In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. He formed light from darkness, land from water, and breathed life into the first man and woman, Adam and Eve. They dwelled in the Garden of Eden, living in harmony with God until temptation led them to disobey His command, and sin entered the world.

As generations passed, humanity grew wicked, and God decided to cleanse the earth. He chose Noah, a righteous man, and commanded him to build an ark. When the flood came, only Noah and his family were saved, and after the waters receded, God made a covenant with Noah, promising never to flood the earth again.

From Noah’s descendants arose the patriarchs. God called Abram, promising that his descendants would become a great nation. Abram’s name was changed to Abraham, and his son Isaac would inherit the promise. Isaac begat Jacob, who was renamed Israel, and his twelve sons became the fathers of the tribes of Israel. Joseph, one of Jacob’s sons, was sold into slavery in Egypt but rose to power, saving his family during a famine.

The Israelites grew in Egypt, but as they multiplied, a Pharaoh enslaved them. God heard their cries and sent Moses to lead them to freedom. Through plagues and wonders, Moses brought them out of Egypt, and at Mount Sinai, God gave them the Law, written on stone tablets.

For forty years, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, learning to trust God. Under Joshua, they conquered the Promised Land and settled there. However, they strayed from God, and during the time of the judges, they faced oppression and deliverance, seeking a king to rule over them.

Saul became the first king, but he faltered. Then God chose David, a shepherd boy, who united the tribes and made Jerusalem the capital. David desired to build a temple for God, but God promised that his lineage would last forever. Solomon, David’s son, built the temple, and during his reign, Israel experienced peace and prosperity.

Yet, as Solomon turned away from God, the kingdom divided into Israel in the north and Judah in the south. The people worshipped idols, and the prophets arose, calling them back to faithfulness. Isaiah spoke of a coming Messiah, a Suffering Servant who would bear their sins.

In the fullness of time, God sent His Son, Jesus, born of a virgin in Bethlehem. He grew in wisdom and favor, performing miracles and teaching of God’s love and kingdom. He called disciples and shared parables, revealing the path to salvation.

But the religious leaders rejected Him, and in a tragic turn, He was betrayed, crucified, and buried. On the third day, He rose from the dead, conquering sin and death. He appeared to His disciples, commissioning them to spread the Good News to all nations.

As the church grew, the apostles preached boldly, performing wonders and establishing communities of believers. Paul, a persecutor turned apostle, wrote letters of instruction and encouragement, revealing the mystery of Christ.

The Revelation was given to John, revealing the end of days and the final victory of good over evil. It spoke of a new heaven and new earth, where God would dwell with His people, wiping away every tear.

Thus, the story unfolds from creation to redemption, a tale of God’s unwavering love and His desire for relationship with humanity, culminating in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.