The USA Western Territory has an exceptional capacity to know, by the day, how the Christmas kettles are doing. There are yet a few outstanding reports, but I am able to report that we are up 5% over the previous years kettle income. This is great news and a blessing of God. Now that percentage is a territorial average. Some locations did better and some raised less funds than last year. Check with your local office to see how it went with them.

I’m sure, however, that our service increased much more than 5% compared to last year. Times are tough and more people than ever are coming to us for good support. We’re glad to help. Hallelujah!

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV

The Christmas kettle workers of The Salvation Army have again served well this year. There are those who have done so for decades and there are those who entered the fray this year. You are all terrific and we thank God for you.

Thank you for your friendly attitude. Thank you for being on time as much as you could. Thank you for enduring long hours, short breaks and weather conditions that were challenging.

Your willingness to serve facilitated the greatest effort in history that helped more people in America than ever before. It’s a good thing, when you consider the hard times for many this year. God is glorified by your ministry. Hallelujah!

“Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”” Luke 2:28-32 NIV

Today was the Annual Review at the College for Officer Training. Majors Cindy and Tim Foley are serving very well with a team that contributes faithfully to the mission of God through The Salvation Army. Hallelujah!

With the largest group of Cadets in the world-wide Salvation Army, they have much to do and a great faith in God to do it all right. I’m grateful to God for each person on their team. They are honoring God.

“Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:7, 9-10 NIV

Have you decorated your Christmas tree yet? We have. Some of our regular ornaments made it this year, but many of our standard ones didn’t. We have them from when the kids were small and they made their own at school. They’re some of our favorites. We have many from the years Carolyn made annual ornaments as gifts to family and close friends. One year we visited friends who only had ornaments made by Carolyn. They’re all remarkable.

And truly we have ornaments that adorn and define our lives. Some are university degrees on our office walls. Some are photographs that we carry; jewelry we wear; cars we drive; even the phones we carry. What do they all say about us?

I pray that my ornaments declare the glory of God and the integrity of my life to serve Him. I hope they do not distract others from hope in Christ so they might know the Christ in Christmas.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. 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 1:1-2, 14 NIV

The first meeting of the ARC Creative Caucus took place tonight at the Training College. We’re meeting to consider how best to embrace ARC Beneficiaries as Soldiers of The Salvation Army. I believe it’s God’s plan and it’s exciting to consider the possibilities.

We’ve attempted to bring together a cross section of informed people among us who understand the issues and have a heart for the solutions. Hallelujah! Pray for their successful deliberations. This is an area we must win.

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.” 1 Peter 3:18 NIV

I met with a good friend today who is a leader in The Salvation Army. We spoke about the amazing ways the Army is seeing God at work around the world and all He is doing among us.

We checked on each other’s families and each other’s walk with the Lord. Sometimes it’s too easy to pass on these opportunities. Not today.

All in all it is clear that God gave us this time to share in holy fellowship. It was good.

Why not seek out a friend today and simply enjoy the presence of God in your relationship? It’s a witness.

““Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18 NIV