TRUTH in a world grappling with ‘fake news’ and ‘alternative facts’ is the theme of this year’s Christmas message from the international leader of The Salvation Army, General André Cox. In a video address, available via Facebook and downloadable from Vimeo, he encourages viewers to reflect on ‘a truth that is more than abstract concept, a truth that is real and alive, embodied in Jesus’.
Conceding that it can be difficult to distinguish truth in the ‘confusion of the 21st century’, the General encourages Salvationists and friends to ‘hold fast to this absolute truth [of] the baby Jesus whom we contemplate at Christmas … [who] grew up and made a bold claim when he declared “I am the way and the truth and the life”’.
The message also includes a challenge at the end of a year of intentional gospel outreach and community service across The Salvation Army – The Whole World Mobilising. ‘How many people have you shared the Truth with?’ asks the General, before continuing: ‘Friends, we’re not done yet. We must be courageous and diligent in proclaiming that which we know to be not just true, but also life-changing!’
Reflecting the international nature of The Salvation Army, the video message is close-captioned in a variety of languages. From Korean to Brazilian Portuguese and Indonesian to Russian, viewers can choose to follow subtitles in their own language.
The General has also recorded a New Year video message, which will be published on 31 December.
IHQ Communications
International Headquarters
