” he said. “It was great to see lots of happy faces during our visits.”    What is it about the baby in the nativity scene that opens us up to celebration every year?   The world is ever-changing. History shows us that, and on a minuscule scale, it’s the same for each of us. Our world, our lives, are always changing. Some years are great, some are run-of-the-mill, and some are filled with hardship and tragedy.   Yet, while everything around us is constantly changing, the baby sent by God and the hope he represents is the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow. That’s the power, the mystery and the might of the infant in the nativity scene.

Join our new Chief Secretary, Colonel John Chamness, for a warm and hope-filled Christmas message. John reminds us that hope is a gift, freely given to us through the birth of Jesus. That hope has a source, that it brings us joy and that it is for all people. Hope runs deeper than our fears or circumstances. It anchors us in the unchanging faithfulness of God. John also extends a heartfelt thanks to Salvation Army officers and colleagues for being the hands and feet of hope all year long.

Majors Brendan and Sandra Nottle getting ready for an excitng night at The Salvation Army Carols in the Domain in Sydney on Saturday 20 December. Photos: Alexander Mayes BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE This year’s Carols in the Domain, held in Sydney on 20 December and televised nationwide on the Seven Network, marked the first year with The Salvation Army as the official naming partner. It also marked one of the first major public events in the city following the tragic events at Bondi Beach on 14 December. The proceedings included a Coca-Cola-sponsored drone show featuring 500 drones, The Salvation Army choir and a special message for Australians from Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, Territorial Commander and Chair of the Board, in light of the recent attacks in Bondi. The Salvation Army shield lights up the sky over The Domain in Sydney as part of the Coca-Cola drone show. In her segment, Miriam said the night was a great chance to pause, think deeply, and honour those who had gone through the most difficult times and had their lives “changed forever”.   “The most incredible thing we’ve been talking about is Christmas, and the true message - this baby Jesus who came to bring hope and love and peace, so that everyone might flourish,” Miriam said. “Tonight, what we want to say is you are hope givers, you are hope bringers, let’s be that this Christmastime.” While The Salvation Army has long been involved in the event , the first year as the official naming partner was an amazing one, according to General Manager for Community Fundraising Andrew Hill. “It was a hot day, and the crowd came a little later to avoid the heat,” Andrew said. “It was a challenging week, and we worked closely with the event organisers Active TV to ensure the tone of the event respected the events of the previous weekend while offering a joyful Christmas experience for families. “I really believe the night provided a powerful opportunity to allow the message of Jesus to pierce through the darkness.” Andrew Hill, Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, Diane Hill, Catrina Unicomb, Kim Hill and Jason Reynolds getting ready for the carols. He said at one point, the crowd gasped in amazement when, during the drone show, The Salvation Army shield appeared in the sky. “We couldn’t have hoped for more,” Andrew said. “I think we saw on Saturday night how amazing it is when we all come together behind a Salvation Army that just wants to shine a light into the world. “I think we’re going to see amazing things to come in future years.” Volunteers were the backbone of the success of The Salvation Army Carols in the Domain, according to Community Fundraising Manager Andrew Hill. Andrew said the event would not have happened without the commitment of the Communications team, led by Colonel Rodney Walters, Head of Fundraising Janine Kewming, Community Fundraising and Relationships Manager Greg Donovan, Executive Manager Campaign Communications and Media Benjamin Moyes and his team, Events Manager Lisa O’Sullivan, as well as the Events team, and the hundreds of volunteers and staff across multiple teams and corps including Shire Salvos, The Salvation Army Emergency Services, Parramatta Salvos, the Sydney Youth Band and many more. Andrew said Lisa O’Sullivan was an “absolute dynamo and superstar” who ensured much of what happened on the ground went according to plan. He said many of those involved were at the venue from 8.30am on the Saturday morning until 1.30am the following day. More than $500,000 was raised through the event, which will support The Salvation Army’s work across Australia. The stage comes alive at dusk with The Wiggles on stage to entertain the kids as The Salvation Army Carols in the Domain.   Click through the slideshow below for more photos: