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Ultrasound

In the Word

And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. … you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus” (Luke 1:30–31).

Of the Word

In spite of all the water I had to drink before the big fetal anatomy ultrasound, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of looking at my baby. I thought I would leave the doctor’s office knowing whether the baby was a boy or girl. As it turned out, my daughter was too much of a lady to definitively reveal her gender at that time.

Who needs an ultrasound when the angel Gabriel is delivering the message? Mary was a young virgin when she received some shocking news in an unexpected visit from Gabriel. He not only told her she would conceive a child by the power of the Holy Spirit, he also revealed to her that she would bear a son who she would name Jesus. He would be the Son of God.

Thank God for the Good News Gabriel announced to Mary. Thank God for the willing heart displayed in the young virgin. And thank God for the promise fulfilled in an infant, who did grow to be a mighty King indeed, saving His people and bringing them into His eternal kingdom.

Walking with my Lord

My Lord and Savior, I praise You for entering into this world to save me. May I never be afraid to share this Good News with others. In Your holy name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 8/30 ©2013 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, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Candlemas: The Middle of Winter

Most of us mark February 2 as the day we jokingly put our trust in a little ground hog (Ground Hog Day). In jest, we call upon this furry little fellow to predict our winter fate, and like many other things that we might falsely rely on, the ground hog certainly cannot be trusted. While we know Ground Hog Day will come and go without any real hope concerning the arrival of spring, we do have a Savior whose light and promise of new life in Him is always certain.  

This second day of February, situated right in the middle of winter, is also celebrated by many Christians as “Candlemas.” Candlemas is 40 days after Christmas and marks the Feast of the Purification of Mary and the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. It is in the second chapter of Luke that we hear how Mary presented herself and the Christ child in the Temple according to the Law of Moses. Luke also presents to us these certain words of salvation in Christ Jesus proclaimed by faithful Simeon:

Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation
that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel (Luke 2:29–32).

Historically, Candlemas is also the day that the candles of the church are blessed. Candles give us light and remind us of Christ our Savior. Through the Word of God, we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit who creates faith in our hearts to believe in Christ and proclaim Him as our true source of light and salvation. This same Holy Spirit was upon Simeon as he proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah there in the Temple. 

We never really know what that groundhog will do as February 2nd rolls around. However, when Candlemas comes, we hear and can be certain of Simeon's proclamation. This day, positioned right in middle of winter and spring, shines the light of hope, a hope that truly breaks the cold darkness of our sin and false winter hopes. Candlemas brings us a true and trustworthy proclamation of what is and what is to come. Only Christ Jesus breaks the darkness of sin and uncertainty and shines His everlasting light of salvation for all people! 

Prayer: Dear Father in Heaven, you reveal to us Your light found in Mary’s Child. Thank you for sending this Light of salvation for all people. May Simeon’s proclamation also be ours as we fully put our trust and hope only in Jesus. Amen. 

The Middle of Winter by Patti Miller, St. Louis, Missouri
Copyright © 2022 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. All rights reserved.
lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Mama

In the Word

“Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name’” (Matthew 6:9).

Of the Word

One little word. You wouldn’t think it would make such an impact, but I can tell you how my heart swelled when I first heard it from my daughter’s little lips. “Mama.” Of course “Mama” may be heard in between sobs, when my daughter doesn’t feel well, or in the middle of the night. But I still feel good when my daughter calls out to me.

Our God wants us to call out to Him, too. Jesus encourages us to call God by a most intimate name: Father.

We are given the right to use this intimate term for a holy, just, and righteous God because it was made possible by Christ, our brother, who brought us into His loving family through His death and resurrection. As heirs with Christ, we have the privilege to call on His name.

Now when we speak His name in hurt, He wipes away our tears. When we speak it in sickness, He heals. When we speak it in fear, He calms our hearts. And for all of this, it is only fitting that we should also speak His name in praise and adoration.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, how humbled I am to be able to come before You and call You Father. Thank You for the redeeming love of Your Son Jesus whom I can also call Brother. In His beautiful name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Love, Laughter, and Lullabies. DCE Amanda Stacy, author. 7/30 ©2013 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, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Christ-Like Service

In the Word

Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him (John 13:5).

Of the Word

Each year, millions of dollars are spent on feet: classy shoes, fuzzy socks, pedicures. But most people don’t want to touch someone else’s feet. However, foot washing was a common practice in Bible times. It was a sign of hospitality when guests’ dusty feet were washed, and usually a lowly slave or servant stooped to do the task.

Jesus — the Almighty God, King of kings, Lord of lords — took the servant’s job. He bent down, took towel and basin, and then washed His disciples’ feet. He gave the example of true humility and demonstrated one facet of the love and self-sacrifice He would show on the cross the very next day.

His willing service cost Him His life but washes away our sins and brings life to us. Jesus “came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28b).

Walking with my Lord

Lord, Your willingness to serve me led You to the cross to save me from my sins. Lead me to follow Your example and serve my neighbors in loving ways. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 6/28 ©2013 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, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Good and Gracious Land

In the Word

“For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing out in the valleys and hills …” (Deuteronomy 8:7).

Of the Word

As they wandered in the wilderness, God graciously provided for the Israelites but, at the time, all they could see were the hardships of life in the desert. They complained because it was hot, they had no food or water, and they were tired of walking. It went so far that some wished they were back in Egypt living as slaves. They knew they would die there, but at least they would be taken care of. But God had provided for them through their desert wanderings, and He promised them abundance in their new home. They just couldn’t see it.

It is often hard for us, too, to see God’s love and care. God’s promises are for us, just as they were for the Israelites. Jesus says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Through faith, we can be sure of God’s guidance through our lives, and we can be just as sure of being brought to heaven. In that good land, we will experience no pain or death, only rest and peace.

Walking with my Lord

Great Provider, thank You for giving me what I need according to Your will. Bring me to the good land You have promised me — my heavenly home. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 5/28 ©2013 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, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Drawn Out of Death

In the Word

When the child grew up, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, “Because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water” (Exodus 2:10).

Of the Word

Fearing the growing Hebrew slave population in Egypt, the Pharaoh ordered all newborn Hebrew boys to be thrown into the Nile River. Wanting to protect her son, the mother of Moses laid him in a waterproof basket before putting him in the river. Ironically, it was Pharaoh’s daughter who saw Moses, rescued him from drowning, and raised him as her son.

Similarly, we, too, have been rescued from drowning, not in the River Nile, but in our sin. We are saved by the beautiful waters of Baptism. Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? (Romans 6:3).

Through Holy Baptism we receive the benefits of Christ’s death on the cross. Our sinful nature, the Old Adam, is washed away by water and the Word. Our new life begins, a life of faith in Christ and the forgiveness He brings. Because we are alive in Christ, we can live in peace and joy.

Walking with my Lord

Saving Father, through my Baptism I have been brought out of death to life. Continually remind me of this new life and the new creation that I am in Your Son Jesus. It is in His name that I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Water of Life. Michael Heckmann, author. 4/28 ©2013 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, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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Belly Laugh Moments

In the Word

“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting” (Job 8:21).

Of the Word

It happened at the most inappropriate times! The two sisters would catch each other’s eye, and a fit of uncontrolled giggles would ensue. The more their father gave them his warning look, the worse the laughter grew. And what was the most embarrassing part? The sisters were both in their forties!

Not only are belly laughs contagious, they are quite healthy. Studies show laughter can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and lessen chronic pain. This shouldn’t be surprising, because God is the creator of laughter. “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting” (Job 8:21). Laughter in Job? Yes! Our Lord wants us to know that, even in difficult times, His desire for us is total joy in Him.

When we fully grasp our deliverance from sin and sorrow, the unmerited gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, what other response is there? Uncontained shouts of gratitude, delight, and laughter! Exactly the way the God of Joy designed it.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, thank You for the gift of uncontrolled laughter as I celebrate Your grace and mercy with the fellow redeemed. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 6/30 ©2013, revised 2025 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations were taken from the ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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