Staying focused on Christ

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14).

Distractions abound this time of year. Between the church obligations, shopping, travel plans, or preparations to welcome visitors, and all the other Christmas traditions your family may have, there is A LOT going on in our lives. Yet, this time of year is all about the one thing that is most important: Jesus Christ, the Savior who is born for us. In Jesus, God dwells with us, and through Him, we have life and salvation eternally. By remembering that all of the other things of this season ought to point to Him, we can stay focused on what is most important, and bear witness to the joy that He brings. To assist you, consider looking at this Lucy Leader post which offers studies, service projects, and other activities to help you focus on Jesus in these joy-filled days. Happy Christmas!

In Christ,

The Rev. Brian Noack

Senior Pastoral Counselor
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Be Contagious, Spread Advent JOY

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people (Luke 2:10).

It is nearly Christmas, and life is busy with school programs, church events, social get-togethers, office parties, cleaning, baking, shopping, and decorating. How’s your attitude? Are you calm? Stressed? Overwhelmed?

The LWML website is a treasure trove of resources, and one title caught my attention: “Advent Joy-A-Tude.” The devotion begins with a story of a woman shopping with two children and she reaches her breaking point. Sound familiar? Joy-robber Satan tries to keep her — and us — focused on the immediate so we are blind to the permanent source of real JOY, Jesus Christ, the newborn King!

When overwhelmed, I will check my “Joy-A-Tude,” go to this devotion, delve into His Word, and be refreshed knowing that true JOY only comes from being in His presence. One small way I can share this JOY is by using Scripture gift tags.

May you also “Be Contagious” and “Spread JOY” this Advent season!

Brenda Piester

Recording Secretary
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Prepare Your Heart

the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight’” (Mark 1:3).

How are your Christmas preparations coming? Have you sent your cards, finished shopping, decorated your home, baked goodies? The list goes on and on.

Take a moment to pause and reflect on the real preparation you need to do — prepare your heart for the Lord. At the very top of this webpage, enter the word “Christmas” in the search box and your search will yield an abundant list of resources to help you prepare your heart for the birth of Christ. You will find Bible studies, devotions, litanies, and crafts. The list goes on and on. One devotion I especially like is “How Mary Prepared for the First Christmas”. Just as Mary listened to the Word of God, may we too prepare our hearts to receive Christ this Christmas.

Arlene Naasz

Meeting Manager
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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The Season of Advent is Upon Us
What Do You Mean, “Be Still”?

The season of Advent has begun. Christmas is less than four weeks away. How can anyone, in this busy season, be still? Yet, the Lord commands us, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10).

The Lord is not scolding His people when He shares these words with us. He is simply giving us the opportunity to experience His peace. As we begin to make preparations for this busy time of year, I pray we will take time each day to savor the stillness and peace that comes when we trust our Lord and Savior.

In a short Bible study titled “What Do You Mean, Be Still?” written for LWML in 2014, the author shares that God has the power to speak to us anytime, anywhere, and in ways we cannot ignore. However, He often chooses to speak to us quietly. The stillness of the Christmas season is the stillness that comes from knowing the Lord Jesus Christ.

As you make all the preparations associated with this Christmas season, are you preparing your heart to receive His will for you? Join me and choose a different devotion, Bible study, litany, or mission activity each day. There is no better way to prepare for our Savior’s birth!

Today, and always, we are surrounded by God’s grace,

Debbie Larson

President, 2019–2023
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Thanks be to God!

You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9:11).

Thanksgiving is a time when we reflect on our blessings. After naming a dozen or more blessings, I stop and remember the one thing that is above all the others. I am a baptized child of God and because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, I am saved.

Of course, we are thankful for our families, our church family, our LWML sisters and brothers, and a country where we can worship without fear. God has truly blessed us. And what do you do when you have something wonderful? Don’t you want to tell someone about it?

The LWML has many resources for sharing the saving love of Jesus — for giving thanks. “Reaping a Bountiful Harvest” is just one of many resources for fall. You can find it and many more here.

Thank you, Jesus, for everything.

Susan Donnelly

Public Relations Director
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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BEEing Aware on Social Media

Sharing the work our Lord is doing through Lutheran Women in Mission on social media is exciting. When posting on social media, especially on behalf of your LWML, it is important to bee prepared, bee active, and bee monitoring.

Beeing prepared, you understand the why, who, what, where, how, and when. “Why” is our LWML mission that we joyfully proclaim Christ, support missions, and equip women to honor God by serving others. “Who” identifies with whom we want to engage. “What” are the variety of post types that appeal to different audiences and support the mission. “Where” are the social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. “How” includes a strategy for sharing information. “When” can be planned with a schedule to help you bee consistent.

After preparation, bee active. Bee consistent with your strategy and schedule. Post often to remind followers of your mission. Bee monitoring your posts for engagements. Read the comments and respond as appropriate. Consult your pastoral counselors for scripturally based comments.

Bee sure to check out the LWML Social Media guidelines for districts. You’ll Bee busy Bees as you Bee-come “Social Butterflies” in today’s social media world while carrying out the LWML Mission.

Leslie Koenck

Information Technology Committee Member
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Connecting with Veterans

On November 11 our country will celebrate Veterans Day, a federal holiday established to honor all who have served in the military. My parents were both veterans of World War 2 with my dad serving as a U.S. Army paratrooper and my mom a member of the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve.

While my parents modeled good citizenship for me, they also modeled Christian values. Worship was the focus of our Sunday, evening devotions were held around the dinner table, and prayer was the foundation of family life. Just as my parents instilled a love of country, they also modeled a love of our Savior.

A few years ago LWML supported the 2017–2019 Mission Grant: Christ for Veterans and Their Families. Funds were used to expand “Operation Barnabas” offering resources to help congregations care for all military-connected people through intentional outreach.

Consider connecting with the military veterans in your church or community this month by using some of the mission service ideas provided on the LWML website.

Deaconess Betty Knapp

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

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