Now, before long-time churchgoers gasp in dismay, the large Xmas on the facing page is not an admission of defeat by The Salvation Army that the world has finally succeeded in squeezing Christ out of Christmas. It’s a declaration that we’re reclaiming this word as it truly is: a proclamation that Christ (signified by the ‘X’ in Christmas) is still front and centre in our Christmas celebrations.
Have a read of Ingrid Barratt’s excellent article and you’ll understand this isn’t a word we should be offended by. ‘Xmas’ has a long, proud heritage within the church, and we have the chance to bring fresh meaning to it, literally taking Xmas to the streets and telling the story of God’s love for the world.
As you’ll see from the interactive game on our front cover (which we hope you’ll enjoy as a family on Christmas Day), our humble suggestion at War Cry is that the ‘X’ in ‘Xmas’ can be seen like the ‘X’ on a treasure map. ‘X’ really does mark the spot—it’s where God’s richest treasure is found.
It’s an awful and tragic truth that Christians are increasingly known more for what we are against than what we are for. Adding fuel to this are well-meaning Christians who complain at every mention of the word ‘Xmas’, as if it’s a personal attack on their faith. It’s not personal—most of the time, it’s simply marketing!
I recognise that some of the traditions I’ve grabbed hold of growing up in The Salvation Army do lend me a Grinch-like quality at Christmas. Because of the Army’s work with alcoholics, I was taught never to say ‘Merry Christmas’ because the word ‘merry’ implied over-indulging in Christmas spirits of another kind. I’m trying to reclaim that Christmas greeting, because it connects with so many people. When I say ‘Merry Christmas!’, I’m wishing people a carefree and cheerful festive season. More than that, I’m wishing people would let the peace of Jesus be their reality.
So, Merry Christmas on behalf of the War Cry team to all our readers. May this be a season where we cannot hold back our merriment at the treasure God has given our world: Jesus Christ!
Christina Tyson
Editor
Luke 2:11–12 New International Version
‘Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’
Ruka 2:11–12
‘Nō nāianei hoki i whānau ai he Kaiwhakaora mō koutou i te pā o Rāwiri, arā a te Karaiti, te Ariki. Ko te tohu tēnei ki a koutou; E kite koutou i te tamaiti ka oti te tākai ki te kākahu, e takoto ana i te takotoranga kai mā ngā kararehe.’