Galatians 4:4–7 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. Read the context Adoptions papers change everything: Family. Name. Home. Identity. Your...
1 day ago • 1 min read
Isaiah 63:7–8 I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, — according to all the Lord has done for us— yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. He said, “Surely they are my people, children who will be true to me”; and so he became their Savior. Read the context Kids are putting on a performance at school. One kid is scream-singing above the rest. "Yep... that's my kid!" the parent says with a...
2 days ago • 1 min read
Matthew 2:13–15 An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” Read the context The king of the universe was...
3 days ago • 1 min read
Psalm 2:7–8 I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father. Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. Read the context Baby's don't have much authority. Although they command attention, they aren't decision makers — that's for the adults. As you peek into the manger, you see something unique: God who has authority over everything is just a humble baby. The One who commands galaxies now...
4 days ago • 1 min read
John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. Read the context Family knocks on your door on Christmas. They've got suitcases in hand. There's nothing better than welcoming them in. At Christmas, a guest arrives at your doorstep that you don't expect: it's your Savior. But he's not here to make a mess in your home. The guest becomes the host. He's here to make things...
5 days ago • 1 min read
John 1:1–5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Read the context It's still dark outside. The lights on the tree reveal gifts waiting to be opened. Each one carefully picked by someone who cares. Since...
6 days ago • 1 min read
Looking for where to celebrate Christmas Eve? 📅 Dec 24th @7P |📍The Carnegie Center of Columbia-Tusculum 🅿️ Park at Irish Heritage Center (short walk) [Get Directions] Luke 2:8–11 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the...
7 days ago • 1 min read
Looking for where to celebrate Christmas Eve? 📅 Dec 24th @7P |📍The Carnegie Center of Columbia-Tusculum 🅿️ Park at Irish Heritage Center (short walk) [Get Directions] Luke 2:6–7 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Read the context Some moments feel like they belong in a history book... disaster or big changes. The birth...
8 days ago • 1 min read
Micah 5:2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Read the context "He's from WHERE?!" It's shocking to find out a celebrity is from a tiny town. Try your Savior's town for size: Bethlehem was a tiny town — maybe 1000 residents. But God picked the place hundreds of years before Jesus was born. A humble town. A humble king. God greets you at...
9 days ago • 1 min read