Dear Friends,

Just a few weeks ago, Louise and I had the
privilege of being able to visit my home of Seoul, South Korea to attend The Salvation Army’s
Centenary Congress.  During our time there, one of the sights that stood out was how many of the churches had fluorescent crosses on the top of their buildings.  This made for a powerful statement of the Christian presence within the city at night as the crosses would be lit up across the skyline.  It reminded me of the image of the light shining out of the darkness.

Advent and Christmas are the time of year when we celebrate that Jesus Christ came to this earth.  When we see some of the bad things that
happen in this world, it’s easy to ask the question, ’where is God in all of this?’. The truth about Christmas is that God is already here.  God saw the difficulties of this world long before us and responded by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to this earth over 2,000 years ago.

The problem is that we do not always see that.  It’s easy to get caught up just focussing on the troubles of this world.  Yet, what we find in the Bible is that Jesus is the answer to the world’s problems.  If only people would recognize Jesus for who He is!  Then many more might come to realize how much God loves us and decide to accept Jesus as their Saviour?

How can we do something about that?  The easy answer might be to put a fluorescent cross on our building (although planning regulations might not allow us to!)  Instead, the answer that can have a lasting impact, which is what the Korean Christians are doing as well, is to let the light of God shine out of us into the lives of people that we meet.  Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV), "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. 

As we enter the Advent season, I give thanks to God that Jesus is the
answer!  May His light shine out from each one of us into our world so that others too may come to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour!  We wish you a Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year!  

May God bless you.

Paul & Louise Wood
Captains