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The Joy of Christmas: Come One, Come All

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Come One, Come All

In the Word

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

Of the Word

You're invited! During the holidays invitations just keep pouring in. Many of them might include the question, "Will you let us know whether or not you can come?"

Through God's angel an invitation was given to the shepherds watching their sheep on the lonely hills near Bethlehem. Their response was "Yes!" as they interrupted their work to see where the newborn Savior lay in a manger. With a star in the east, God summoned the Magi. They, too, said "Yes!" even though it meant traveling far from home to find the Holy Child.

Christmas may bring many invitations, but the most important one is the one sent by our Lord. He invites us to come and hear His voice in the words of Scripture and to join with others in the celebration of His birth. Just as He invited the shepherds and the Magi, He invites us to come to His cradle and worship Him.

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for coming into my life. Thank You for inviting me into Your presence. Amen.


Mustard Seed: The Joy of Christmas. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 2/32 ©2011 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from The HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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The Joy of Christmas: A Familiar Story

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A Familiar Story

In the Word

… and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn (Luke 2:7).

Of the Word

The Christmas story is one we've heard time and again. We know about Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and the angels, the one bright guiding star in the sky, and the Magi on their way to Bethlehem. We know they came to visit the Baby Jesus born in a manger because we hear about it every year.

As often as it's been repeated, however, the Christmas story still has relevance to us. Like Mary and Joseph, we are aware of God's presence, His will, and His work in our lives. Like the shepherds and angels, all of us join our voices in praise to the newborn King. Like the Magi, we follow His light and offer ourselves before Him in humility and gratitude.

The Nativity still takes place in hearts and lives throughout the world. The Holy Spirit brings joy to God's people each time the Christmas story is heard.

Walking with my Lord

Lord Jesus, as I hear the story of Your birth in Bethlehem, open my heart and mind to its meaning in my life. Amen.


Mustard Seed: The Joy of Christmas. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 1/32 ©2011 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from The HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Living in Faith: Trusting Jesus

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Faith is … Trusting Jesus to Provide Real Security

In the Word

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure (Hebrews 6:19a).

Of the Word

Many people in the world today are desperately searching for security. In their minds, if they could find the right combination of material blessings, such as the perfect job with high pay and a solid retirement plan, they would never need to worry again. If only they would look around them and consider what has happened to others like them who have placed their trust and sought their security in the things of this world! There is no lasting security in the material things of life.

But we, as Christians, do have a secure anchor and His name is Jesus. Our faith rests not in things of this world, but rather in the person of Jesus Christ. He proved once and for all He is the secure anchor we need in this world in which we live. He proved Himself when He showed Himself alive to the disciples. He is our risen Lord.

Our anchor is our faithful God who has provided for us in the past, is doing so now, and will continue to provide for us even into eternity. He provides all of the security we need. Our faithful God is our security from eternity to eternity.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord Jesus, You are my hope and the firm, secure anchor for my soul. In Your name. Amen.


Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 18/30 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Comfort from the Psalms: The Restless Soul

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The Restless Soul

In the Word

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him (Psalm 62:5).

Of the Word

Researchers tell us that adults today don’t get enough sleep. The advent of electricity means we stay up later than our ancestors. Well into the night we are watching television, reading, or using our computers. “Early to bed and early to rise” doesn’t seem to fit in with today’s lifestyle. Consequently, sleep deprivation and fatigue are common among us. As a society, we just aren’t getting enough physical rest.

Just as common are the people who can find no rest for their souls. Many carry burdens of guilt, hatred, anger, or prejudice. Some are grieving. Others are unable to forgive, whether it is themselves or someone else. Day after day they search for inner peace and it just isn’t there. They look for hope and can’t find it.

Do you have a restless soul? Take to heart the words of Jesus, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. … I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28, 29b). Jesus invites us all to come and rest in Him.

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Lord Jesus, that I can say, “I came to Jesus as I was, So weary, worn, and sad; I found in him a resting-place, And he has made me glad.” In Your name I pray. Amen.


Mustard Seed: Comfort from the Psalms. Authors: Marcia Gomulka & Myrna Lou Meyer. 19/30 ©2009 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

“I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say” words by Horatius Bonar, music by Thomas Tallis. Public domain.

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View the printable PDF of this devotion, The Restless Soul

Living in Faith: Depending on Our Heavenly Father

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Faith is … Depending on Our Heavenly Father

In the Word

You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing (Psalm 145:16).

Of the Word

Some people take the attitude: “God is too great, too busy, too remote to be interested in me personally.” That might be a complaint; it might be false humility. Either way we should not measure God by our standards nor judge Him by our limitations. He is God and so His eye can be on the sparrow and His mind can number the very hairs of our heads. He does not lose sight of our best interests or neglect our needs. He is vitally interested in what we do with the gift of life.

All things depend on God, our Father. The seeds which the sparrow eats, the food for the fish in the sea, the crops which we harvest, and food we gather into carts at the supermarket all come from His generous hand. Food itself, the strength to gather it, and the ability of our bodies to turn that food into energy and strength are all gifts of His goodness. He is not too great to care about these things.

If our Father were to close His hand or turn His face, there would be no life on this earth. Those who refuse to look to Him or acknowledge their dependence on Him could not live. 

Walking with my Lord

Almighty Father, send Your Spirit upon me in rich measure that I may always depend upon You for all things spiritual and physical. In Jesus’ name. Amen.


Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 16/30 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Living as a Woman in Mission: Be Ready

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Be Ready

In the Word

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect … (1 Peter 3:15).

Of the Word

Over the years I have been blessed to lead workshops in which women learned to share their faith in Christ. To allow people an opportunity to talk with one another, each woman worked with a partner. On one occasion a young woman was without a partner, so she and I became a team. As we talked, I learned that she had come at her grandmother’s invitation. To my surprise she said, “I don’t know this Jesus that you are talking about.”

How wonderful it was to share Jesus’ love with her, telling her what He has done for me throughout my life!

To this day, it is with thanksgiving and joy that I remember the young woman seated next to her grandmother on the last pew of the church. It is my prayer that she has learned to know Jesus and that she is now sharing her faith with others. St. Paul writes to Philemon and his message is the same for us: I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ (Philemon 1:6).

Walking with my Lord

Father, I rejoice with thanksgiving that You have called me to be Your child now and forever. Give me the desire and courage to readily share my faith in You with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.


Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Ida Mall. 15/32 ©2009 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

Be Ready — PRINTABLE VERSION

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Living in Faith: Looking Up and Above

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Faith is … Looking Up and Above

In the Word

I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1–2).

Of the Word

A great deal of wisdom is contained in this poem by an unknown author: If your nose is close to the grindstone rough, And you hold it down there long enough, In time you’ll say there’s no such thing, As brooks that babble or birds that sing. These three will all your world compose: Just you and the stone and your poor nose.

Sometimes we keep our nose so close to the grindstone we see nothing but sparks! A wise doctor advised a patient who was facing a nervous breakdown, “Go away and look at something big!”

Faith is just that. It is looking at the One who is above all and in all and through all. It is looking beyond His wonderful creation and seeing the Creator Himself. The Creator not only made the mountains but also allowed His only Son to die on one of those hills outside Jerusalem.

Faith is looking beyond our present circumstances and seeing something bigger than our problems, bigger than our circumstances. Oh, the blessings of looking up and above!

Walking with my Lord

“My faith looks up to Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine. Now hear me while I pray; Take all my guilt away; Oh, let me from this day Be wholly Thine!” In Jesus’ name. Amen.


Mustard Seed: Living in Faith. Author: Rev. Darold Reiner. 9/30 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.
“My Faith Looks Up To Thee” words by Ray Palmer, music by Lowell Mason – Public Domain.

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