Bible Reading: Acts 10:1-2, 30-33 Christmas was over. Colorful wrapping paper and bright ribbons had been cleared away, and the opened presents were sitting under the tree. Because Dad had been out of work for several months, most of the gifts were very practical—useful things like socks, sweaters, mittens, and boots. “God is good,” Dad… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Philippians 2:5-11 Anthony flicked off the radio. He couldn’t stand to hear one more Christmas song. Ever since his dad walked out on him and his mom on Christmas Eve two years ago, Anthony dreaded the holiday season. He sighed and flopped onto the couch as Mom walked into the room. “Hey, Anthony…. Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Matthew 13:55-56; Hebrews 4:14-16 “Mom!” Mason stormed through the living room, past the manger scene and Christmas tree, and into the kitchen. “Look at this.” He held up four baseball cards. “Abby drew hearts all over my best cards!” “Oh no.” His mother closed the oven door. “I’ll talk to her about it… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: John 14:2-4, 23; Romans 10:9 “Mom! Tell Ella to stop dipping her finger in the icing!” “Karis, you know she’s only five. You can’t expect her to make a gingerbread house without eating any of it.” “But I want it to be perfect!” It was a Christmas tradition for Karis and Ella to… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Matthew 7:24-29; John 6:27-29 Julie sighed in satisfaction as she looked at the Christmas decorations she had hung in her room. She had tried to tie a string from her closet door to her curtain, but the string wasn’t long enough, so she’d stretched her curtain into the middle of her room and… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: John 15:9-15 When Porter came home from school, he had a big smile on his face. “You seem to be in a good mood,” Mom said. “Yeah, I am,” said Porter. “I think I finally have a best friend!” “Oh?” Mom turned to look at him. “Who’s your best friend?” “Seth—the new kid… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, 13-20 “Mom, I’m so stupid!” cried Vivian when she arrived home from school. “Why can’t I be smarter?” “What’s wrong, honey?” asked Mom. With tears in her eyes, Vivian handed Mom her math test. “I got the worst score in the whole class,” she said, her voice trembling. “Oh, Vivian,… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; Ephesians 1:3-8; 2 Peter 1:3-8 Sarah looked longingly at the fluffy stuffed kitty on the shelf. It was just what she wanted for Christmas, right down to the glittery collar around its neck. Slowly, she placed it in the cart. Mom bent down to check the price. “Sarah, this one… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: John 14:6; Ephesians 2:8-9 “You should have seen James in gym class today!” Garrett said as his family began dinner. His younger brother gave him a nasty look, but Garrett didn’t seem to notice. “Our class played touch football against the third graders, and you know what James did? When he got the… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Luke 1:26-33, 46-49 Speaking parts were being assigned for the church Christmas program, and Kaylee eagerly waited for her name to be called. She was sure she was the perfect one to take the part of Mary, the mother of Jesus. No one can memorize lines as well as me, she thought. “Braelyn.”… Continue Reading…