Picture-book story

Heavenly City: a story in three chapters

A visit to the holy city the Bible describes: an open gate, the river of life and a song from every nation. You are the young builder with the satchel and the toolbox.

Chapter 1 The Open Gate

You stand before a tall, open gate of pearl in a golden city. — You stand before a gate of pearl, and it is open.

People build homes from white blocks and welcome you. — Inside, people are building homes of light, and everyone is welcome.

A builder smiles and hands you a hammer beside a new home. — Someone hands you a hammer and smiles: "There is a place for you here."

In the Bible: The Bible says the twelve gates of the holy city are pearls, and that its gates will never be shut. Jesus promised his friends that he would prepare a place for them. Revelation 21:21–25; John 14:1–3

Chapter 2 The River

You look at a clear river flowing through the city. — A river, clear as crystal, flows through the middle of the city.

You plant young trees along the riverbank with your neighbors. — You help plant trees along its banks, row after row.

Families share baskets of fruit under the trees by the river. — The trees bear fruit every month, and their leaves bring healing.

In the Bible: The Bible describes the river of the water of life, clear as crystal, and the tree of life beside it, bearing fruit every month, with leaves for the healing of the nations. Revelation 22:1–2

Chapter 3 The Song

People from many nations gather in the great square. — People from every nation gather in the great square.

You sing with your family beside a fountain while a man plays the guitar. — You practice the songs with your family each day.

The whole square sings together. — Together you sing, and the whole city joins in praise.

In the Bible: The Bible describes a great crowd from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing together and praising God. Revelation 7:9–10