December 21, 2021

The Perfectly Imperfect Nativity

Bible Reading: Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:21; 1 John 5:11 Dad had done everything he could to make this Christmas feel the same. He hung the outdoor lights, no problem. That was his task every year. He’d even whistled while he hung them. Mia smiled when she heard it. Dad hadn’t whistled much since Mom died… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: John 3:16

December 20, 2021

A Powerful Weapon

Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:10-17; Hebrews 4:12 “It wasn’t my fault, Mom!” Devon exclaimed as they drove home from school. His mom had just picked him up from the principal’s office. “I had no choice! Jared called me a loser. I couldn’t let him talk to me that way! He deserved to be pushed down!” His… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Hebrews 4:12

December 19, 2021

Unexpected Gifts

Bible Reading: Psalm 103:8-12 Lucas looked down at his hands in his lap. He was spending another afternoon in the principal’s office. He knew Jane and Steve were going to send him back this time. He just knew it. When his foster mom came to pick him up, they rode home in silence. “Here we… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Ephesians 2:8

December 18, 2021

A Famous Author

Bible Reading: 2 Peter 1:16-21 “Avery!” Freya exclaimed. “Do you remember the book Miss Clemens read to our class a few weeks ago—the one about an orange elephant?” Avery nodded. “Sure, that was a really funny book!” “Well, guess who’s coming to my house for dinner tonight?” said Freya, bouncing up and down on her… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 2 Peter 1:21

December 17, 2021

Two Baby Boys

Bible Reading: Luke 2:1-7, 40, 52; Hebrews 4:14-16 Anna scrunched her nose against the viewing window of the hospital nursery. Her baby brother was just five hours old. He lay snuggled in a blue blanket and was wearing a tiny knit cap on his fuzzy head. He whimpered a little and nuzzled into the blanket…. Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Hebrews 4:15

December 16, 2021

Made to Be Used

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-6 After church, Audra felt a tap on her shoulder. It was Mr. Lopez, the children’s music director, who had been sitting in front of Audra’s family during the service. “Audra,” he said, “I heard you singing during worship, and you have a beautiful voice! Would you be willing to sing… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 4:14

December 15, 2021

Needed Imprint

Bible Reading: Matthew 7:20-23; Romans 8:14-16; Ephesians 1:13-14 Mateo wiped the back of his hand across his damp forehead. “This is awesome, Selena!” he called to his sister. “We got lots of cans today!” The kids lived in a resort town and collected empty cans and bottles that had been discarded by tourists. They turned… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Romans 8:14

December 14, 2021

Giving Back to God

Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 29:10-14 “Come on, Angie,” Lanita said as she studied the Christmas list in her hand. “We’ve still got gifts to buy before we meet Mom by the Christmas tree. We have to be there in an hour. C’mon.” “Coming,” Angie replied as she pulled her attention away from a man demonstrating… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 29:14

December 13, 2021

Making Room

Bible Reading: Luke 2:1-7 Ava listened as her Sunday school teacher told the Christmas story. “Mary had a big tummy because Baby Jesus was almost ready to be born,” said Mrs. Keller. “But even with her big tummy, Mary and Joseph had to take a long trip, all the way to Bethlehem. Back then, there… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Luke 2:7

December 12, 2021

Miriam Babysits Moses

Bible Reading: Exodus 2:1-10 Luna, can you please take your brother for a while?” Mom handed Luna the squalling little boy. “He’s been so cranky today, and I need to get some things done.” “But, Mom, I’m studying!” Luna said as she bounced Cason up and down to quiet him. “You could use a break,”… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Matthew 25:40