The ornaments have been returned to their box, the tree has been taken down, gifts are put away, and the lights have been stored for another year. Christmas is over. But is it, really?

Suddenly we have an epiphany. Jesus, in John 8:12, says, “I am the light of the world.” He reigns forever more! It’s our big “Ta-da!” moment. This season of the church year — Epiphany — shows us that the salvation Jesus brought to this world at His birth was for all people — Jew and Gentile alike. Thanks be to God for that great blessing.

As your LWML group enters the winter months, take time to reflect not only on the birth of Christ, but also on His baptism, His miracles, and His teaching. Include Bible study as a frequent and regular part of every gathering, as together we learn from His Word.

Our LWML website has many Bible studies from which to choose: single lesson studies, multi-session studies, and Quarterly studies. More can be found here.

Deaconess Betty Knapp

Vice President of Special Focus Ministries
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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It is always an exciting time as the calendar flips over to a new year. The new year brings possibilities for new things to happen and hope that the next year will be better than the last. Many people will make resolutions hoping to establish new habits to help them accomplish this.

Perhaps you’ve noticed things getting stale within your local group or zone over the years. Maybe a fresh start or a refresher about LWML is needed. Women in Mission University is a wonderful tool to assist you, whether you are trying to get a new group off the ground or just need to recall some LWML basics. It can help get those creative juices flowing.

The LWML is such a blessing to our churches as we seek to bring Christ and His saving Gospel to the world through the study of God’s Word, support of worldwide missions, and joyful fellowship with one another. May the Spirit guide us in this New Year to find fresh ways to serve Him and bring hope to the world!

Rev. Brian Noack

Junior Pastoral Counselor
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11).

This is HIS story — the story of the birth of our Savior. The Son of God was born as a human, the son of Mary and Joseph. He came in order to bring forgiveness, life, and salvation to all who believe that He is Christ the Lord.

As Lutheran Women in Mission, it is our mission to share HIS story with others, telling them the Good News that a Savior has been born for them. As you go about your Christmas week, carry this joyous message with you. Share the Good News with the checker, the bank clerk, the butcher, and the person standing in line ahead of you as you check out.

The shepherds heard this message. They encountered the Christ Child. They shared the news with all who would listen. That is what you are called to do as well. Share HIS story, HIS grace, and HIS love this Christmas week.

Rev. Mitchel Schuessler

Senior Pastoral Counselor
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10a).

I am excited to celebrate our Savior’s birth with family this year as always. However, I also feel anxious because it’s so busy with extra activities like setting up the Christmas tree, decorating, writing Christmas cards, determining what gifts to buy, and, of course, the actual shopping. With luncheons and dinners with friends and attending extra events at church — it’s exhausting! I’m sure that you have a lot on your plate, too.

Then, a nudge comes into my mind, reminding me to just chill out for a few moments and remember why we are celebrating. There is a great, appropriately named, short devotion on the LWML website, Be Still. Share it with others, especially those you see hustling and bustling about. Take a look at the other Christmas devotions on the LWML website that you can share with your friends and family.

Take moments to be still this week, and remember Jesus, God’s perfect gift to us.

Merry and blessed Christmas!

Marie Chow

Vice President of Organizational Resources 
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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If you enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving, you may have feasted on roasted turkey and gravy, with pumpkin pie for dessert. You may have spent time with family and friends and worshipped, thanking God for all His blessings.

Now let’s think of thanksgiving as a verb instead of a noun. We often give thanks for the blessings God has showered on us: our health, family, faith, friends, and even challenging circumstances that lead us to feel compassion for others. But let’s not forget about the second half of the word — giving. As we have been blessed, God calls us to bless others by giving. We can give by serving, by listening with understanding, and through donations so the Gospel message can be shared around the world.

This Tuesday is Giving Tuesday. You have the opportunity to give. Take the focus away from commercialism and celebrate our Savior by sharing His mercy and grace through LWML Mission Grants. Click here and share Christ!

In His service, surrounded by His grace,

Debbie Larson

President
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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