Read Time: 4 min 41 sec | Reading Level: 7th Grade

WORLD NEWS

Panda Diplomacy

China just sent two new diplomats to Washington, D.C. Their names are Bao Li and Qing Bao; they’re three years old… and they’re giant pandas.

Pandas have been some of China’s most effective diplomats (no offense, statesmen). In 1972, Richard Nixon traveled to Beijing, and the first lady mentioned her love for pandas. China quickly dispatched a pair to Washington, D.C., as a sign of new friendship. Since then, pandas have lived at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo continuously.

Except last fall. Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and their cub, Xiao Qi Ji, went home to China. The National Zoo was left with a panda-shaped hole in its heart, and many wondered if it was because the friendship between China and the U.S. had been rocky.

Doubts were put to rest when Bao Li and Qing Bao landed in Washington Tuesday on a plane dubbed “The Panda Express.” They were met by cheering crowds and general panda-monium. 

After a period of quarantine to prevent disease from spreading, the giant pandas will make their public debut in January. The beloved “panda cam” is coming soon!

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
China nailed it with this gift, delivering smiles and delight to millions of Americans. God is an even better gift-giver… he created it all, then sent his most precious treasure (his Son) to set right again the gifted world we broke. When you celebrate good gifts, don’t forget to celebrate the Giver.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. By his own choice, he gave us birth by the word of truth so that we would be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.”
James 1:17-18 (CSB) (read full passage)

What might my kids misunderstand about this story?
Pandas don’t just live at the zoo to make us smile (but that’s great, too). They’re there for “conservation,” or so that the species can be protected and not become endangered.

Conservation is something that believers in Jesus can get behind. God created an incredible world with crazy creatures like adorable, giant black-and-white bears. We can show gratitude for his wonderful gifts by caring for them carefully. When God made Adam, he gave him a job: “The LORD God took the man and placed him in the garden of Eden to work it and watch over it” (Genesis 2:15 CSB).

While sin makes our job difficult, it hasn’t changed the job description: care for God’s world as an expression of our love for him.

What gospel lesson can be taught through this story?
God’s creation is both terrifying and wonderful. 

While we mourn devastating natural disasters like Hurricane Helene and Milton, we can also celebrate the gifts of God’s good creation—like pandas. And one day, the mourning will be over, and we’ll live with God forever in an incredible world full of wonderful people, mystifying creatures, and, best of all, God’s presence.

The prophet Isaiah paints a picture of what that new earth will be like, and peaceful animal life makes it into the frame alongside God’s up-close friendship: “‘Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox…They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain” (Isaiah 65:24-25 CSB). We wouldn’t be surprised if giant pandas are there, too, ready for cuddles.

• Discuss your favorite creatures. What’s your favorite zoo animal, and why?

• Memorize James 1:17, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (CSB).

• Pray for those who are currently mourning over creation’s devastation to see glimpses of its beauty and joy. Pray for those who don’t know Jesus to meet him so they can join you in the new heavens and new earth.

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WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Enjoy some funny animal photos…