Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

"Let's stop at the bookstore," said Mother as she and Diana walked through the mall. "I want to find a new cookbook."

"Okay," agreed Diana. She loved reading, and when they reached the bookstore, she decided to find a book for herself. Soon she was back at her mother's side."Can I get this book, Mom?" she asked. "I have enough money for it. "Diana held up a fiction paperback for her mother to see.

Mother took the book and read the back cover. Then she opened it and leafed through the pages. "Honey," she said, "I've heard that the story line in this series of books deals with things that aren't honoring to God, and as I flipped the pages, I saw several vulgar words. I'm sorry, but no -- you can't buy this book."

"Please, Mom," begged Diana, but her mother shook her head. "Oh, all right," Diana grumbled angrily. She scowled and took the book back.

Diana didn't say a word when they left the bookstore, and she was still pouting when they sat down at a table in the mall's food court. Mother looked at her thoughtfully as she placed her packages on the table. "Watch our stuff, Diana," she said, "while I go over to the trash can and get some food."

Diana looked up in surprise. "What are you talking about?"

"Some people just left, and I saw them dump leftover pizza in that trash can," said Mother. "I'm sure there's other food in there, too. I thought I'd get some for you." Mother smiled as she spoke.

"Thanks -- but no thanks!" exclaimed Diana, a bit of a smile coming to her face, too. "You've got to be kidding, but what's your point?"

"You don't want to feed garbage to your body, do you?" asked Mother.Diana shook her head. "So why do you want to feed garbage to your mind by reading things that are filled with bad language and may also express evil ideas?" asked Mother. "We're responsible before God for the things we put into our minds. That's why I didn't let you get that book. I want you to give your mind good things to 'chew on.'"

HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do your parents set rules regarding what you may read and listen to? Do you wish you could choose for yourself? Healthy minds need healthy food. Don't put garbage into your mind. Read books that are good for you, and listen to wholesome programs.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 101:3)
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Mom!" called Sandra, jumping up and down as she looked out the window. "It's snowing! Cool!" Sandra ran to the living room to look out the big picture window. "Look at it coming down, Dad! Maybe we won't have school tomorrow!" Sandra hurried to the family room. "It's snowing, Anne," she told her sister.

"So?" murmured Anne, staring at the television screen.

"I just love snow! Snow, snow, snow," chanted Sandra. "It's great!"

"So?" repeated Anne, not at all moved. "Who cares?"

"I do!I'm happy," said Sandra. She skipped back to the kitchen."I love snow," she said, "but Anne doesn't like it."

"I didn't say I didn't like it," said Anne, following her sister into the room. "I just don't care if it snows or not."

After dinner, Dad picked up the Bible and read a passage of Scripture for family devotions. "How can we use these verses in our lives -- at work or at school?" he asked. Anne made a few suggestions, and Dad nodded. He turned to Sandra. "What about you, honey? Any ideas?" asked Dad. But Sandra's mind had wandered, and she didn't even hear the question. Dad frowned. "Sandra, I don't think you're paying attention," he said. "Don't you like our family devotions time? How do you think we could make it more interesting for you?"

"What?" Sandra looked up, startled. "Oh, I don't know. It's okay, I guess," she said with a shrug. "I don't mind it."

Dad looked concerned. "Earlier this afternoon, you were frustrated with Anne's who cares attitude about the snow," he observed. "I think we need to be careful not to develop that same lukewarm attitude when it comes to our Christian lives."

Mom nodded. "On the other hand, I enjoyed seeing you dance around the house, Sandra -- excited about the snow," she said. "Wouldn't it be great if we all had that kind of enthusiasm for learning about our Lord and living for Him?"

HOW ABOUT YOU?
What does your Christian faith mean to you? Are you busy working for God? Are you excited about Him? You should be. God had some harsh things to say about the lukewarm attitude in the church of Laodicea.Don't let that be your attitude.You have a lot to be excited about.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Revelation 3:16)
Because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Why does Pastor Cummings have to preach such long sermons?" grumbled Chris on the way home from church. "I sure get tired of sitting there so long every Sunday."

"I, on the other hand, wished Pastor Cummings hadn't quit so soon," commented Dad. "He helped me understand some Scriptures that had been hard for me to grasp before."

Chris shrugged. "Our Sunday school class was really boring, too," he complained.

"Mine wasn't," said his sister, Melissa. "Mr. Kline told us some interesting stuff this morning. He's funny, too -- he always makes us laugh.I really like to go to Sunday school."

When they arrived home, Chris filled his cat's dish with food. "Come here, Mac. Time to eat," he called. The cat walked to the dish, sniffed the food, and walked away with his tail held high. "Hey, Mac, you just don't know what's good," declared Chris.

Just then Melissa called, "Come here to the window and see the baby birds in their nest!" She laughed out loud. "The mother bird brought food for them. Just look at those wide open mouths!"

Chris went to look. "Well, they're smarter than Mac is," he decided. "Mac wouldn't even taste the good food I offered him."

"I guess he's not hungry," said Melissa.

"He'd like it if he'd just try it," insisted Chris, "but he won't."

"That's why you were bored at church while the rest of us got a lot of good from the service," murmured Mother.

"I was bored because Mac won't eat?" asked Chris. "What do you mean?"

"Well, like the baby birds, we were hungry. We opened our hearts, and we listened to see what spiritual food God was offering through our pastor and Sunday school teachers," Mother told him. "But you're like Mac, who wouldn't even try the food. You expected to be bored and didn't even attempt to receive a blessing by listening and thinking about the lessons. How about going to church with an appetite for spiritual food?"

HOW ABOUT YOU?
When you go to Sunday school and church, are you eager to see what you can learn about God? The Bible offers milk for your spiritual growth and meat to help you become a strong Christian.   It is sweeter than honey.   Take a good appetite to church, for God always satisfies a hungry soul.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 107:9)
For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

[Soldier4Christ]

A loud wail came from the family room. "Oh, just look at my poster," moaned Debbie tearfully. "I worked on it for two weeks, and now it's ruined! I was using a calligraphy pen to sign my name, and I accidentally knocked over the ink bottle."

Mother shook her head as she saw the smear of black ink on the poster."Oh, honey! I'm so sorry," she said. "It was beautiful and . . ."

"Doesn't look very beautiful anymore," interrupted Debbie's brother as he eyed the poster. Then he grinned. "I know . . . have it cleaned," he joked. "I've read that they do that to famous paintings."

"You're not funny, Jack," said Debbie, but she knew he was trying to cheer her up, and she smiled faintly. "This picture isn't famous; it's hopeless. I won't have a poster to enter in the contest."

"Well, someday you'll have a famous painting," said Jack. "I just know you will!"

That evening, Jack talked about a new student in his class. "He's going to be a pain," declared Jack. "He thinks he knows everything.He's brand new in school, but he acts like he owns the place."

"Well, maybe he's really scared and nervous," suggested Mother. "It may be that he's just putting on an act -- trying to be brave. Don't judge too quickly. Underneath all that action, he may be a pretty nice guy."

"Yeah -- maybe he's like my poster," added Debbie. "It's a mess on the outside, but if you could get all that black ink off and see the painting underneath, you'd see a pretty picture. Maybe he's like that -- really nice underneath."

Jack looked doubtful. "But your poster was hopeless, remember?"

"Ah!" exclaimed Mother. "But people are more like the 'famous paintings' you talked about! God can see their potential beauty, and they can be changed -- made clean -- so that the beauty of Jesus can shine through their lives. But first, Jack, you need to accept others and let Jesus shine through you."

HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know someone who is ugly -- not ugly physically, but ugly in the way he or she acts? Someone who doesn't seem to be very nice? As you accept that person and get to know him, you can show him that Jesus is willing to accept him, too. Jesus can change a mean, unhappy, grumbling attitude into something beautiful.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

[Soldier4Christ]

Molly stomped into the kitchen and slammed her books on the table. She barely glanced at her mother, who had just finished sorting and folding a basket of laundry. Molly helped herself to an apple and took an angry chomp. "Hi, Molly," said Mother.

"Hi." Molly almost snarled the word.

"How was school?" asked Mother as she picked up a shirt to iron.

"Awful!" growled Molly. "Mr. Loukens makes me so mad! He's always on my case!"

"Your basketball coach?" asked Mother. "I thought you liked him."

"I did at first," replied Molly, "but now he's always hollering at me. 'No, Molly, hold the ball like this. Come on!Run! Work on those shots!' Honestly, Mom, sometimes I think he hates me. "Molly sighed and idly picked up a shirt from the table. She stared at it. "Oh, Mom," she wailed. "My shirt looks terrible. What happened to it?"

Mother laughed."It always looks like that after it's washed," she said. "It just needs to be ironed." Mother took the shirt and ironed it while Molly finished her apple. "There. See how pretty it looks now," said Mother. "I needed to put a little heat and pressure on it -- just like Coach Loukens has to put a little heat and pressure on you to help you become a better basketball player. You may not like it, but think about how much better you'll be able to play if you follow his advice."

"You're right about my not liking it," agreed Molly. She sighed. "I suppose you have a point," she admitted. "When Coach puts on the heat, I know he's trying to make me a better player."

Mom smiled. "We all tend to forget that the valuable things in life take patience and discipline and hard work," she said. "Next time Coach Loukens hollers at you, ask God to help you see it as a chance to grow and improve. Whenever you're criticized by anyone, ask God if He's using that person to help you improve some aspect of your life."

HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes feel that life is treating you harshly? Do you feel hurt or angry when someone points out an error or suggests a way to improve? Don't resent criticism and correction; rather, look at them as a chance to grow.   God can do great things in your life when you're willing to accept some heat and pressure from Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (James 1:3,4)
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience . . . that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

[Soldier4Christ]

Phillip was doing his homework at the kitchen table when Dad arrived home. They talked for a little while, and then Dad had a question for Mom. "Are you getting as much as I am out of that devotional book we both decided to read?" he asked her. "Today's Scripture helped me make a decision about a problem I had at work."

"That's great!" replied Mom. "What was the Scripture about?" She blushed when Dad looked at her in surprise. "Actually, I haven't gotten around to reading it today," she admitted. "I've been so busy lately! The hours fly by so fast, and I never get everything done."

"Oh, Martha, Martha," Dad reproved lovingly.

"Mom's name is Mary -- not Martha," Phillip reminded his father.

Mom and Dad both laughed. "Martha is the name I call her when she gets too busy and starts acting too much like the Martha in the Bible," explained Dad. "Remember that story? Martha was so busy with food and other things that she didn't have time to sit and learn at Jesus' feet."

"I have to admit it -- that's what has been happening to me lately," said Mom. "I've allowed things to keep me from what's really important. I could have let this floor stay dirty a little longer instead of mopping it this morning, and I suppose it wouldn't have been the end of the world if I had bought pies for the school bake sale tomorrow. If we have instant mashed potatoes for supper instead of homemade scalloped ones, maybe I could just go into the other room and catch up a bit on my Bible reading."

Just then Allison came bursting into the kitchen. "Where's my Bible?" she demanded. "I'm in charge of devotions tonight at my youth group, and I haven't had a minute to prepare all week."

"Oh, Martha, Martha," said Mom. Phillip and Dad laughed together. "You explain," Mom told them as she left the kitchen.

HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you let distractions keep you from the study of God's Word or from prayer? What can you do to solve that problem? Maybe the exciting mystery you want to read can wait. Maybe you could skip a TV program. Or maybe you could play with your friends a little later. When something has to be omitted from your schedule, don't let it be your time with the Lord.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Luke 10:41,)
42 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things but only one thing is needed.

[Soldier4Christ]

Jason's uncle, who raised sled dogs, had harnessed his team, and they were ready for action. "Now, Jason, which dog do you think is most important?" asked Uncle John.

"The one in front," answered Jason promptly.

Uncle John smiled. "That's Silver.He's called the lead dog," said Uncle John. "Which one do you think is least needed?"

"Well, I guess this one way in the back," replied Jason."He probably can't even see where he's going."

Without a word, Uncle John unbuckled the harness of the last dog. "Now which is least needed?" he asked. When Jason pointed to one of the smaller dogs, Uncle John unharnessed that one and asked the question again. This continued until there was only one dog left -- the lead dog. "We'll leave this one," said Uncle John."You already said he was important. "He grinned at Jason and added, "Let's get going then."

Jason looked puzzled. "But, Uncle John," he protested, "doesn't Silver need the other dogs to help pull the sled? He can't do it alone."

"Really?" asked Uncle John. "The other dogs are needed after all?"

"Well, they may not be as important as the leader," said Jason, "but he needs help."

"You're absolutely right," agreed Uncle John, "but if the others are needed, aren't they as important as the lead dog?"

"I . . . I suppose so," admitted Jason thoughtfully. "It just seems like the one in front would be more important."

"That's because he's in a more prominent position," said Uncle John, "but always remember that the smallest or least noticed member of a team is as important as the most noticed one. They need to all work together." Uncle John began harnessing the dogs again. "People are a lot like that," he continued. "Sometimes we think leaders are the only ones who are needed, but that's not so." Jason wondered if his parents had told Uncle John that he often felt as though other kids were given the most important things to do. "Remember, Jason -- in God's sight, you're just as important as anybody else," added Uncle John.

HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you realize that you're important even though you may be too small to do some things or you don't get to do things that people notice? God gives gifts and talents to each of His children, and He can use anyone in His service. All it takes is a willing heart.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Peter 4:10)
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another.

[Soldier4Christ]

Brian turned away from the television news program. "What does it mean when they say they've made a medical breakthrough?" he asked.

"It usually means they've finally found the answer to a medical problem," explained Dad, "or at least they're going the right direction toward solving it."

"There are other kinds of breakthroughs, too," declared Mother with a smile. "You might say I had a culinary breakthrough the other day. I finally figured out what was wrong with the candy recipe I've been trying."

"All right!" exclaimed Brian. "Pass the candy!"He grinned at his mother."They should put that news on TV, too," he teased.

"I'm thinking of another breakthrough -- one that changed the world forever," said Dad thoughtfully. "It happened very quietly one night. The news wasn't reported on TV or radio -- or even in newspapers."

"Then how did you find out about it?" asked Brian, leaning forward eagerly. "What happened?"

Dad's eyes sparkled, and a grin played around his mouth. "Well, Brian, the big breakthrough took place about 2000 years ago," he replied. "God came to earth!"

"Oh, Dad," murmured Brian, "we all know about that. I thought you meant something new." He sat back in his chair. Then he grinned. "It wasn't on TV, but it was announced by angels," he said.  "That's even more spectacular!"

"True," said Dad. "Just think! God had tried to reach the hearts of men for thousands of years. He spoke through nature, through man's conscience, and through His prophets. But the biggest breakthrough to the hardness of men's hearts came about when Jesus took the form of a baby. He came to earth to help people understand how they could have a right relationship with God."

"Right," agreed Mother. "Jesus is the only way to God. He breaks down barriers so we may be saved.   When someone asks Jesus to forgive his sins and come into his heart, that's a real breakthrough, too."

HOW ABOUT YOU?
Has God made a breakthrough into your life? Have you trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior? If not, don't wait. Trust Him right now. 


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 1:14)
And the Word (Jesus) was made flesh, and dwelt among us . . . full of grace and truth.

[Soldier4Christ]

As she played her piece at the piano recital, Carla suddenly couldn't remember the right notes. She ran off the stage in tears. It's my first recital,  and this happens, she thought. I'm quitting! Backstage, her teacher said, "Don't  be too discouraged. It takes a lot of time to develop talent." And although Carla's family praised her for doing her best, she was sure she would never want to play the piano again.

The next day, Carla discovered that the front tire on her bike was flat. She asked her father to help fix it. He agreed and went to gather tools while Carla got the bike. As they worked, Dad asked, "Do you remember when you were learning to ride?"

Carla nodded."I sure do! I fell a lot," she said with a giggle.

Dad smiled. "Yes, you did," he agreed."Once, you hurt your knee and said you would never get back on the bike again." Carla remembered the fall. She had climbed back on the bike, though, that same afternoon.


"Carla," said Dad, "I know you were discouraged by what happened at your piano recital -- but in some ways, learning to play the piano is a lot like learning to ride a bike. They both take practice."

Since Carla said nothing, Dad continued. "The Apostle Paul suffered a great deal as he traveled around to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He may have felt like giving up sometimes, but he didn't quit.He said, 'Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me.''" Dad smiled at Carla and added, "I think the Lord is pleased when we work hard at developing our talents -- especially when we go on to use them for Him. You have a lot of musical ability, honey, and you need to keep practicing."

Carla didn't like to admit it, but she knew her dad was right. She wasn't surprised when, after tightening the last screw, Dad said, "Go in and practice your lesson before you play any more this afternoon."

Carla sighed. She knew she could either practice cheerfully and enjoy it, or she could practice against her will and be miserable. Quickly she made up her mind. "Okay," she said quietly. "I will."

HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you working at developing some special talent God has given you? Does it seem too hard -- too much trouble? Are you thinking of giving up? Don't be a quitter. Ask God for strength -- and keep working.Do it cheerfully. He'll help you succeed.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Philippians 3:14)
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

[Soldier4Christ]

"This house is like a war zone," fretted Mother. "Fussing, arguing, quarreling! Oh, for some peace and quiet!" Just then, Amy slammed the door as she came into the room. "Now what?" asked Mother.

"Who do you think got the part of Mary in the Christmas play?" Amy asked sarcastically. "Holly, of course. And she said she didn't even want it. I'm the reader -- again!"

Dad looked up. "Isn't Holly your best friend?" he asked.

Amy curled her lip. "Was my best friend," she corrected.

As four-year-old Mindi helped Mother decorate cookies a little later, she practiced her part for the Christmas program. "Glory to God in . . . in the high . . . highest, and on earth peace, good . . . good will toward men," she recited. Then she asked, "Mommy, did Mary get Jesus' baby clothes at the Goodwill Store?"

Mother smiled. "No, honey," she said. "They didn't have Goodwill Stores when Jesus was on earth."

"Mom," said Amy, coming back into the kitchen, "when are Aunt Lynn and Uncle Carl coming?"

Mother frowned. "They aren't," she replied shortly.

"Not coming!" cried Amy. "Why not? It won't be like Christmas without them!" Mother didn't reply, and Amy looked at her suspiciously. "Haven't you spoken to Aunt Lynn since Grandma Kerr's funeral?" she asked. "Are you still mad about that picture album?"

"I'd rather not discuss it," answered Mother icily.

"You're mad at Aunt Lynn," observed little Mindi, "and Amy's mad at Holly. I don't know who I'm mad at." She went back to practicing her lines. "On earth peace, good will toward men."

Mother sighed. "On earth peace, good will toward men," she repeated softly. "I could use some peace." She went to the telephone. "I'm going to call Aunt Lynn. It's still not too late for them to come for Christmas."

Amy smiled. "Really?"

"Really," said Mother, "and wouldn't you like to call Holly?"

"I . . . I . . . okay," decided Amy. "Maybe she can come over and help decorate these cookies."

HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you have bad feelings in your heart toward anyone? Is there someone you need to make up with? Jesus came to bring peace on earth. He wants you to have peace in your heart and live in peace with others.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Thessalonians 5:13)
And be at peace among yourselves.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Oh-h-h-h!" gasped Alyssa. "Look there!" Alyssa and her family were driving around the city, taking what they called their annual "Christmas lights tour." Dad pulled to the side of the street so they could get a good look at the house that had won the award for having the best display of lights. They admired it for a few minutes, then continued on their way. They agreed that no other place could compare to the house that won the award.

The next day was the first day of Christmas vacation for Alyssa. "I'm glad school's done for a little while," she declared at the breakfast table. "I can't do anything right in school. I don't read good. I can't spell. I do crummy in math." She gave out a long, exaggerated sigh. "I try hard, but I just can't do it. I'm a failure," she added dramatically.

Dad looked at Alyssa for moment. "Go get your coat," he said as she finished her breakfast. "I want to take my little 'failure' for a ride."

Alyssa eagerly went out to the car with her father. "Where are we going?" she asked as they drove through the city.

"You'll see," said Dad. Soon he pulled to the side of the street. "Do you recognize this place?" Alyssa shook her head, and Dad pointed toward a house. "See the sign in that front yard? It says, 'Grand Prize Winner.'"

"Then that must be the house we saw last night -- the one that had all the beautiful lights!" exclaimed Alyssa in surprise. "It looks different now. It doesn't look very special at all."

Dad smiled. "You're right -- it's when we see the lights that it looks beautiful," he said. "I thought about that when you were telling us you can't do anything well. You see, we may not always be able to do things as well as we'd like to, but as Christians, we have something special -- we have the 'light of life.' The important thing is that people see that light -- the light of Jesus in us. "Dad paused as he smiled again at his daughter. "Alyssa," he said, "although school is a struggle for you, I want you to know that the Lord surely does shine through you. We're looking at a special house -- and you are a special person.

Alyssa smiled, too. "Thanks for the encouragement, Dad," she said, turning to give him a big hug.

HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you feel like a failure? Like you can't do anything well? Do you feel that you don't have any great talents or special abilities? If you're a Christian, you have a great ability -- and a great responsibility -- to be a light and a witness in the world.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 5:14)
Ye are the light of the world.

[Soldier4Christ]

Nathanael sat quietly as his father read a portion of Scripture."Wow!" exclaimed Dad as he closed his Bible."This says we're to be like Jesus who was absolutely perfect. What a goal!" Dad looked at his family. "Anybody want to share how that's happening in your life?"

No one said anything for a moment. Then Nathanael grinned. "I don't get in fights as much as I used to," he said, "and I don't cheat on spelling tests anymore. I like Sunday school better, too. "His expression turned thoughtful."I'm not changing much lately though.Should I be?"

"Well, we should never stop growing in the Lord," said Dad, "but often it's hard to pinpoint where the changes are taking place."

The next day, Nathanael's family left to visit his grandma, who lived several hours away.When they got there, Grandma hugged little Leah. "You've grown!" she exclaimed, "and you've lost some teeth!"

"Thwee teeth," lisped Leah.

"And you must be six inches taller, Nathanael," said Grandma, hugging him."My! You're a young man now!" Throughout the day, she frequently commented on how much they had changed.

As Mom tucked Nathanael into his sleeping bag that night, he said, "I didn't think I had changed much since last time we saw Grandma, but she couldn't stop talking about how much we've grown up."

Mom laughed."I know. I often don't notice how you and Leah grow, either -- until someone points it out or until you grow out of your clothes. I guess I see you too much to notice the gradual changes."She gave Nathanael a hug."That reminds me of what we were talking about this morning. Maybe we're too close to ourselves to notice our spiritual changes, too.But Grandma saw them. She commented to me on how you and Leah play together without quarreling, and how you took part in our discussion during family devotions and in the prayer time."

"Really?" asked Nathanael.

"Really," said Mom. "Let's ask God to show us where we still need to change and to help us not get discouraged as we strive to be like Him."

HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you get discouraged because it doesn't seem like you're growing much spiritually? Growth takes time -- it's a process. Be faithful in learning more from God's Word and in obeying and serving Him.Ask Him to help you grow daily to be more like Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Peter 3:18)
Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Oh, Mom! Dad just drove in," said Kendra, full of enthusiasm. "I bet he brought a Christmas tree! I can't wait to decorate it." She pressed her nose against the window pane to catch the first possible glimpse of her father as he came from the garage.

Dad finally came into view, but his head was down, and he didn't have a tree. As he entered the house, he gave Kendra a quick hug. "I'm sorry, sweetie, but I didn't get the tree," he said. "I tried to find . . ." But Kendra wasn't listening.She turned and ran to her room. She knew that Christmas was the time to remember the birth of Jesus, but she didn't feel like celebrating. She felt more like pouting, which was what she did.Dad knows how much I want a tree, she thought, and he let me down. The sound of voices soon interrupted her thoughts.

"I feel so terrible that we can't afford to get Kendra a Christmas tree," said Dad in a voice that expressed even greater sadness than Kendra felt. "I didn't remember how much they cost, and with all the unusual expenses we've had, I didn't feel justified in getting one." Kendra couldn't quite make out her mother's reply, but a plan was forming in her mind.

A little later, Kendra went out to join her parents. "Dad, I just remembered that little artificial tree we used in Grandma's hospital room last year. Could we get it out?" she asked. She pretended to be thrilled at the idea. "Help me decorate it," she begged her parents.

As they worked, Kendra continued her cheerful act. "I remember when you and I went shopping and bought this ornament, Dad," she said as she hung a bird in a cage on the tree. "We had so much fun."

The angel from years past seemed too big for the tiny tree, but they put it on the top anyway. "Mom and I bought this for your first Christmas," said Dad as he had every year.

By the time they finished working and talking, Dad's spirits had lifted. Kendra was surprised to find that she no longer had to pretend to be happy. Her joy was real. She looked forward to Christmas morning. She didn't expect to get many presents, but that didn't matter. She had already received a wonderful gift -- the joy of making another person happy.

HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there something you can do to make someone's Christmas happier? Can you express greater appreciation, reduce your own "want list," or hide a disappointment? Remember the wonderful gift that God gave, and learn to truly give, too.Such giving brings joy.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Acts 20:35)
It is more blessed to give than to receive.

[Soldier4Christ]

Kevin listened as the TV weatherman reported that temperatures had dropped to a record-breaking low with a strong wind. "Can we still go for our breakfast tomorrow morning?" Kevin asked anxiously. To him, the best part of the season was having breakfast with his dad on the day before Christmas. Each year, they would get up at dawn, bundle up in layers of clothing, and take backpacks with a skillet, food, firewood, and matches. Then they'd walk through the snow to a nearby lake. When they got a fire going and food cooking, Kevin would forget how cold it had seemed just a few minutes earlier. Today he wondered if they would have to change their plans because of the weather.

"We can go," said Dad. "It will be a real adventure -- but a cold one!"

Early in the morning they headed for the lake. Wind whipped the snow all around, stinging Kevin's cheeks. When they finally made it to the shore, Kevin was so cold! "Maybe we shouldn't have come," he yelled to his dad over the sound of the wind.

"We'll be okay; you'll see," Dad assured him. "Head for that huge boulder over there."

Behind the towering rock, Kevin instantly felt warmer. Within minutes, they had a fire going, and slowly they began to warm up even more. "I can hardly feel the wind here," said Kevin.

"I know," agreed Dad as he turned bacon in the frying pan. "We can hear it blowing all around us, but the rock protects us from most of its effects." As he cracked eggs into the pan, he added, "This rock is a good picture of what the Bible says -- that the Lord is our Rock, our strength, and our protection.We can trust Him even though there's chaos all around."

"My Sunday school teacher talks about that sometimes," said Kevin, "but I never really knew what it meant. This helps me understand."

Dad put the bacon and eggs on their plates, and Kevin poured hot chocolate out of the thermos. "I'm glad we came," said Kevin, "but I'd hate to be out here very long without this rock to shelter us."

Dad nodded. "Right.Life can bring many storms, too -- and I'd hate to be in this world without God, our Rock, to shelter me," he said.

HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever stood behind a big rock to get out of the wind or to hide from someone? Rocks can protect you in many ways. The Bible says that the Lord is a Rock for Christians -- a place of shelter and protection from the bad things of this world. Know that He is there for you during storms in your life. Go to Him and trust Him to see you through.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 62:6)
He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defense; I shall not be moved.

[Soldier4Christ]

"May we have some candy canes?" begged Josh as he looked at the candies hanging on the Christmas tree.

"Yeah, may we?" echoed his sisters, Adriane and Nicole.

Mother smiled. "All right," she said, "but as you eat them, I want you to think of a way in which they can remind you of the reason we celebrate Christmas."

The children agreed, and each selected a red and white striped candy cane from the tree. They sat down, unwrapped the candy, and began to eat. For a few minutes, no one spoke. Josh held his candy at arm's length and stared at it. "Hey!" he exclaimed."Our Sunday school verse last week said, 'by His stripes we are healed,' so the stripes can remind us of how they whipped Jesus." Then he frowned, and added, "But that doesn't have anything to do with Christmas, does it?"

"Oh, indeed it does," Mother assured him, "because the reason Jesus came to earth was to suffer and die for our sins.He came to be the Savior of anyone who believes in Him and trusts in Him."

Adriane looked up, her eyes sparkling. "Then the red stripe on the candy cane can stand for the blood Jesus shed for us when He died on the cross," she said.

"And the white can stand for me and all the other people who have accepted Jesus and had their sins washed away," suggested Nicole.

"Excellent thinking," said Mother. "I have a booklet that tells the story of the candy cane and what it stands for. It includes some of the same things you mentioned. I hope the red and white canes will always help you remember those things -- not only at Christmas time, but all year long."

HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you get so excited about Christmas candy and presents that you forget the real reason for celebrating Christmas? On that special day, celebrate the fact that Jesus was born for a special reason.   He lived a perfect life and died on the cross to save you from your sins. Accept the wonderful gift Jesus offers you -- the gift of salvation.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Timothy 1:15)
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.