Advent. The time of coming prior to the birth of Christ.  A time of anticipation; waiting; preparation.  In this Advent season, we are preparing and waiting to celebrate the birth of Christ at Christmas, while waiting to welcome Him aright in His final coming in glory.

Many years ago, Mary and Joseph were anticipating the birth of the baby. As they traveled the road to Bethlehem, did they discuss what was ahead? Or ponder the events which had already occurred? I can imagine Mary’s discomfort in her final weeks of pregnancy, and Joseph’s care and concern for her. Did they remember the words of David, Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:14). They would need strength in the coming days; for the birth of the baby; for the miracles which would unfold.

Waiting can be difficult. As we wait with anticipation for Christmas, we hold these words in our hearts as we prepare for His coming.  In preparation, keep your focus on Christ with one of the LWML Advent devotions. One of my favorites is “Be Still” by Alli Bauck. We wait for the Lord.

Carolyn Holbrook
LWML Washington-Alaska District President

Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts (Malachi 3:1).

Our LWML group always has their Christmas party early in December and uses a resource from the LWML website for our program. One of my favorites is “Advent by Candlelight.” It takes us through the life stages of Mary, mother of Jesus, and helps us to understand our own life stages. It helps prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of the baby Jesus.

As I get closer to Christmas Day and life gets more hectic, I refer back to this beautiful devotion, to recenter and remind myself what is the most important part of this season; the birth of my Lord and Savior, Jesus. May your Advent season be blessed.

LaDonna Stanosheck
LWML Nebraska North District President

Trees fascinate me. There are so many different kinds. There are dwarf ones and giant redwoods. There are evergreen trees, trees that change color in the fall, and the ginkgo tree that drops all of its leaves within a few hours. We see sturdy oaks and flowing willows. There are ones with much character gained from many years of life right beside little saplings and trees showing enough growth to be sturdy on their own. I have also seen trees that look gilded by the sun shining on them.

These trees remind me of LWML women. Whenever we gather to serve, worship, and praise our Lord, there is a beautiful mixture. Let’s remember to stand tall together while we bask in the light of God’s grace, study His word, reach out with the Gospel, and appreciate all women.

Martha Hartwig
LWML Iowa East District President

October always brings Pastor Appreciation Month to my mind. When we celebrated 80 years of LWML in 2022, I pondered how many pastoral counselors — national, district, or zone — have served. It must be an astounding number! Let us praise God for sending those who teach and guide us through His Word!

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (Romans 10:14-15).

All pastors are special, but LWML Counselors are extra special! Let’s be sure they know how much they are appreciated, not just in October, but year-round. Check out this Mission Servant Activity for ideas.

Candy Habich
LWML Mid-South District President

For many years, the LWML Eastern District used to gather in September at a camp on the shores of Lake Erie, affectionately known as "a place in the Son.” We would get together there to "joyfully proclaim Christ, support missions, and equip women to honor God by serving others." 

The camp closed and we were heartbroken. The theme for 2021 was “Can Do with Jesus” from Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Finding a new location was difficult. We had lots of questions, but no answers. Where would we go? Can we locate something similar? Will there be anyone in attendance? We were worried, but God was with us. He said as much in Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Yes, as Lutheran Women ‘on a’ Mission, we did discover a “new place in the Son,” where we could carry on the work of God. 

“God has plans for you as well, as we trust Him.”

Dee E. Grzyb
LWML Eastern District President

As I read our Goal Statement for the 2023 LWML Convention, “As His children, we celebrate the Lord of the nations,” the word celebrate grabbed my attention. Who doesn’t love a celebration! An opportunity to celebrate OUR LORD will be in Milwaukee, June 22–25.

There will be many ways to celebrate at the convention. Worship services with thousands of LWML members and friends, opportunities to hear from missionaries sharing their passion and celebrating their work, networking and celebrating with LWML members from across the nation, participating with other women in servant events, and celebrating with entertainment!

Many of you have attended conventions in the past. Many of you have friends and fellow LWML members who have never attended a convention. Now is the time to encourage them to register for the 40th Biennial LWML Convention and book their accommodations. 

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man (Psalm 33:12-13).

Gayle Thanepohn, President
LWML Northern Illinois District 

Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses (Proverbs 10:12).

Eighty years ago, Vesta Stoudt supported the war effort working at an ordnance plant in Illinois. She packed and inspected ammunition boxes and realized that the boxes secured by waterproof wax were extremely difficult for soldiers to open while under fire. She worked up a diagram, outlined the problem, and sent her solution to President Roosevelt.  Her invention of duct tape continues to cover many offenses. 

About the same time, women met at a Lutheran Church in Illinois, and formally established the LWML. They wanted a coordinated, national effort for LCMS women that would equip and encourage them to cover people with the love of Jesus.

In June, join thousands of women and men at the LWML Convention in Milwaukee as they are covered with Christ’s love and Celebrate the Lord of the Nations.

And, you can pack up your Gifts from the Heart donations with duct tape. 

In Christ Alone, 

Christine Maconachy, President
LWML Chesapeake District