Groundhog Day

Well, did he see his shadow? I’m talking about Punxsutawney Phil, who had thousands of people gathered yesterday morning to observe what he would do. According to folklore, if February 2nd is a cloudy day, spring will come early. If it is sunny on this day, when Phil emerges from his burrow and sees his shadow, he returns to his snug nest, and the winter weather will persist for six more weeks. If you live in Staten Island, New York, you will wait for Staten Island Chuck, and if you reside in Cumberland, Maryland, Maryland Murray will determine the next six weeks of weather.

According to Groundhog Day organizers, the rodents' forecasts are accurate 75-90% of the time. However, a Canadian study for 13 cities in the past 30 to 40 years found that the weather patterns predicted on Groundhog Day were only 37% accurate over that time period. According to StormFax Weather Almanac and records kept since 1887, Punxsutawney Phil’s weather predictions have been correct 39% of the time. Based on the law of averages, you and I can do better than that. In reality, the groundhog has shown no talent for predicting the arrival of spring, especially in recent years.

Did you know that February 2nd is also known as Candlemas Day? Candlemas is a Christian holiday, known as the "Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple". It is believed that Jesus’ mother, Mary, presented her son to God at the temple in Jerusalem after observing the traditional 40-day period of purification of mothers, following his birth. Scriptures record that a righteous and devout man named Simeon had been told by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Messiah. Luke tells us that the Holy Spirit moved Simeon to go to the temple courts, and when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple, Simeon took the baby in his arms and declared:

"God, you can now release your servant; release me in peace as you promised.
With my own eyes I’ve seen your salvation; it’s now out in the open for everyone
to see: A God-revealing light to the non-Jewish nations, and of glory for your
people Israel" (Luke 2:29-32 MSG).

More than 30 years later, Jesus said of himself: "I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12 NIV)

This two-fold promise is for everyone who will trust in Christ and accept the salvation He brings. By trusting Him, we need never walk in darkness because His Spirit lives within us, and He is Light. We also have the privilege of reflecting this Light of the World in all the circumstances of our daily lives.

This reflection will bring hope and encouragement to all who see it.

Did the groundhog see his shadow?  It doesn't matter. If we choose to follow Christ, we will walk in the light of God which leads to the everlasting springtime of eternal life.

Written by Gloria Hohn
Asbury Park Corps

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Where's the Wonder?

If I asked you about the Christmas story, I'm sure you would be able to tell me the entire story. You would remember the angels, the shepherds, the manger...no room in the inn. You have the story memorized, or worse, you have it familiarized.

"Familiarity breeds contempt. How accurate that is." - Mark Twain

Mr. Twain was definitely on to something. Familiarity is so often a great thing. It's safe and breeds comfort. I would suggest to you that it is also extremely dangerous and puts our faith in danger.

Luke 2:8-12 says:

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

We know this story ever so well. So well in fact, that it no longer amazes us. I recently read a sermon that suggested the most wonderful event in human history is losing its wonder. I sometimes think about how excited the shepherds and angels were on that night. For years, the Jewish people had been waiting for the arrival of the Messiah, and now, before their very eyes, these men saw that Savior. The angels even celebrated because of the victorious birth of their Lord. The joy and awe shouldn't stop there. Verse 10 says, "...I bring you good news that will cause great joy for ALL people."

Yes, that includes us, today and tomorrow.

Unfortunately, the story has become a habit for us to participate in and not a joyous occasion we get to celebrate. Have we missed the importance of this event? Have we missed the wonder of it?

In 1903, the Wright brothers sent a telegram back home saying they had sustained flight for the first time and that they'd be home for Christmas. When it arrived at the local paper, they were thrilled to see that the boys would be home for Christmas but overlooked the amazing fact that now men could fly.

Many of us get to this time of year, year after year, and get swept up in the gifts, the tree and even the family gatherings. We miss the amazing fact that we are remembering the birth of the Savior of the world! I pray that this Christmas, the joy of the birth of Christ breaks the levies and floods your life! I pray that it truly is the most wonderful time of the year!

Written by Lt. Darell Houseton
Newark Ironbound Corps

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National Salvation Army Week: May 12-18, 2014

In 1865, William Booth founded The Salvation Army in London, addressing both the physical and spiritual needs of desperate individuals roaming the streets. Fifteen years later in 1880, The Salvation Army began its work in New Jersey. Since then, The Salvation Army New Jersey Division has provided humanitarian relief and spiritual guidance to millions of people across our great state.

The Salvation Army New Jersey Division demonstrates hope and healing in many ways. Those addicted to drugs or alcohol find a network of rehabilitation programs; children born into poverty discover camps and educational opportunities; and those who are lonely and forgotten receive friendly visits and gifts through the year. Our services result in shelter for the homeless, food for the hungry and relief for disaster survivors. The Salvation Army’s commitment to serve is demonstrated daily at our 28 Corps Community Centers, 101 Service Extension Units and through our unwavering support to Hurricane Sandy survivors over 18 months after the storm.

National Salvation Army Week is a time to thank our generous donors and volunteers who allow us to accomplish all that we do. Without your support, we would not be able to provide stellar programs and services statewide. We also thank the Township of Union, City of Newark, City of Camden and City of New Brunswick for issuing proclamations recognizing National Salvation Army Week.

All are welcome to join our National Salvation Army Week luncheon on Monday, May 12th at Ria Mar, 25 Whitehead Avenue in South River. The event will begin at 12:00PM and honor our retired senior volunteers. For tickets, please call New Brunswick Corps at 732-545-1477.

On Tuesday, May 13th, we will honor the women of our Hurricane Sandy Recovery Group in Hazlet. From 9:30AM to 2:30PM, the ladies will get their hair and nails done, and participate in a craft project at our 1444 Hazlet Pavilion office. Lunch will be provided as well as gift bags and photos to memorialize the day. From 3:00PM to 5:00PM, the group will enjoy desserts, coffee and tea at Drew’s Bayshore Bistro.

During this week, I encourage everyone to celebrate The Salvation Army’s 134 years in New Jersey, and join our mission to serve those in need.

Donald E. Berry, Major
Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army New Jersey Division

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The Only Way

In 1890, General William Booth released his best-selling book In Darkest England and the Way Out. This book set forth his, and subsequently, The Salvation Army's mission for turning the tide in the war against poverty and a secular society's grip on the people of England. One hundred and twenty-three years later, what is our mission? What is the solution to In Darkest New Jersey, or In Darkest America and the Way Out? The only answer is the same ultimate answer General Booth knew all those years ago: Jesus.


In John 12:46 Jesus says, "I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark (NLT)."

It's so clear, yet as a people, we move further away from this very plainly-stated fact. As we move away from a Christ-centered state, country and world, we move further into darkness. Should it really be surprising to us that as we take away the 10 Commandments from our state houses, prayer from our schools, and Bibles from government-run facilities that our financial and social systems are failing? The more we remove God, the further into darkness we descend.

But hope is not lost! Yet there is only one solution to our struggles as a society. That answer came and died for all who would reach out and be washed in the blood of the Lamb. We know this by the words of John 3:17, "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved (KJV)." 

As people cry out for someone to save us, we need to be bold and cry back that our Savior has come! We need to cling to Christ, not a political ideology. No political party or agenda has the answer to moving into the light, certainly not through taxes or public policy. No political figure or personality has all the answers or solutions. There is only one way for us to be in the light. Jesus is the only way.

Written by Bramwell Applin
Community Relations Manager

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