Our Blog

Bible Verses To Include In Your Christmas Cards

History of Christmas Cards

Take a guess at what year the first-ever recorded Christmas cards were sent.

Do you have your guess?

Are you ready for the answer?

In 1611, the Prince of Wales, Henry Frederick, received the first-ever recorded Christmas cards!

Were you close to guessing 1611? Even though Christmas cards were sent in the early 1600s, it wasn’t until 232 years later that the first commercial Christmas cards were put into production. This card had a picture of a family raising a toast on the cover. There were 1000 of these cards made, and Queen Victoria was the first sender of this card. 

By 1860, sending Christmas cards was a common practice throughout England.

Here is the first official Christmas card:

Even though Christmas cards had been sent to residents in America in the 1840s, Christmas cards weren’t in production until Louis Prang, a Prussian immigrant, made the journey to the United States. He opened a print shop in Boston and in 1875 he introduced the Christmas card manufacturer to the United States; producing the first Christmas card in America. This card featured a simple flower and read, “Merry Christmas”.

Sending Season’s Greetings swept the nation, and in 1910, the Hall brothers opened the doors to the ever-famous Hallmark company. 

From 1948-1957, artist Norman Rockwell designed 32 Christmas cards for Hallmark. In 1963, Jackie Kennedy designed two Christmas Cards for Hallmark. 

Hallmark published a Christmas card in 1977 that featured three cherubs, two of which were humble in prayer while the third was gazing up, her doe-eyes peering from under her halo. This card is still in production and is the most popular selling Christmas card in history. 

Today, Hallmark is still family owned and operated, but there are many different companies that manufacture Christmas cards. Additionally, the Christmas card of today is versatile in appearance. Many families today opt to send photo cards. Others choose to send a postcard, and some choose to send a letter along with the card, giving updates and sharing news about their life over the past year. Even though there is a multitude of Christmas cards to choose from, sometimes it can be fun to create your own cards.

Why Send Christmas Cards?

The convenience of technology would make sending a Christmas greeting more simple, but there is something truly special and personal about a handwritten message. The tradition of sending Christmas cards has been able to withstand the growth of technology. Sending Christmas cards is a great way to let your loved ones and acquaintances know that you are thinking of them and remind them that they are important. By sending a Christmas card, you are showing the receiver that you are grateful for them in your life. Spreading holiday cheer, and sending Christmas cards is another way to make the Christmas season a little sweeter, a little kinder, and a whole lot more special. 

National Christmas Card Day

December 9th is National Christmas Card Day. This day serves to remind you to get your cards ready, purchase stamps, and send off your warm wishes in order to have them arrive in time for Christmas. 

Bible Verses for Christmas Cards

Here are some meaningful and significant verses you can include in your Christmas cards. These verses focus on the birth of the Savior and capture the true meaning of the season. 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

-John 3:16

~

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!

    Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!

See, your king comes to you,

    righteous and victorious,

lowly and riding on a donkey,

    on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

-Zechariah 9:9

~

…God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”  “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”  The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.

-Luke 1:26-35

For to us a child is born,

    to us a son is given,

    and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

-Isaiah 9:6

~

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

-Matthew 2:10-11

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

-John 1:9

~

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

-Matthew 1:20-23

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

-2 Corinthians 9:15

~

God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. 

-Acts 5:31

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

-Luke 2:11

~

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. 

-Galatians 4:4-5

~

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

-Isaiah 7:14

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

-James 1:17

~

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.

-Isaiah 11:1

~

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.

-Luke 1:30-31

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

-Luke 2:14

~

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.

-John 1:14

~

Who, being in very nature God,

  did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

rather, he made himself nothing

    by taking the very nature of a servant,

    being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man,

    he humbled himself

    by becoming obedient to death—

        even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

    and gave him the name that is above every name,

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,

   to the glory of God the Father.

-Philippians 2:6-11

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

-Romans 15:13

Last But Not Least

Sending Christmas cards is a remarkable way to remind others that you care for them as well as spread the holiday spirit. By adding in your favorite Bible verse,  you are including the all-important reminder that this season should be focused on Christ, and effectively sharing your testimony of Him. 

-Torrance Church of Christ

Key Bible Verses About Family

Family

Our Father in Heaven sent us to this Earth to challenge us, give us trials to overcome, and humble ourselves so we can find our way back home to Him. And throughout all of the tests we will face, God provided opportunities for us so we won’t have to go about them alone. One of these opportunities is the liberty of having an earthly family. 

What Does the Bible Teach About Family?

God is our Eternal Father who loves and cares for each of us, so it only makes sense that His word would be chock-full of advice when it comes to our Earthly families. 

The Bible gives us sound counsel regarding family, ranging from instructions for raising your children to live righteously, to uplifting one another, discipline, and being respectful to your loved ones. 

Bible Verses About Family

Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

Exodus 20:12

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 

John 15:12

Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.

Proverbs 13:24

Discipline your children appropriately so that they will grow up to be responsible and dependable adults. Teach them the ways of right and wrong. 

‘Honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.

Matthew 19:19

Whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise.

Proverbs 11:29

But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.

1 Timothy 5:4

Let love and faithfulness never leave you;  bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.

Proverbs 3:3

A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.

Proverbs 15:20

“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the Earth.”

Ephesians 6: 2-3

That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.

Genesis 2:24

Husbands and wives are meant to become one; a united front with mutual love and respect. 

Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

Matthew 5:23-24

It is important to do what you can to repair these sacred and intimate relationships. 

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

3 John 1:4

However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Ephesians 5:33

Welcome and love your in-laws. 

A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.

Proverbs 13:1

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

Galatians 6:1

If one of your family members makes a mistake or poor decision, be sure to let them know you are there for them, and be gentle and kind to them. Do not be harsh or cruel. We are all human, and we all stray from the path sometimes. This does not mean you support their mistake or decision, rather, you are supporting them as a person and encouraging them to rectify their wrongdoing.

“The eye that mocks a father, that scorns an aged mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures.

Proverbs 30:17

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Matthew 5:27-28

A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.

Proverbs 28:7

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 

1 John 4:11

Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

Colossians 3:21

The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.

Proverbs 20:7

A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.

Proverbs 10:1

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Matthew 19:14

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Albeit self-explanatory, it is vital to live by these words. Pure love is not selfish, it does not hurt, it does not take. Pure love flourishes with happiness, compassion, generosity, truth, and appreciation. It is of God, and it is a beautiful and magnificent element that is fundamental for spiritual and honorable relationships with your loved ones. 

All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.

Isaiah 54:13

Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

Proverbs 1:8

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 

1 Peter 5:2-3

God is trusting you to raise your children virtuously and to live with morals. You must be the ethical and spiritual example they need. 

Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

Proverbs 19:14

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:24-25

He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.

Proverbs 10:5

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 

Deuteronomy 6:6-7

It is your responsibility to teach your children the word of God.

Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

1 Timothy 5:1-2

Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother is a child who brings shame and disgrace.

Proverbs 19:26

Cherish your parents, and regard them with the highest esteem. 

Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.

1 John 2:10-11

When you provide unconditional love, you are living in the light. By serving, being respectful, being patient, and kind, you are receiving blessings from above. 

Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

1 Timothy 5:8

Provide and give to your family. They are so important; you must support them and show them unconditional love. 

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Colossians 3:13

The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.

Proverbs 15:27

So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.

Matthew 19:6

A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.

Proverbs 12:4

Treat your spouse with love and the utmost respect.

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud “but shows favor to the humble.

1 Peter 5:5

Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death.

Proverbs 19:18

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience

Colossians 3:12

Embody compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience with your family. Be the safe person your loved ones can turn to in a time of need, and give them the comfort and love they deserve. 

Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die. Punish them with the rod and save them from death.

Proverbs 23:13-14

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

1 John 4:7

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. 

Matthew 18:10

Children are special gifts. Treat them fairly, and with love and respect. 

Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 

James 4:11

Do not speak ill of your loved ones. Don’t judge them or cause contention. Instead, love them unshakably.

For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’

Matthew 15:4

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

Deuteronomy 4:9

Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.

1 John 4:20

Better is open rebuke than hidden love.

Proverbs 27:5

Show your love always. 

The living, the living—they praise you, as I am doing today; parents tell their children about your faithfulness.

Isaiah 38:19

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”

Matthew 18:6

In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 

Ephesians 5:28

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 

1 Peter 4:10

Use your gift from God to serve those in your family. If you’re handy, serve in that way. If you are a great cook, cook a relative a meal. Use these talents and gifts for the purpose of good and love. 

Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

Colossians 3:18

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Psalm 139:13-14

We are all the children of God. He loves us completely, mistakes and all. 

‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

Mark 10:7-9

Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

Proverbs 19:27

Heed the advice of your fathers, both the heavenly one and the earthly one. 

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

Proverbs 17:17

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13

The best thing we can do for our family members is love them. 

This is my command: Love each other.

John 15:17

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

Ephesians 6:1

A foolish child is a father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof.

Proverbs 19:13

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

Romans 12:9

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

1 Peter 4:9

Serve one another, and help each other out around the house. Help because you want to help; because you want to take some burden off their back. 

A wife of noble character who can find?

    She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her

    and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm,

    all the days of her life.

She selects wool and flax

    and works with eager hands.

She is like the merchant ships,

    bringing her food from afar.

She gets up while it is still night;

    she provides food for her family

    and portions for her female servants.

She considers a field and buys it;

    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

She sets about her work vigorously;

    her arms are strong for her tasks.

She sees that her trading is profitable,

    and her lamp does not go out at night.

In her hand she holds the distaff

    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

She opens her arms to the poor

    and extends her hands to the needy.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household;

    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

She makes coverings for her bed;

    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

Her husband is respected at the city gate,

    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them,

    and supplies the merchants with sashes. 

She is clothed with strength and dignity;

    she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom,

    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household

    and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed;

    her husband also, and he praises her:

“Many women do noble things,

    but you surpass them all.”

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Honor her for all that her hands have done,

    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Proverbs 10:10-31

In Closing

Don’t take your relationships with your family members for granted. Forgive grievances, practice patience, uplift one another, and most importantly show and express your love openly. Guide your children to follow the Lord, and instill His teachings in their hearts. Take delight in serving your spouse, and be gentle with them always. Be there to offer comfort and support when needed, and do so without passing judgment. Don’t let your loved ones have the opportunity to question your love for them. 

 

I challenge you to send a letter, text message, or email to a relative today expressing your appreciation for them. 

 

Your family is a gift from God, treasure them always.

-Torrance Church of Christ

 

Bible Verses to Inspire Thankfulness

It is important to humble yourself and give thanks for all of the blessings you’ve been blessed with. We’ve gathered a list of Bible verses to ponder on and encourage feelings of gratitude and thankfulness in your heart. 

Bible Verses Pertaining to Gratitude and Thankfulness:

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6-7

The Lord will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; he will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing.

Isaiah 51:3

always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:20

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Psalm 107:1

Sing to the Lord with grateful praise; make music to our God on the harp.

Psalm 147:7

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:57

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Colossians 4:2

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.

Ephesians 1:15-16

Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

1 Chronicles 29:13

I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 69:30

For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving

1 Timothy 4:4

Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.

Romans 14:6

Cry out, “Save us, God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise.”

 1 Chronicles 16:35 

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.  Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:

“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

Daniel 6:10

After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat.

Acts 27:35

I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you.

Psalm 35:18

If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for? So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:30-31

Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.

John 6:11

I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.

Psalm 7:17

Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

Ephesians 5:4

saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!”

Revelation 7:12

Because the Lord kept vigil that night to bring them out of Egypt, on this night all the Israelites are to keep vigil to honor the Lord for the generations to come.

Exodus 12:42

We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.

1 Thessalonians 1:2

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.

Romans 1:8

We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.

2 Thessalonians 1:3

So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.

John 11:41

We Hope

We hope that you and your loved ones enjoy a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving Holiday. Consider Who gave you all; don’t forget to thank Him.

-Torrance Church of Christ