In Genesis one God speaks the universe into existence. In just a few brief verses the world as we know it came to be. The variety and beauty of plant life and countless species of animals that roam the earth and swim in the rivers, lakes, and oceans all bear testimony to a mighty and awesome God. But in the midst of all the wonders of the world, God only created one to be like him: us.

Even though we’ve all been given so much, it’s hard not to compare ourselves to others. We look at their houses, cars, jobs, good looks, talents, and even their families and, if we’re not careful, jealousy can start to take root. Instead of practicing an attitude of gratitude, we begin to yearn for bigger and better things, becoming more and more discontent with what we’ve already been given. We get so caught up in comparing God’s blessings we don’t even stop to enjoy them, much less thank him for them.

A new year is on the horizon—a time to reflect on the past and look forward to the new. There are a lot of good ideas thrown out there for New Year’s resolutions. But in reality we only have so much time and it’s so easy to get busy. Too busy. So busy that we lose sight of our purpose and stop living intentionally.

Last week our nation witnessed yet another tragedy of such magnitude it’s difficult to know how to respond. We may never be able to answer why or make sense of the horrors that day and that have happened all around the world. What we do know and what we cling to is the knowledge that God is good and he doesn’t leave us to fight our battles alone.

We bring you a list of our best quick and easy Christmas skits or dramas. This list is made up of short scripts requiring two actors or less. Many of them are monologues. The scripts are simple enough that they should take a couple of days or less to prepare for them and require very little to no blocking.

When a creative element is fully embraced, it creates synergy: the message is brought to life by the story, and the story doubles in power as it is elaborated upon.

That Jesus is completely God and completely human is a hard concept to wrap our minds around. Some say that he was a just man who became God or that he was created by God the Father just before he came to earth. Others say he sometimes acted as man and sometimes acted as God. But neither of these accurately portrays what we see in the Bible and the miracle that took place when God the Son took on humanity and came to live with us.

Thanksgiving is the Christmas season kick-off. Lights go up around the neighborhood, Christmas trees replace pumpkins and cornucopias, and it’s finally socially acceptable to start playing Christmas music. Peeking ahead at the month of December, I found the calendar already filling up with Christmas programs, parties, and travel plans. The holidays are always busy, and unfortunately a busy schedule sometimes means less time to focus on the Lord.