Bible Reading: Romans 8:28-32 Alyssa piled her taco shell with meat, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and her father’s special taco sauce. “This is great, Dad!” she exclaimed between bites. “You should be on one of those master chef shows on TV.” Dad laughed. “I’m glad you like it, Alyssa, but I’m no master chef.” Alyssa looked… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Ephesians 5:15-17 “Hey, Abe, have you played Command Central Two?” Carlos asked as they walked into their classroom at church. “It’s way harder than the first one.” Abe shook his head. “Nah, I haven’t tried it. After Pastor Cal’s lesson last week, I thought maybe I should give up video games.” The kids… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Romans 8:14-17; Ephesians 5:22-32 Mara sat with her little brother Dax in their family’s living room, setting up the board game they had received for Christmas. As they were setting up the game pieces, their older sister Abigail and her husband, Daniel, came in. “Hey, can we play?” Daniel asked, tousling Mara’s hair…. Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: James 1:17-25 As Mason scooped up a large spoonful of cookie dough, his mom chuckled. “Hold on, Mason! We’re making cookies, not frisbees. Here, let me make a model for you.” Mom scooped up some dough and made it into a small round ball. “There! We’ll put the cookies in the oven after… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: John 3:16-21 Ethan dragged his heavy feet as he walked down the stairs on Christmas morning. He missed his dad. This was their first Christmas without him. Dad lived with his new family now, leaving Ethan and Mom to celebrate alone. Mom was waiting for Ethan in the living room. Ethan smiled when… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Matthew 2:1-12 Emmy wriggled off her mother’s lap and toddled toward the brightly wrapped presents under the Christmas tree. “Hold it, little girl!” Mom scooped her up and brought her back to the couch. “Grandpa’s going to read us a story.” Grandpa began to read the familiar story of the birth of Jesus…. Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Philippians 2:1-11 Carly stood on stage with the other shepherds at the church’s Christmas play. She scowled at Miss Lena, her Sunday school teacher in the front row. Carly wanted to be Mary. She wanted to hold baby doll Jesus. Tessa, who had the role of Mary, wasn’t even a good actress. Then… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Psalm 34:8; Proverbs 24:13-14 “Grab your backpack, Millie. It’s time to go to Mimi and Pop’s house,” Mom called. Millie grabbed her backpack and hurried downstairs. She loved spending the night at Mimi and Pop’s house. Tonight they were going to bake Christmas cookies while Mom and Dad went Christmas shopping. Millie loudly… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Luke 21:1-4 Sarah wanted one thing for Christmas—the heart-shaped locket in the neighborhood gift shop. One day, she found her friend Gabby looking at the same locket. Gabby’s eyes were glossy. “My mom used to have one like it,” she said. “Hers was expensive. We sold it when she got sick.” Gabby’s mom… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 31:6-8 “Mom? Where is Dubai?” Sawyer asked when he got home from school. “It’s in the Middle East,” Mom said. “Why do you want to know?” “Tobias’s dad got a job there. They’re moving next month,” Sawyer replied. He and Tobias, best friends since preschool, were almost inseparable. “Oh, I see,” said… Continue Reading…