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

Diving Deeper into the 10 Commandments

What Are The Ten Commandments?

1. You shall have no other gods before Me.
2. You shall not make idols.
3. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.
4. Keep the Sabbath Day holy.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness.
10. You shall not covet.

How Did The Ten Commandments Come About?

In a brief summary, Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. Not too long after Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, the group found themselves at the base of Mount Sinai. They decided to rest here. Moses instructed the Israelites to stay at the foot of the mountain, while he went up to speak with God. Atop the mountain, God revealed Himself to Moses and gave him tablets made of stone that were inscribed with the Ten Commandments. Moses was ordered to share these Commandments with the Israelites. 

The Ten Commandments are referenced throughout the Bible, the Old Testament, and New Testament alike. However, The Book of Exodus and The Book of Deuteronomy both provide the entire account of Moses obtaining them. We’ve included the chapters in both Exodus and Deuteronomy at the bottom of the post that you’re welcome to check out.

Why Should You Abide By The Ten Commandments?

God gave us the Ten Commandments as a set of laws to uphold. They are simplified decrees that adhere to moral and spiritual health. When we strive to live the law of the Lord, we are keeping Him at the center of our lives. By following the Ten Commandments, we are living our lives on the path of righteousness. 

Is There Any Importance In The Order?

There is nothing in the Bible stating that the order of the Ten Commandments has any deeper meaning. Quite the opposite actually. Throughout the Bible, the Commandments are referenced in different orders. 

Let's Take a Look at What Each of the Commandments Mean

 

First Commandment- You Shall Have No Other Gods Before Me:

We need to acknowledge and accept that there is only one God, and He is the Creator of all things. Our hearts need to swell with this great knowledge and keep Him first in our lives. There are no other gods; we mustn't disrespect Him by entertaining the possibility. 

Second Commandment- You Shall Not Make Idols:

Akin to the first Commandment, the second Commandment tells us to worship only Him and to steer clear of idols. The word idols has an assortment of definitions that apply to this Commandment. Foremost, idols take on the definition of false gods. There are no other gods, it is only He who we must honor. The second Commandment also means we must not craft any objects, visuals, or pieces in His image, for that handiwork becomes an idol. We need to remember that God is almighty and we will never be able to replicate something so great and divine. Additionally, if you are not careful, anything can be categorized as idols: money, celebrities, careers, a partner, material items, etc. If something/someone is placed above God, it is an idol. 

Third Commandment- You Shall Not Take The Name Of The LORD Your God In Vain:

By using the Lord’s name in Vain, we are practicing defamation. We are slandering His good name, tarnishing His name with profanity and irreverence. 

Psalms 34:3 reads:

Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together.

We are to exalt His great name and keep His name clean and holy. 

Fourth Commandment- Keep The Sabbath Day Holy:

The Sabbath is sanctioned as a day of rest. It is a day we set aside our daily tasks and focus on The Esteemed. 

In Mark 2:27, Jesus says:

Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” 

This scripture tells us that God gave us the Sabbath as a gift, and we need to respect it. This does not mean we must stay and worship if there is an emergency we need to attend to. 

In Matthew 12:10- 12 we learn if there is an emergency, we can take the actions to solve it, even if it is the Sabbath:

and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to bring charges against Jesus, they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” He said to them, “If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”

Our Father blessed us with this day of rest. We should take advantage of this gift and use the day to show our gratitude for Him. 

Fifth Commandment- Honor Your Father And Mother:

The fifth Commandment is twofold. The first half being we are required to honor our Father in Heaven. We can find countless scriptures supporting this. The second half is about our responsibility to honor and serve our earthly parents. It is our duty to abide by our parents, obey their teachings, and respect their rules and decisions. 

Sixth Commandment- You Shall Not Murder:

This Commandment seems a little obvious, murder is wrong. Taking someone’s life is a sin. But let’s delve a little deeper. 

Matthew 5: 21-22 reads:

You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

Likewise, 1 John 3:15 states:

Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.

What do these scriptures mean? What is the underlying message? These verses teach us that murder doesn’t only mean to kill or take a life. They teach us that murder in the Bible is parallel to hate. 

This Commandment instructs us to banish hate from our hearts, and to avoid abuse, whether it be physical, mental, or verbal. It expresses the underlying need to love. 

Seventh Commandment- You Shall Not Commit Adultery:

Marriage is a sacred commitment. The acts that happen within a marriage are revered and meant to stay within the marriage. God wants us to uphold our marriage commitment, respect our spouse, and keep our relationships clean. It is vital we do not take our marriage commitment lightly. 

Eighth Commandment- You Shall Not Steal:

In some instances, we might justify stealing as a means to meet our needs. Some may steal just to do it, get a thrill, or fulfill a want. No matter the reason behind the act- stealing is wrong. It shows disrespect toward another. 

Stealing also breaks a multitude of Commandments: we are dishonest in our actions, coveting another, perhaps idolizing whatever was stolen, and committing adultery if the stolen is someone else’s spouse. 

Ninth Commandment- You Shall Not Bear False Witness:

You need to keep honest in all of your words and doings. When you deceive, you are not respecting yourself or others. On top of that, God is immersed in truth. His actions, His promises, His words are imbued with honesty. 

We learn in John 8:44, that the adversary, Satan, is known as the father of lies. The verse reads:

You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Lying and deceit are Satan’s most powerful weapon. When we lie, we are working hand-in-hand with Satan, doing the opposite of God. God wants us to follow His path, not the path of evil. 

Tenth Commandment- You Shall Not Covet:

What does it mean to covet? Common synonyms of covet are, desire, want, and envy, just to name a few. Oxford defines covet as: yearn to possess or have (something). So why would covet be included in the Ten Commandments? When we allow ourselves to covet, we are actively showing discontent and ungratefulness in our own lives. This leaves us feeling dissatisfied and begrudging. God doesn’t want us to harbor feelings of ill-will. These feelings are contradictory to those He wants us to bear. Instead, we need to feel appreciative of what we have, and what He has given to us. We must show our thanks to the Lord for all that he has blessed us with. 

What Can We Learn From The Commandments? What Can We Expect From Following Them?

The Ten Commandments essentially define sin. They were given to us by God in order for us to live a righteous life. When we incorporate them into our daily lives, we are choosing to walk the right path that enables us to return to Him. By following them, we are denying Satan access to our hearts and opening the door for God to grant us blessings. 

What If We Break A Commandment?

God knows we are imperfect. That is why He sent His son to be sacrificed for us: to clean away our sins. If we repent, we will be forgiven. He loves us and doesn’t want us to hurt or suffer. He designed a way for us to clean our slates when we slip up. 

To Conclude

Many of the Commandments go hand-in-hand with each other. Their messages are interwoven, united together as God’s will. God showed His love for us when He presented us with the Ten Commandments. He provided us with the laws we need to follow in order to receive everlasting life with Him. He blessed us with a fail-safe in the form of repentance. Heed His warning. Commit yourself to follow His law. If we do our part, He will do his. 

-Torrance Church of Christ

Chapters From Exodus and Deuteronomy

In Exodus chapter 20, we learn the story of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments. It reads:

1 And God spoke all these words:

2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 3 “You shall have no other gods before me. 4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. 7 “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. 8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. 12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. 13 “You shall not murder. 14 “You shall not commit adultery. 15 “You shall not steal. 16 “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. 17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” 18 When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance 19 and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.” 20 Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.” 21 The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was. 22 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites this: ‘You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven: 23 Do not make any gods to be alongside me; do not make for yourselves gods of silver or gods of gold. 24 “‘Make an altar of earth for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, your sheep and goats and your cattle. Wherever I cause my name to be honored, I will come to you and bless you. 25 If you make an altar of stones for me, do not build it with dressed stones, for you will defile it if you use a tool on it. 26 And do not go up to my altar on steps, or your private parts may be exposed.’

We see this again in Deuteronomy chapter 5:

1 Moses summoned all Israel and said:

Hear, Israel, the decrees and laws I declare in your hearing today. Learn them and be sure to follow them. 2 The Lord our God made a covenant with us at Horeb. 3 It was not with our ancestors that the Lord made this covenant, but with us, with all of us who are alive here today. 4 The Lord spoke to you face to face out of the fire on the mountain. 5 (At that time I stood between the Lord and you to declare to you the word of the Lord, because you were afraid of the fire and did not go up the mountain.) And he said: 6 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 7 “You shall have no other gods before me. 8 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 9 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 10 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. 11 “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. 12 “Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you. 13 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 14 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns, so that your male and female servants may rest, as you do. 15 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day. 16 “Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you. 17 “You shall not murder. 18 “You shall not commit adultery. 19 “You shall not steal. 20 “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. 21 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not set your desire on your neighbor’s house or land, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” 22 These are the commandments the Lord proclaimed in a loud voice to your whole assembly there on the mountain from out of the fire, the cloud and the deep darkness; and he added nothing more. Then he wrote them on two stone tablets and gave them to me. 23 When you heard the voice out of the darkness, while the mountain was ablaze with fire, all the leaders of your tribes and your elders came to me. 24 And you said, “The Lord our God has shown us his glory and his majesty, and we have heard his voice from the fire. Today we have seen that a person can live even if God speaks with them. 25 But now, why should we die? This great fire will consume us, and we will die if we hear the voice of the Lord our God any longer. 26 For what mortal has ever heard the voice of the living God speaking out of fire, as we have, and survived? 27 Go near and listen to all that the Lord our God says. Then tell us whatever the Lord our God tells you. We will listen and obey.” 28 The Lord heard you when you spoke to me, and the Lord said to me, “I have heard what this people said to you. Everything they said was good. 29 Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever! 30 “Go, tell them to return to their tents. 31 But you stay here with me so that I may give you all the commands, decrees and laws you are to teach them to follow in the land I am giving them to possess.” 32 So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. 33 Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.

 

Faith-Based Bucket List Ideas for Christians

What is a Bucket List?

A Bucket List is a list of goals, hopes, and experiences one aims to accomplish before they “kick the bucket”. Bucket lists can help clarify the desires we want in our lives so we can better work toward achieving our goals. They can provide us with better focus and motivation, supplying us with the accountability for reaching our goals. 

Now, What is a Faith-Based Bucket List?

A Faith-Based Bucket List is much the same as a Bucket List. The only difference is your goals and experiences you are working toward include also working toward deepening your relationship with God and are aligned with Christian values. 

How to Create a Bucket List

Creating a Bucket List should be a fun and fulfilling process. It shouldn’t be difficult, but you will need to challenge yourself in order to discover what you’d really like to accomplish. 

Envision- Exercise your imagination and envision adventures, encounters, feelings, and objectives you’d like to have in your lifetime. 

Create a Blueprint- Design a plan that you’ll realistically be able to follow in order to reach your target. Map out the details and embark on your trek! 

Devote Yourself- Make a promise to yourself to follow through with your Bucket List. Committing will allow you to better focus on your dreams, causing them to become a reality. 

Enjoy the Process- Seek for meaning and purpose. Take a deep look inside yourself and your values to determine goals that will be rewarding. Above all, have fun! 

Faith-Based Bucket List Ideas

• Read the Bible in a year(there is a Bible reading plan you can follow here )
• Hop on a plane and travel somewhere you’ve always wanted to go
• Attend a Christian concert
• Invite a friend to church
• Donate to your local food pantry
• Tell someone how important they are to you
• Take a trip to Israel 
• Apologize for a past wrongdoing
• Volunteer somewhere
• Go on a mission trip
• Purchase a gift for a pastor
• Make and deliver a meal to someone in your Church Family
• Chaperone a youth mission trip
• Take an underprivileged child under your wings and give them a great Christmas
• Forgive someone
• Watch a faith-based movie
• Keep a prayer journal
• Spend Christmas in Bethlehem
• Lead someone to Christ
• Join a bible study group
• Attend a prayer group
• Memorize 20 Bible verses
• Send a friend a care package
• Buy a homeless person dinner
• Share your testimony
• Attend a service of a different faith
• Celebrate Passover
• Walk the shores of Galilee
• Learn to truly not judge others

Free Printable

Save and print this free printable so you can start writing your own Faith-Based Bucket List.

Before you go…

Remember, identifying your deepest aspirations is a gratifying process. Fulfilling those aspirations can be even more uplifting and beneficial. If you struggle along the way, seek our Father in prayer. He is always there for you, holding you up when you are down; cheering alongside you. 

- Torrance Church of Christ