At Christmas we celebrate the birth of a baby—a Saviour who came to us as one of us. Once again, we glorify God with the heavenly host, stand amazed with the shepherds and worship with the Wise Men. Through what has been a difficult year, we continue to trust and believe in Jesus—not because it makes our lives easier, but because he is Immanuel, God with us. The Light has come. May you be filled with God’s light, love and peace this Christmas and throughout the coming year.—Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd, territorial leaders, and Colonel Evie Diaz, chief secretary

Martin Luther King Jr. is quoted as saying: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” It was because of the overwhelming and unconditional love of our Father God that his Son, Jesus Christ, came into the world. In celebration and praise we say, “The Light has come.” Christmas blessings from the Bermuda Division.—Mjrs Rob and Shelley Kerr, Bermuda Div

We enjoy Christmas lights displayed in homes, shop fronts and churches. The Salvation Army puts a lot of effort into Christmas. As divisional leaders, we are grateful for every member, employee and volunteer who goes the extra mile to welcome and serve our neighbours. Jesus’ instructions spur us on: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). We spend ourselves at Christmas to bring glory to God, serving others so they will see the light and love of Jesus. We pray Christmas blessings for us and through us to others.—Lt-Cols Ann and Jamie Braund, B.C. Div

In the daily rising of the sun, our Creator God reminds us of his presence by bringing physical light into our dark world. It is a reminder that Jesus Christ, our Saviour, the Light of the World, has come and brings hope. May the Light of the World continue to be transformational through The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory.—Mjr Margaret McLeod, Alta. & N.T. Div

The Light has come! It is a beautiful time of the year to remember and celebrate the missional heart of God: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Divinity took on humanity so that the image of God in us might be restored. Salvationists across the Ontario Division join with you in a united prayer that we would be reflectors of the Light, forever grateful for the grace we have received and the mission to which we have been called.—Lt-Cols Brenda and Shawn Critch, Ont. Div.

“La dernière année fut remplie de défis que nous avons su surmonter ensemble. J’aimerais profiter de cette période des fêtes pour vous souhaiter un joyeux Noël en famille et entre amis. Que cette nouvelle année qui arrive puisse être remplie d’espoir et que nous puissions voir Christ, la lumière du monde, à l’œuvre au travers du ministère effectué par l’Armée du Salut.”—Mjr Melisa Tardif, Que. Div

“Arise, shine, for your light has come” (Isaiah 60:1 ESV). The true meaning of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of that light—Jesus, the Christ, the Saviour of the world. May the lights of this season remind us of the One who is the source of all light. Jesus is the light of our Christmas, the joy of our hearts and the hope of our world. May his light shine through you this Christmas and throughout the new year.—Mjrs Keith and Shona Pike, Maritime Div

Christmas brings a range of emotions and experiences for everyone: awe, affection, anguish, appreciation, aggravation, amazement—and the list goes on. Amid such tensions, Christmas can be a glorious reminder of how God reached out to us in love by sending Jesus—the Light of the World—and how we can be agents of that love by showing compassion to everyone. The Christ-light in us can shine through the thickest darkness to dispel the gloom in human hearts and bring life and hope. Your Salvation Army family throughout the Prairie Division joins together in wishing you a season filled with Christ’s light and love for a happy and holy Christmas.—Mjrs Les and Tiffany Marshall, Prairie Div

Our Christmas wish for you … Let the light of God guide you, Let the peace of God rule you, Let the Son of God enfold you.—Lt-Cols Eddie and Genevera Vincent, N.L. Div

Illustration: rudall30/iStock via Getty Images Plus

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