The Rescuer

Bible Reading: John 3:16; Romans 3:23-24

“Cora, can you go get the mail, please?” Cora’s mom asked as she watered her poinsettia.

“But it’s so cold out!” Cora complained. Mom gave her a look, and Cora sighed. “All right, I will.”

Cora pulled on her boots and coat and stepped out into the cold night. As she walked down the driveway, she thought she heard a whimper coming from the bushes near their mailbox. She bent down and pushed the branches out of the way, then gasped.

“Oh! A puppy!” Cora held out her hand, and the tiny white puppy leaned forward to sniff it. She looked at Cora and wagged her tail. “Aww,” Cora cooed. “What are you doing out here in the cold?” She checked the puppy’s neck for a collar, but there wasn’t one. “I guess you’ll just have to come with me!” Cora picked up the puppy and walked inside.

“Where’s the mail, Cora?” Mom asked.

“I didn’t get it. I found something much better!” Cora held out the shivering puppy.

“A puppy!” her little sister, Bella, squealed. “Can we keep it? Please?”

“Where did you find it?” asked Dad. “Out in the cold?” Cora nodded.

“We’ll keep it for now, at least,” said Mom. “Let’s get a blanket and some food for her.” Mom went to the refrigerator and got out some chicken while Cora went to get a blanket.

“Let’s name her Zoe,” Cora said, petting the little dog as she gobbled up the food. “I’m so glad we rescued her!”

Dad nodded. “And I’m so glad Jesus did the same for us. He came to us in the cold darkness of sin and brought us to the warmth of His love.”

Bella giggled. “Daddy, Jesus didn’t rescue me from the cold! I stay warm in my coat and gloves!”

Dad smiled. “I’m just using it as an example. Jesus rescued us from sin and made us a part of His family. That’s why He came at Christmas! Zoe couldn’t rescue herself, and we can’t either. We all need Jesus to save us.”

“Arf!” Zoe agreed from the floor. The family erupted into giggles.

“See!” said Dad. “Zoe agrees with me!” Abby Dykstra

How About You?

Have you ever wondered why Jesus came to earth? He came to die for your sins so you could know the warmth of His love. We all sin and need Jesus to rescue us—we can’t be saved without Him. He loves you and wants you to have eternal life with Him. Trust Him as your Savior today! (To learn more, click the “Good News!” button in the right column of this page.)

Today’s Key Verse:
John 3:16 God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life. (ERV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Jesus came to rescue you