The Little Foxes That (Try To) Ruin Christmas
Elizabeth Laing Thompson
“Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.” Song of Songs 2:15 (NIV)
“I will love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me.” Proverbs 8:17 (NET)
“Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” Ecclesiastes 7:8 (ESV)
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:8 (NIV)
“Barak said to [Deborah], ‘If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.’” Judges 4:8 (NIV)
“For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD, but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death.” Proverbs 8:35-36 (ESV)
“Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.” 1 Corinthians 7:20 (NIV)
Loving God, as a new school year begins, we ask Your blessing on all students, teachers, school staff, and families. Calm anxious hearts, spark curiosity, and guide every step. Grant strength and patience to teachers, wisdom to leaders, and peace to parents and caregivers. May classrooms be places of safety, growth, and joy. Walk with students as they learn, make friends, and face new challenges. Help them grow not only in knowledge but also in kindness and courage. Surround each school with Your protection. Let this year be filled with grace, learning, and hope. Wherever we go, remind us that You are with us always. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
“I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.” Isaiah 44:22 (NIV)
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1 (NIV)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things.” Galatians 5:22-23 (CSB)
“Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.” Song of Songs 2:15 (NIV)
“And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:38 (ESV)
“Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God …” Luke 2:13 (NLT)
“… the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.” Romans 4:17 (ESV)