HOPE and transformation found in a personal relationship with Jesus are the hallmarks of General Brian Peddle’s first Christmas message as world leader of The Salvation Army. In his video address – available on his Facebook page (www.facebook.com/GeneralBPeddle), YouTube and downloadable from Vimeo – he speaks of Jesus, who he describes as ‘all about justice, righteousness and salvation’, being ‘right here with us’ as someone who gives ‘words of wisdom and guides us into truth’.
Drawing upon words recorded in Isaiah 9, the General explains the message of hope in the Bible – the ‘hope of light and life which are only found in the promised Saviour’. Contrasting ‘dead ritualistic religion’ with a ‘vibrant, life-giving relationship’, the General proclaims that, for God, ‘nothing is impossible – he forgives sins, heals diseases and raises the dead.’
The General challenges Salvationists and friends to ‘trust God, rely on his power, live in relationship with him and partner with him to bring life, light and hope to our world.’
The video message – which is intended for sharing with friends and family members – has been made available to as many Salvationists and friends as possible through the addition of subtitles. More than 15 languages are available, including Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean and Chinese, thanks to the support of colleagues around the world.
The General has also recorded a New Year video message, which will be published on Monday 31 December.
