He is before all things, and in him all things hold together (Colossians 1:17 NIV).

What a year 2021 has been! In these past 12 months, our world has continued to face up to the challenge and reality of the COVID-19 pandemic, dealing with illness and death, as well as recovery strategies and vaccination programs. In contrast, there was the welcome relief of both the Olympic and Paralympic Games which provided positive engagement, something to enjoy and an opportunity to celebrate our countries’ achievements. Of course, we have also witnessed both natural and man-made disasters and tragedies—wildfires in different countries, the assassination of a president, hurricanes and storms—each presenting a significant challenge. In recent months, the Taliban has retaken control of Afghanistan, with people fleeing the country, concerns about the education of women, the potential return to the ways of former regimes and the loss of any semblance of democracy.

In such tumultuous times where, or to who, do we turn? Hebrews 13:8 tells us that we turn to Jesus, who is the same “yesterday and today and forever”; whilst Colossians 1:17 describes Him as the one in whom “all things hold together”; and Revelation 22:13 as “the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.” We need to turn to the One who is wiser than we are, more compassionate than we are, more powerful than we are, who is both transcendent yet with us and who is present in the midst of the tumult and chaos with its resultant personal cost because, as we read in Psalm 23 and in Matthew 11:28, He invites us to rest. If ever there is a time to turn to Jesus, it is at Christmas, when we pause to remember and celebrate His birth, His incarnation and His becoming Immanuel (God with us).

What does all of this mean? It means there is hope! It means we are not on our own! It means we have someone who can restore our souls when we are weary; someone who can give us rest when we are tired; someone who can provide an eternal perspective when the immediate is all-consuming; someone who holds us and our world together when we and it are falling apart. That truly is something worth celebrating this Christmastime. Why would we not want to get to know someone like Jesus?

If your relationship with Jesus has been neglected for a while, Christmas represents an opportune time for it to be reconnected, reignited. And if you don’t know Him already, Christmastime is also an opportunity to meet Jesus for the first time—to invite Him into your heart and life as Savior and friend.

Commissioner Rosalie joins me in wishing you a Happy Christmas and God’s blessings during this holy season. By General Brian Peddle

Asbury University Visit Weekend

Interested in attending Asbury University? The Salvation Army Visit Weekend at Asbury University is the event for you. On January 27-30, 2022, prospective students are invited to experience the Asbury community firsthand. Explore majors, attend classes, worship in chapel, meet professors, students, spend the night in a residence hall and spend time with Salvationists on campus. 

To register online, click here and follow Asbury SASF on Instagram.

Hope Marches On

Millions of Americans are still experiencing the ongoing impacts of the pandemic as they struggle to recover and stay in their homes, so The Salvation Army remains on the frontlines of need to ensure Hope Marches On this holiday season. Every donation helps for those in need, and all gifts stay within the community in which they are given. Visit SalvationArmyUSA.org to donate or learn more about how you can help this year.

Echelon Leaders Symposium 2021

This past October, Echelon members from across the country gathered for a new event! The Echelon Leaders Symposium took place on October 14-16, 2021, at The Salvation Army’s National Headquarters, and was specifically designed for Echelon members. The National Echelon Leadership Council has worked tirelessly to bring the best resources and speakers together to educate, equip and engage attendees at this event. 

The Echelon Leaders Symposium provides unmatched opportunities for members to connect with one another and develop a national network of support. The event welcomed distinguished guests such as National Commander Kenneth Hodder, former NBA and Olympic athlete Michael Redd and executive leadership coach Lakeya Cherry. Among the audience and speaking lineup were representatives from both active and developing Echelon chapters nationwide.

The Symposium featured lessons in leadership, discussions on diversity and inclusion and a focus on Echelon members’ roles in the community and as agents of change. In addition to the main speakers, these topics were supplemented by regular small group discussions and conversation sessions to allow members to process information with peers and new friends. To see more updates from this event, visit online at salvationarmyechelon.org and follow Echelon on social media @SalvationArmyEchelon.

By Alexandria Hurst, Echelon Digital Communications Intern

Art Journaling

The Salvation Army Canton Corps in Canton, Ohio had been invited by the local Stark High School’s Wellness Club twice a month through November to teach a class on art journaling. 

Students were encouraged to use quotes, excerpts, photography and artwork from previous Peer magazine issues for their journals. 

“The purpose of the class is to provide students with a creative outlet in which they can express their thoughts and feelings through mixed media artwork involving writing, painting, sketching, collaging and more,” says Kaitlyn Moyes, the Community Center Director of The Salvation Army Canton Citadel. The Salvation Army has a contuining relationship with the school’s Wellness Program that includes working with the students in a variety of capacities including attending school events and teaching exercise classes. 

Follow @sal_communitycenter on Instagram for more news.

Running For a Reason

The Salvation Army in London cheered on almost 60 runners from their team, “Team Sally Army,” in the London Marathon earlier this year on October 3. Around 40 runners ran through the streets of London whilst almost 20 ran virtually around the country, due to pandemic restrictions.  

Many of the runners were fundraising for the Anti-Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery unit, and the funds raised will go towards their work with survivors of modern slavery. Other runners ran to support the homelessness support services or another Salvation Army project close to their hearts. 

 Follow @salvationarmyuk for more news in the UK.