This past weekend, Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto was once again filled with anticipation and celebration as Salvationists, mission partners, donors and community members gathered for the annual Christmas With The Salvation Army. Under the artistic direction of the territorial music and arts ministries team, the evening unfolded as a rich musical journey, spanning from reflective worship to festive joy, and rooted firmly in the hope of the Christmas story.

The program opened with Joy! He Shall Reign, bringing together the Canadian Staff Band (CSB) led by Bandmaster Andrew Burditt, the Canadian Staff Songsters (CSS) under the leadership of Cathie Koehnen, NEON led by Simon Gough, and the Festival Chorus. The opening performance filled the theatre with excitement and set the tone for the rest of the evening.

Special guest Benjamin William Hastings brought a deeply personal and worshipful presence to the program. Known globally for writing and co-writing many modern worship songs, Hastings led the audience through moments of both reverence and joy. His opening selection, Rejoice, was energetic, followed by a reflective arrangement of Angels from the Realms of Glory. One of the more delicate moments of the program came as Hastings sat alone at the piano to sing White Christmas, offering a stripped-down and heartfelt rendition of the familiar tune. He surprised listeners by weaving in a subtle reference to his song Gratitude, creating a quiet bridge between nostalgia and worship.

Throughout the evening, the musical breadth of Salvation Army music making was on full display. From spirited brass selections such as Gaudete! and Star of Wonder, to choral offerings including Softly and Angels We Have Heard on High, worship-led moments with NEON in Ribbons and Bows and an upbeat congregational carol, O Come, All Ye Faithful, the concert moved seamlessly between styles while remaining anchored in the message of Christmas.

The emotional and spiritual peak of the evening came later with Hastings’ song, So Will I (100 Billion X). The arrangement allowed space for both intensity and awe, as voices and instruments joined in declaring the wonder of creation and the majesty of God. For many in attendance, this moment stood as the clear highlight of the night.

Before the concert’s final sequence, Lt-Colonel Les Marshall, territorial secretary for mission and emcee for the evening, returned to the stage to express heartfelt thanks to Hastings, who was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He presented him with Toronto Maple Leafs toques for his children, who were in attendance along with the rest of Hastings’ family. The exchange was lighthearted, drawing warm laughter and applause from the audience.

Hastings then led the congregation in a tender rendition of Silent Night. As the final notes faded, the atmosphere shifted dramatically with the majestic opening of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. The audience stood for the entirety of the piece, and many joined to sing as the CSB, CSS, Festival Chorus, and organist Ian Sadler filled the hall with resounding praise.

A well-loved Army tradition, Christmas With The Salvation Army once again offered a night of music that lifted hearts and proclaimed the hope found in Christ’s birth.