Snapshots of Christmas

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We’re entering that time of year where we embrace snowflakes, reindeer and roasting chestnuts on an open fire, despite living in the wrong hemisphere. Sure it isn’t always hot, sunny weather, but we don’t live with anticipation of a white Christmas.

As I was contemplating the theme for this special Christmas edition of War Cry, I kept thinking about my own Christmas experience. We have a rule in our family, that presents are not opened until the lunch dishes are done. It’s the one time of the year the kids are itching to help with the washing up.

I began wondering about other people’s experiences. Did other people have favourite memories, or traditions? Did Christmas look very different in each of the countries in our territory, despite being relatively close geographically?

‘Snapshots of Christmas’ became my working title, and, while sorting through some boxes a month or so ago, I came across some Christmas editions of The War Cry from the 1960s. What was very exciting about the content was a number of articles about Christmas in various countries around the world. We’ve included some of them in this edition, along with some other content, including the beautiful covers.

It has been our absolute pleasure to create War Cry this year, capturing moments of triumph, tragedy and transformation. There has been so much to celebrate around the territory this year, and we close the year with a real sense of gratitude.

As you head towards Christmas Day, we’d like to remind you that God is the greatest gift-giver. The gift of Jesus is the greatest gift any of us can ever receive. And, like any present, it is up to us to receive it and unwrap it—to fully experience the gift.

Happy Christmas from the Comms team.

Shar Davis
Assistant Territorial Communications Secretary

Bible Verse

2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

2 Koriniti 9:15
Me whakawhetai ki te Atua mō tāna mea hōmai noa, e kore nei e taea te kōrero.