With Christmas just around the corner, I’m reminded once again how often God starts with small things to bring about his biggest changes. We remember that God came to dwell among us as an infant, tiny and vulnerable — starting small to accomplish the world’s greatest good.

I’m realizing that for many, the first crucial encounters with God’s Word start very much like this. They begin with baby steps. People exploring the Bible for the first time need encouragement and support to move forward and discover the wonder of God’s bigger story.

That’s why I’m so excited by our growing partnership with Scripture Union/USA (page 19) and the new Bible-engagement tool, The Essential 100 (the essential 100 Scripture passages, or E100). E100 provides the simple first steps and a plan for churches and individuals to begin reading Scripture, to keep going and to get the bigger picture of God’s love across the full sweep of the Bible.

One 16-year-old named Brian described it well: “It’s good to know that someone went through and figured out [the key 100] passages that every Christian should read and think about.”

Especially during this Christmas season, please pray with us for these vital first steps. Let’s pray that God will bless our ministry efforts (see Gift Catalog, page 10) which invite thousands of people across the United States and around the world to discover the joy of God’s Word and the love of God’s Son, born for us.

A very blessed Christmas to you and yours.