December 25, 2021

Not Alone

Bible Reading: Psalm 139:5-7; Matthew 1:23 Through the door, up the stairs, and into a new room again. Ruby had been to so many foster homes, and this one was no different. Why did I have to move on Christmas Day? she thought as she put her bag down on the floor. She’d felt so… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Matthew 1:23

December 24, 2021

The Missing Meat

Bible Reading: Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11 “Hi, Aunt Julie!” exclaimed Victoria when her aunt and uncle arrived for Christmas Eve dinner. “Hi, Uncle Joe.” “Hi, yourself,” said Uncle Joe as Aunt Julie gave Victoria a hug. “All day we’ve been so busy wrapping gifts and baking goodies that we were almost late getting here,” Aunt Julie… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 1 John 4:14

December 23, 2021

Give Glory to God

Bible Reading: Matthew 18:20; Luke 2:1-20 “I don’t want to go.” Susan was sulking because her mom wanted to spend the day at a nearby Native American pueblo. “I promised Miriam we’d be there,” Mom said. “Christmas is special to her, and she wants to share her traditions with us. Now, get ready so we… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Luke 2:14

December 22, 2021

Same Old Story

Bible Reading: Luke 2:1-20 “Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields,” Abby’s Sunday school teacher read from the second chapter of Luke, “keeping watch over their flock…” Mrs. Peters’ voice started to fade away as Abby daydreamed about the new bike she expected to get for Christmas. I can… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:15

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