Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

The weatherman had said a big snowstorm-a blizzard-was coming, so all morning six-year-old Katie and her older brother, William, watched for it. They had recently moved from the South to a northern city and had never experienced a snowstorm, so they weren't sure what to expect. By noon the wind was howling and snow was falling fast-it seemed to be coming from across the yard instead of from the sky. Katie was so excited she could barely stand still.

When Mom called them to come for lunch, Katie and William were at the window in the family room. "Do you think the blizzard will be here soon?" asked Katie.

"It looks to me like it's already here," said Mom.

"It is?" Katie jumped up and down. "It's here! It's here!" she squealed. She skipped into the kitchen.

Mom laughed as she and William followed. "While you were waiting for the storm to come, you were actually watching it happen and you didn't even know it," said Mom. "That makes me think of a message I just heard on the radio. The speaker talked about how the Jewish people were waiting for a Messiah to come but missed it when He did come. Do you know when that was?"

"When Jesus was born," said William promptly.

Mom nodded. "Can you think of other times we don't even notice that what we're waiting for is happening?" she asked. No one said anything. "How about when we pray?" suggested Mom. "I think that sometimes we look so hard for the answer we want to get that we miss the answer God sends."

"I'm waiting for Christmas," said Katie.

William laughed. "Well, I don't think there's any chance you'll miss that," he said.

Mom smiled. "No, but don't be so busy waiting that you don't enjoy what's happening today," she said. "Enjoy each day God gives you instead of just waiting to enjoy something you think is going to happen."

"Okay," agreed William. "Can we start by enjoying our lunch?"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does it seem like you're constantly waiting for something special to happen? God has given you this moment and this day. Thank Him for it. Enjoy it. Use it to serve Him. Make every minute count right now.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 118:24)
"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

[Soldier4Christ]

"God is blessing in such a wonderful way!" exclaimed Sonya's father. "Five more people were saved at the revival meeting tonight."

"Yes, and several others came to rededicate their lives for God's service," replied Mom happily.

Sonya didn't say anything, but she was confused. Why are all those people responding now? she wondered. Daddy preaches to these same people every week, but nobody has been saved for a long time. Now this special evangelist comes, and lots of people have accepted Jesus under his ministry. It doesn't seem fair!

 Sonya's father noticed that something was bothering her. "You seem awfully quiet, honey," he said. "Don't you like Rev. Henderson?"

"He's okay, but you're every bit as good as he is, Daddy!" Sonya replied. "Now all these people are getting right with God under his preaching, and he's getting all the credit!"

Dad was quiet for a moment. "Come with me," he said at last. "I want to show you something." He led the way outside and pointed to the sky. "Now . . . which star is the brightest in the sky?" he asked.

Sonya gazed upward. "That one up there is," she decided. "Or . . . no, maybe that one way over there. Or is it . . . I don't know!"

Dad smiled. "It's hard to decide, isn't it? Now think for a moment . . . in the morning when the sun comes up, which star will be the brightest?"

"I know this one-the sun," said Sonya promptly. "With the sun out, the other stars don't even show up, so it doesn't matter which is brighter."

"Exactly," agreed Dad, "and it's that way in the ministry, too. We sometimes try to decide which preacher is the best, or who should have credit for what is accomplished, but it doesn't matter. When Jesus, God's Son, is preached, He is the best and brightest of all. All the credit and praise should go to Him."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does it seem unfair if you don't get credit for some service you've performed? Remember that it's God you serve, and without Him, you can do nothing. He's the only one who deserves any praise.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 3:7)
"Neither is he that planteth any thing  . . . (nor) watereth; but God that giveth the increase."

[Soldier4Christ]

James and Lance were happy and excited when their father gave them a new puppy. Bucky, the golden brown pup, wriggled and bounced, making it difficult to hold him. "Don't do that, Bucky!" exclaimed James as he wiped his cheek, wet from the puppy's tongue.

"He's giving you doggy kisses," said Mom with a smile.

Lance laughed. "Let me have him, James," he said. Lance reached for the puppy as he spoke.

The boys enjoyed playing with Bucky and training him to obey them. He seemed to learn fast. "Look, Mom," James called as he threw a squeaky toy. Bucky was off in a flash to fetch and return it.

James held out his hand for the toy, but Bucky hung on to it. "Drop it," ordered James, and the puppy released the toy. James threw it again, and Bucky bounded away to retrieve it. James looked at Mom. "See how good he obeys? That shows that he likes us." He ducked as the puppy again offered doggy kisses.

When it was time to feed the puppy, Lance filled his dish. "Bucky, come and eat your dinner," he called.

Bucky made a flying dash for the dog dish and began to eat. He paused to see if the boys were still there, then quickly devoured his food.

The boys watched silently. When Bucky finished eating, he ran to James, jumped up, and tried to lick his face. Then he ran to Lance and gave him the same treatment. Lance laughed. "This is his way of saying thank you and telling us that he loves us," he said.

Mom had come back out on the porch. "There's another way Bucky shows you that he loves you," she said. "James, you mentioned it before."

"I did?" asked James. "You mean that he obeys us when we tell him to do something?"

"That's it," said Mom. "Bucky is a good example to us. He shows how he feels by giving doggy kisses and by obeying. He reminds me that we can-and should-both say that we love God and show that we love Him by obeying Him."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you tell God you love Him? You should. Doggy kisses are the best a puppy can do, but you can do much better. Do you also obey God's Word? Jesus said He can tell if you love Him by whether or not you obey Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 14:23)
"Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love Me, he will keep My words."

[Soldier4Christ]

"Rehman," said Dad, "I want you to run an errand for me. Take these letters to the post office, please." As he spoke, he handed Rehman a large stack of letters. "Can you handle all these while you ride your bike?"

"No problem," said Rehman. He got out his bike and took off down the road. "Whoa!" he yelled as he hit a bump and the envelopes flew everywhere!

Rehman got off his bike. There he stood in the middle of the road with envelopes scattered all around him. To make it worse, as Rehman began to pick them up, a boy came by and stared at him. Then the boy laughed loudly and called his friend over. They both laughed at Rehman and called him silly names. Rehman felt very foolish.

Soon a third boy came along. When he saw Rehman scurrying to pick up the envelopes before they blew away, he stopped and helped. "It's hard to carry a lot of things when you're riding a bike," said the boy with a smile. "I know because I've tried. I could help you carry them the rest of the way."

"Thanks," said Rehman, feeling much better now. It was good to have a new friend at his side and to leave the laughing boys behind.

When Rehman got home, he told his family that he had a new friend named Scott. When he explained what had happened, his sister grinned. "It sounds like you met a Good Samaritan," she said.

Rehman smiled. "I didn't think about that, but you're right. In the parable about the man who was hurt, only the Samaritan stopped to help him. I wasn't hurt, but I did need help, and Scott was the only one who stopped to help me. He was acting the way Jesus taught us to act." Laughing, Rehman added, "I guess Scott isn't a Samaritan, but I'm glad there are good American people just like there were good Samaritan people!"


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you offer help to those in trouble? The man referred to as the "Good Samaritan" went out of his way to be of help. If you see an older person struggling with a load of groceries, or a younger one being picked on, help that person. If you see anyone in trouble, help if you can. Do it for Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Galatians 6:10)
"As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men."

[Soldier4Christ]

"Listen to this, Mom!" exclaimed Steve. From the newspaper he read, "'Friday has been declared Fine Free Day at the local library. In celebration of American Library Week, all overdue books may be returned without paying a fine.'" Steve grinned. "I have some overdue books, and it's Friday, so I better take them in."

Steve's sister laughed. "When the librarian sees you coming, she'll be sorry they made that decision," she said. "Think of all the money they'll lose!"

Mom smiled. "Gather all the books you have from the library and return them right now," she told Steve. "And after this, see to it that you always return them on time!"

Soon Steve was on his way. As he pedaled toward the library, a neighbor staggered up the sidewalk. "Drunk again!" Steve snorted in disgust.

"Hi ya, Shteve," Mr. Burns slurred. "Where ya goin'?"

"To the library to return overdue books." Steve stopped his bike. "Today is Fine Free Day."

"Sure wish they'd have Fine Free Day at City Hall," mumbled Mr. Burns. "I've paid out a bundle of money down there." His blurry eyes stared at the boy. "Hey, yer a good Christian. Ya suppose God has a Fine Free Day?"

Steve blinked, then replied, "Sure He does, Mr. Burns. Today is Fine Free Day with God, too. Jesus paid our fine at Calvary. If you'll turn your life over to Him, He'll forget the fine. He forgave me, and He'll forgive you!"

Mr. Burns shook his head. "Easy to say, boy. Ya only have a few little sins to yer charge. I've got a whole pack of 'em."

Steve pointed at his backpack, crammed with books. "It makes no difference to the librarian if I return one overdue book today or ten-I don't have to pay a fine," he said. "And it makes no difference to God if I have a few little sins or a whole bunch. Jesus paid the fine."

"Ya really think so, Son? Ya really think so?" As Steve nodded, Mr. Burns continued, "I'd sure like ta believe ya." He shuffled toward his house. "I'll think that one over. Fine Free Day, huh? Sounds pretty good ta me."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you been really, really bad? Or do you think you've been pretty good? In either case, Jesus paid the fine-the penalty for your sin. Today is the day of salvation-a Fine Free Day! Tomorrow may be Judgment Day. Don't wait. Accept Jesus now.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Corinthians 6:2)
"Now is the accepted time . . . the day of salvation."

[Soldier4Christ]

"My nose is so ugly," moaned Erika as she glared at her reflection in the mirror. "Why do I have to be stuck with such a long nose!?"

   "I like your nose just fine," said Mom. "You're a beautiful girl."

   "Oh, you have to say that," wailed Erika. "You're my mother."

   Mom smiled. "I think anyone would agree that you're very nice looking," she said. "Besides, always remember that it's character that really counts. The Bible says real beauty comes from within-it teaches that outward beauty has no real value." She gave Erika a hug. "Now . . . I'm going to take a casserole to Mrs. Baxter-she's not feeling very well. You can watch Ricky while I'm gone."

   "Okay," agreed Erika. "I'll get my boots and take him outside. It's snowing, and Ricky absolutely adores chasing snowflakes!"

   Soon Erika and Ricky were playing in the softly falling snow. "Oh-h-h-h! Look what big snowflakes!" shouted Ricky. "Let's catch 'em." So they reached out their hands and let the snowflakes fall on their dark-colored mittens and sleeves.

   "Want to see them even better?" asked Erika. "Wait here." She dashed into the house and returned a few moments later with a magnifying glass clutched in her hand. As she began to show her little brother what the snowflakes looked like even bigger, he squealed with delight.

   "God made each one of them special," Erika told Ricky. "Did you know that in the whole world there have never been two snowflakes found that are the same? They're all different."

   "Mommy said there's no one like me in the whole world, either," Ricky said smugly. He grinned at his sister. "And there's nobody like you-God made us special, too." Erika blinked slowly as she realized the lesson her little brother had just taught her.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you happy with the way you look? With your eyes? Your nose? Your mouth? The color of your hair? How tall or short you are? The Bible says God made each person special. God loves you and He makes no mistakes. Thank Him for making you just the way you are!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 139:14)
"I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

[Soldier4Christ]

"I think my friends all had fun at my slumber party," said Haley after everyone had left, "and I did, too!"

"Good," said Mom. "Everyone seemed to get along so well-I didn't hear one cross word from anybody! That's great. And you were a perfect hostess, honey-I like the way you treated your friends."

"I have a problem now, though," said Haley with a sigh. "Vicki spilled chocolate milk on my new bedspread, and it left an ugly stain. She felt so bad, but I told her I was sure it would come out and not to worry about it. It will come out, won't it, Mom?"

"I think so," replied Mom. "Let's take a look at it."

Haley's little sister, Julie, trailed along as they went to Haley's room. "Julie behaved very nicely with your friends," observed Mom, giving the little girl a hug.

"That's a miracle," said Haley, "considering that she's a brat." Haley scowled at her sister.

"Haley!" said Mom.

"Well, she is a pain," Haley said. "Look at the water color paint she got all over my new jeans yesterday."

"Haley, you need to show Julie the same kindness you show your friends," said Mom sternly.

"They aren't a nuisance," retorted Haley. She pointed to her bedspread. "Will that stain come out?" she asked.

"I know what you can do," said Julie. "You can put this pillow over it." She picked up a pink pillow and placed it over the stain. "There! That fixes it!"

"That doesn't fix anything," grumbled Haley. "That just covers it up."

"True . . . but you could just cover it up when you have company-like you cover up the stain in your character," murmured Mom.

"What?" asked Haley. "What are you talking about?"

"I've noticed that you often tend to be impatient and unkind toward your sister. Such unkindness is like a stain in your character," said Mom. "When your friends are around, you're more kind and forgiving. It's like you're covering the stain." Haley blushed. Deep down, she knew Mom was right. She needed to get rid of that unkind "stain," and not just cover it up when company came.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you as kind and gracious when you're with only your family as you are when other people are around? If that's a problem to you, give that ugly "stain" to God. Ask Him to cleanse your heart so you don't have to cover up sinful actions and attitudes anymore.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 101:2)
"I will walk within my house with a perfect heart."

[Soldier4Christ]

"Dad, isn't once a week often enough to go to church?" asked Evan one Sunday evening as the family got into the car. "We go more than any of my friends do. Why do we go so often?"

"To worship God," came the reply from Evan's brother Austin.

"I know that," said Evan, "but what else?"

"To learn more about God," said Austin quickly.

Dad smiled. "Those are good reasons," he said, "but I'm thinking of another. Last fall your football coach challenged the senior class to volunteer for a football game against the freshman team, right?"

"Right," said Evan.

"What happened in the game?" Dad asked.

Evan gave his father a puzzled look. "You know, Dad," he said. "I told you. Even though the seniors were older and bigger than the freshmen, they lost the game!"

"And why was that?" asked Dad.

"Well, they were all good athletes, but they didn't have time to practice and weren't used to working together," replied Evan. "They were from all different teams-wrestling, basketball, and even the tennis and swim teams."

Dad nodded. "Your coach set up that game to illustrate the importance of team preparation," he said.

Evan thought for a minute. "So it's like . . . each football player needs to keep physically fit-you know, eats the right stuff and exercises and all of that-but the team has to practice together in order to win."

"That's exactly right," agreed Dad as he maneuvered the car into a parking space, "and Christians are members of God's team. Our own personal prayer and Bible study is important, but meeting with other Christians challenges us, unites us, and encourages us. It prepares us to work together in service for the Lord."

"So it's like holding a team meeting?" asked Evan with a nod toward the church building. "I guess that's a good reason to be here."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you attend several services at your church? They give you opportunity to enjoy fellowship of other Christians and unite with them in serving God. Be sure to attend your church faithfully.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 122:1)
"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord."

[Soldier4Christ]

Elsa waited at school until her friends started home. She didn't want to walk with them. She didn't want anyone to know how disappointed she felt.

As she climbed the back steps to her house, she tripped and fell. "Ouch!" she exclaimed, looking at her skinned knee. Opening the door, she began to cry.

"What's wrong, honey?" asked Mom. Elsa just pointed to her knee. "Let's clean that up," Mom said, picking up Elsa's baby sister, Angie. Elsa watched as Mom opened the medicine cabinet in the bathroom. Angie reached for the bottles she saw there, but Mom held Angie's hand back and took out disinfectant and bandages. As Mom gently fixed the knee, she asked, "Is this knee really what's bothering you?"

Elsa shook her head. "I didn't get a part in the school play," she mumbled. "I'm singing in the choir again." She looked up, tears in her eyes. "And don't tell me to pray about it," she added crossly. "I've prayed for two years, and I never get a part."

Mom knelt beside her. "Did you notice the way Angie reached for the things I keep here in the medicine cabinet?" she asked. Elsa nodded. "I knew she wanted them," continued Mom, "but I didn't let her have them. Why not?"

"Because she might poison herself," replied Angie.

"Right." Mom nodded. "I know it's not good for her to get hold of those medicines."

With a sigh, Elsa said, "I know what you're going to say-that when we ask for things that aren't right for us, God doesn't give us those things."

Mom nodded. "When Angie is older and knows how to use what's inside, it may be okay for her to get those things," she said.

"So you think God's telling me to wait to have a part in the play?" asked Elsa. "And that a place in the choir is the right part for me now?"

"That could be," said Mom. "I don't know. But I do know that He knows best. Will you trust Him?"

"Okay," agreed Elsa slowly, "but I do hope that next year it will be my time to have a part in the play." She sighed. "But if it never is, I'll try to trust Him anyway."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you get discouraged when your plans don't work out? Perhaps the timing is not right for what you want. Or maybe God has better plans for you. Remember that He knows what is best. Trust Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 19:21)
"There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand."

[Soldier4Christ]

Bill was excited to see how much he'd grown. Each year Dad marked the new height on his closet door. "When Aunt Carrie comes, she'll see a big change in me!" said Bill. "She hasn't seen me for four whole years!"

"You've grown a lot," Dad agreed. "Just think-she'll be here next week."

Bill remembered the day Aunt Carrie had left for the mission field. It was the same day he'd trusted Jesus as Savior. Aunt Carrie had been so pleased. She'd hugged him when they saw her off at the airport. "I suppose you'll be practically grown up by the time I come home again," she had said. "Be sure to 'grow in grace,' too!"

Now Aunt Carrie was due to return to the States. "I'm sure she'll see that I've gotten much bigger-there's no way she could miss that," Bill told his dad, "but when she left, she told be to be sure to 'grow in grace.' Do you think I've done that?"

Dad smiled. "That's a good question," he said. "It's one we should all ask ourselves. Now, let's see . . . how about Bible knowledge? Do you know more about God than you did when Aunt Carrie left?"

Bill nodded. "Quite a bit, I think. I've learned lots of verses and worked hard on my Sunday school lessons."

"Good," said Dad. "Have you put what you've learned into practice? For example . . . in what areas have you had problems? I seem to recall that you used to have a terrible time with your temper. Has that changed?"

"Well . . . I got mad at Joe last week, and I told him off," confessed Bill. "But I did apologize later."

Dad nodded. "I'd say that's progress, wouldn't you? I'm also thinking of the boys you've been inviting to Sunday school. I think you've made progress in witnessing."

"I'll call Tom this afternoon and invite him to come tomorrow," said Bill hastily, remembering a boy he'd been avoiding. He smiled. Yes, Bill thought, I think Aunt Carrie will see some spiritual growth in my life. I wish there were more, but I'm glad I can think of some improvement.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you grown spiritually? Are you learning and practicing what God teaches in His Word? Do you witness more than you once did? Are you more kind and loving than you used to be? If marks could be put on a progress chart for spiritual growth, how would your chart look?


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

[Soldier4Christ]

"We aren't even allowed to sing Christmas carols at school," Mateo told his mother as he took off his coat. "Just songs like 'Deck the Halls' and 'White Christmas.'"

"That's too bad," replied Mom. "I suppose you hear all about Santa Claus instead of about Jesus, right?" Mateo nodded.

A couple of days later, Mateo and his friend Tory talked about their plans for the Christmas season. "Grandpa and Grandma are coming for a whole week this year," said Tory, "and on Christmas Eve we're all going go see a special Santa Claus movie! Wanna come with us? I'm sure Mom will say it's okay."

Mateo shook his head. "Our family always goes to church on Christmas Eve," he said. "We're having a candlelight service with a special program about the real Christmas story. And then we'll have cake and cookies and stuff afterwards, too."

Tory looked puzzled. "What is the real Christmas story?" he asked. "Something about angels and stars and shepherds-stuff like that, right? And a baby-but what was so special about Him?"

Mateo could hardly believe that Tory didn't know the real meaning of Christmas! "It's about when Jesus was born. He's the Son of God," explained Mateo.

Tory frowned. "Well, then why was he born on earth?" he asked.

"Well, He . . . He came so we can go to heaven some day," said Mateo, and he did his best to help Tory understand who Jesus is and why He came.

When Mateo told his mother about it, she had a suggestion. "Since the kids don't hear about Jesus and the real reason for Christmas at school, would you like to have a party for your friends and talk about it then?" she asked. "You could play games and have prizes, and then I'll help with singing Christmas carols and tell the Christmas story before serving refreshments."

"That'd be fun," agreed Mateo.

Mateo sent invitations to several friends. He didn't know if any of them would believe in Jesus because of the party, but he felt good because he was giving them the opportunity to hear about Christ.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do your friends know why Jesus came to earth? Find a way to make sure they know the real meaning of Christmas-perhaps through tracts, books, an invitation to Sunday school, or simply talking with them.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 1:21)
"Thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins."

[Soldier4Christ]

"Won't you accept Jesus tonight?" asked Mr. Anderson, the teacher at Josh's Bible club. "Some day it will be too late. If you'd like to be saved tonight, will you raise your hand and let me know? I'd like to pray for you and talk with you about it."

Josh squirmed in his seat. Maybe I should raise my hand, but what will the kids think if I do that? he wondered. He sighed. I'll have plenty of time to think about it when I'm older, he decided. He left his hand down.

When Josh got home, he poured a glass of milk for himself while his mother, who had been to the grocery store, put away the groceries. Then she took some coupons from her purse, sorted through them, and threw several away. "Don't you want to use those?" asked Josh.

"I would, but I goofed," replied Mom. "I was going to use them tonight, but when I got them out, I noticed they had expired a few days ago." She sighed. "They were good for about five dollars worth of groceries, too. I should have used them last week. Now it's too late!"

Josh took his milk and went to the family room. He sat down on the couch. There were those words again-"too late"-the same words Mr. Anderson had used. As Josh thought about it, he made a decision. He jumped up and went back to the kitchen.

"Mom!" he exclaimed. "Mr. Anderson said that someday it will be too late to accept Jesus as Savior. You missed the chance to use your coupons, but I don't want to miss the chance to be saved. Will you help me?"

Mom hugged him close. "I sure will!" she said. "Now I'm glad I missed the chance to use those coupons since it made you realize that you must accept Jesus before it's too late."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
How often have you heard a teacher, pastor, or parent give the plan of salvation, but you decided to put it off till later? Don't wait any longer. Receive Jesus as Savior right now. This could be your last opportunity.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Isaiah 55:6)
"Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near."

[Soldier4Christ]

"See ya tomorrow, guys!" shouted Andrew, ducking snowballs as he ran through the back door.

"Sounds like quite a fight out there," commented Isaac, Andrew's older brother.

"It is!" exclaimed Andrew. "That sled you gave me makes a great shield. I built up a stockpile of snowballs behind it, and then-BAM! Nobody could escape!"

"So why did you quit?" Isaac asked.

Taking off his snow gear, Andrew sat down and groaned. "I have to study for a Bible test." He sighed. "I'm sick of studying the Bible and memorizing verses. What good will it do me anyway?"

Isaac started to speak, then shrugged. "Good question," he said. "Let's get back to the snowball fight!"

"You're on!" exclaimed Andrew. "Let me get into my gear." He rushed for his boots.

"No way!" Isaac stopped him. "That takes too long. Let's get out there."

"Without boots, cap, gloves . . . anything?" asked Andrew in surprise. "Even a coat?"

"Sure. You don't need them. Come on." Isaac grabbed Andrew's arm and pulled him out the door.

Snowballs flew all around as Isaac guided the bootless, coatless Andrew into the middle of the fight. Isaac ducked just in time for Andrew to get pelted with a massive snowball.

"Yow!" yelled Andrew. "I need my sled, Isaac! And I'm freezing!" He ran for the door with Isaac at his heels.

"Why'd you do that to me?" demanded Andrew. "It's dumb to go out there unprotected!"

Isaac nodded. "You'd never deliberately go into a snowball fight without your armor-your boots, hat, coat, sled, and stuff. So why are you willing to go into life-especially your spiritual life-without your armor?" Andrew looked confused. "The Word of God, Andrew!" exclaimed Isaac. "It's part of your armor for life. It's much safer to go into a snowball fight without gear than to go into life without the armor of God!"

Andrew grinned. "I guess I'd better start studying!" he decided.


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you dislike studying and memorizing Scripture? Do you think it's pointless and a waste of time? The Word of God is the Sword of the Spirit, and it helps prepare you to fight for the Kingdom of Christ. Each lesson you learn and verse you memorize and put into practice helps to build a defense against Satan.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Ephesians 6:11)
"Put on the whole armour of God."

[Soldier4Christ]

"Oh, Mom! I don't think I can wait another day! How much longer is it till Christmas?" asked Sara for the third time that day.

"Sara," said Mom firmly, "it's still three more days, just like it was the last two times you asked me!"

"But, Mom! I just can't wait!" exclaimed Sara. "It's been a whole year since we saw Uncle Jim and Aunt Midge. And Grandma and Grandpa Turner haven't been here since summer!"

"Well, I'm eager to have them come again, too-and I'm also glad to hear that your excitement over Christmas isn't only due to the gifts you'll get," said Mom. "How about helping me make cookies? That will make one day go more quickly."

The next afternoon Sara was again getting impatient. Mom sighed. "Go get your Bible and look for the word 'wait' in the concordance," she suggested. "Find some verses about waiting and memorize them, Sara-one verse for each day until Christmas!"

"That won't be any fun," mumbled Sara, but she went to get her Bible and kept busy with it for quite a while. "The word 'wait' is used in the Bible lots of times," she told her mother.

That evening at family devotions, Mom suggested that they read a passage of Scripture about a man who was waiting for Jesus, the Messiah, to be born (see today's reading), and Sara read the verses aloud. Dad nodded. "The Jews had to wait hundreds of years for their Messiah to come," he said. "It's a good thing to learn to wait patiently."

"I'm glad I don't have to wait that long for Christmas or for Grandpa and Grandma to come," said Sara.

"We are, too," said Mom with a smile. "Let's all try to wait patiently-and even enjoy our time of waiting."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you find it hard to wait? There are times when the Lord just wants you to wait patiently and quietly for Him to act in your life. Learning to wait patiently for Christmas can help you learn to wait patiently in all areas of your life!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 37:7)
"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him."

[Soldier4Christ]

Glenda's friends watched eagerly as she opened the gifts they had brought to her birthday party. There was much excitement and exclaiming over each one. "Here!" said Moira. "There's just one more for you to open."

With a smile, Glenda took the package. "It's a pretty one. Who is it from?" she asked. "There's no card."

"Maybe it's on the inside," suggested Margie.

Glenda quickly removed the wrapping. "No, there's no card inside, either. In fact, there isn't anything in this package!" she said in surprise. "It's just an empty box." She looked around the room. "You all gave me a present, so who wrapped this?" she asked suspiciously. Then Glenda noticed her dad standing in the doorway with a peculiar expression on his face. "Dad!" she exclaimed. "Did you do this?"

Dad grinned. "Guilty," he admitted, "but I did it for a good reason. I wanted you all to think about what Christmas must seem like to Jesus. It's His birthday, right?" The girls nodded. "It's His birthday," continued Dad, "and there are a lot of decorations around-things like trees, stars, and tinsel. Like the wrappings of a present, they look pretty and may seem to hold some promise, but they're often like an empty box. How often do we actually give anything special to Jesus at Christmas?"

"The wise men gave Him presents, didn't they?" remembered Glenda. "But . . . what can we give Him? We don't have gold and frankincense and myrrh."

Dad smiled. "Let's think about it," he said. "What do you think Jesus might like?"

"My Sunday school teacher says God loves a cheerful giver," suggested Amy.

Dad nodded. "What else?"

"He likes us to do our work cheerfully, too," said Moira. "And He likes us to do our best."

"He wants us to obey Him," added Glenda.

"Good," said Dad. "Those are all things we should remember every day, but as we celebrate Jesus birth this year, let's all try to do something special-beyond what we usually do-and do it for Jesus."


HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you include Jesus when you celebrate Christmas? Think of something special you can do for Him. Perhaps you can give an extra offering or do a kind deed-something special that you don't normally do-as a present to Him.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 2:1)
"They presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh." (KJV)