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Christ is Coming

In the Word

A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God" (Isaiah 40:3).

Of the Word

During the weeks leading up to Christmas, our thoughts naturally turn to gifts, food, and festivities. After all, Christmas is coming, and we want to have everything ready — the presents wrapped, the cookies baked, and the tree sparkling. Christmas is coming! 

All our preparations, however, are nothing more than a flurry of activity unless we remember it is Christ's coming we celebrate. Why did He come? He came as a fulfillment of the promise God made through His many prophets of old. He came so we could know God's love and compassion in human form, and so we could see His power at work in the lives of people.

When we honor Him by setting aside special time to join with others in worship and praise, we are celebrating the coming of Christ. When we rejoice in His goodness by sharing His message of love and forgiveness, we are celebrating the coming of Christ. When we wrap, bake, and decorate with His joy in our hearts, we are celebrating the coming of Christ.

May our Christmas celebrations reflect the coming of Christ into the world … and into our hearts.

Walking with my Lord

Lord Jesus, let each day be a celebration of You! Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Joy of Christmas. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 4/32 ©2011, revised 2024 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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It is a New Day

In the Word

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Of the Word

Sometimes we are glad to see days come to a close. They have been hard, boring, or exhausting. We have heard bad news, or we have suffered a heartbreaking event. "Whew!" we sigh, and we look to a new day for better times.

The birth of Jesus brought to the world a brand new day. It was the first day of His life on earth, a life that would bring Him the scorn and mockery of many who heard Him speak the Word of God in truth. It would bring Him betrayal and beating and death on a cross in fulfillment of the plan of God for our salvation. But His death was not His last day on earth! Three days later, Jesus rose, bringing to us victory over guilt and death, over hopelessness and despair.

No matter what the day brings, today is a day to rejoice. Jesus came to bring the gift of His grace and the assurance of life in and with Him. He came so we can put the past behind us and delight in a brand new day.

Walking with my Lord

Lord Jesus, a new day dawned when You came down from heaven to earth, and now I can rejoice in You every day! Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Joy of Christmas. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 3/32 ©2011, revised 2024 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Come One, Come All

In the Word

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, 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, revised 2024 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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A Familiar Story

In the Word

And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place 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, revised 2024 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Friends: Who? When? Where? How often?

In the Word

"Let us choose what is right; let us know among ourselves what is good" (Job 34:4).

Of the Word

Bowling night, Bible study, ladies night out, a hunting trip, a quick get-together after work — and suddenly time with friends is crowding out time together. It is easy for one spouse to feel jealousy or resentment toward the other spouse's friends. The perception might be that there is more fun to be had with friends than with each other. It is good and healthy to spend time with friends outside of the marriage; but when that time begins to infringe upon "couple-time," an adjustment is in order.

Setting boundaries that are comfortable for both of you can ease much tension. Giving permission for your spouse to spend time away from you sends the message of trust. Being open with your feelings keeps your mate informed of your concerns. Every now and then cancel plans with friends and tell your spouse that you would rather spend time together. Sacrifices like that can do a lot of good for a marriage.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, You give us friends for support and enjoyment. Help us to balance our time so that our love and support for everyone grows. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 7/28 ©2008, revised 2024 Lutheran Women's Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Begin with God … He Gives His Word

In the Word

Why did God give us His Word?

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105).

Of the Word

When driving to a new place we can easily become lost and confused because we are in unfamiliar territory. God knew we would need a road map for our life and He gave it to us in His inspired Word, the Bible.

But these [words] are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name (John 20:31).

The Bible is truly the greatest “self-help” book ever written. God’s Word tells us the Good News of Jesus and it teaches us how to love and forgive. It gives directions for living confidently, for relating to those around us, and for solving life’s problems. Best of all, God’s Word is constant and true.

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever (Isaiah 40:8).

Walking with my Lord

Lord, I am grateful for the Bible. Through it You assure me of Your faithfulness, guidance, and forgiveness. Help me to study Your Word daily for direction in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Deaconess Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 9/28 ©2007, revised 2024 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Begin with God … He Gives Eternal Life

In the Word

Who will receive eternal life?

Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life (Revelation 2:10b).

Of the Word

Jesus says: Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment … (John 5:24a). For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day (John 6:40).

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. (John 10:27–28).

Jesus came to earth to bring life and salvation to all people. Salvation is God's free gift to all who believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose again. No believer will be turned away.

Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life (Revelation 2:10b).

Walking with my Lord

Dear heavenly Father, You are the God of love! Every day I am reminded of the blessed assurance of eternal life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. May the Holy Spirit continue to teach me to listen to and follow Your Word. In Jesus' name, who died for all and gives all believers in Him eternal life. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Deaconess Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 8/28 ©2007, revised 2024 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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