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

In the Christmas Hymn: Joy to the world I find great encouragement for our faith. Those words of that hymn ring out in my mind as with joy I celebrate His birth.  The Lord is come — the Savior reigns — No more let sins and sorrows grow — He comes to make His blessings flow — He rules the world with truth and grace. It closes with a reflection for this season as it speaks of the wonders of His love. 

His love! That He would take on our flesh and be born of Mary to live for a while among us. That He would be obedient to the Father's will and be that perfect Lamb of God. That He would suffer and die for my sins and the sins of the whole world. That He would overcome death and the grave by His rising on the third day. That His love would impact me eternally, as by faith through the Holy Spirit, I believe and have forgiveness, life, and salvation. The wonders of His love brings great joy to the world. Rejoice and be glad, the Savior, Jesus Christ, was born for you!

Dear heavenly Father, at the birth of Your Son Jesus Christ You brought joy to the world. Guide us in our gatherings with family and friends, brothers and sisters in the faith, so that Your name would be praised and Your love fill our hearts. Let us be joyful today and always in this Savior born for us.  Amen.

Rev. Robert Mundahl

Senior Counselor
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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“… and the glory of the Lord shown around them.”  Luke 2:9b

Christmas Eve is such a beautiful time. One of my favorite Christmas Eve memories is of December 25, 1985. I was a vicar at St. John’s, Osage, IA. It was an extremely cold (-20) clear night in the north-central Iowa country. Snow all around. No wind. The stars shining brightly in the night sky. 

We came out of Christmas Eve worship, looked up at the stars and knew, this was the night that the glory of the Lord shown around us. In silence my wife Penny and I gazed up at the night sky.

“The glory of the Lord” shown all around us that night. Perhaps you have that special Christmas Eve memory. We rejoiced that night at the good news of the birth of our Savior. Each year as we celebrate Christmas Eve, we continue in those songs of praise that the Son of God came to this sinful world to save us.

Ever since the shepherds first saw the angels, the children of God have praised His name for His radiant reflections of love shown to us in the birth of His Son. The LWML continues to lift up the name of God not only on Christmas Eve but every day of the year.

As 2017 comes to a close, the radiant reflections of the 75^th anniversary shine just as brightly. I would encourage you to pick up a copy of Radiant Reflections for use in your devotional life.

On this Christmas Eve, I once again lift my eyes to the skies and say, “Thank You Lord Jesus for coming for me and all people.” Merry Christmas.

Rev. Mitchel Schuessler

Junior Counselor
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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The greatest Gift-Giver: Our Father in Heaven, who sent His Son to die on the cross for our transgressions.

The greatest Gift: Jesus, who willingly suffered and died for our sins, and with His resurrection we have hope.

As we celebrate Christmas and look to Baby Jesus in the manger, let us remember the reason He was born. Jesus came to suffer and die for you and me. He rose triumphantly and we know Jesus lives! With His resurrection, we have the hope of eternal life with God. Alleluia!

Are you focusing on the Gift-Giver this Christmas season? You can find many devotions to keep you focused here and click here for a special devotion that will help you find that moment of peace in the midst of the season’s busyness.

In His service, filled with His joy,

Debbie Larson

Vice President of Organizational Resources
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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"'... whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me'" (Matthew 25:40b).

Who did Jesus mean by the least of these? When you give your mite offerings to fund Grant # 10 which needs funds to provide for the continued operation of the Christian Eldercare Home for the elderly in Haiti, you are serving the least of these.

When you give your mite offerings to support Grant # 17 to assist nursing students who are serving with the Mercy Medical Team, you are serving the least of these.

When you give of your mite offerings to Grant # 8, the NOLA 4H program who feed the hungry, homeless and hurting hearts with the gospel, you are serving the least of these.

Serving the least of these may be no more than lending a hand, giving a smile, sharing a burden or the giving of mite offerings. The service is a heartfelt response to the love Jesus has poured on us.

Lord, help us to look for opportunities to serve others. Help us to remember that our service is a response to the love You have given to us on the cross. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Check out more mission grant details here.

Angelina Jauregui

Vice President of Gospel Outreach
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we attain to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God (Ephesians 4:11–13a).

Dear LWML sisters —

Our loving Father is equipping us to work in His Kingdom. He daily provides for our physical and spiritual needs. In gratitude we praise Him and share His Gospel message of salvation with others.

As we enter this month of December, we begin to anticipate the joys of family and friends gathered together and to celebrate Christ’s birth. Our to-do list can be filled with planning and preparing for special occasions. We give thanks to God, as He has blessed us beyond measure.

He has also blessed us to be a blessing to others. During this special season, let us continue in His work of building others up, so that as we celebrate the gift of our Savior’s birth, we also share His love with others in need.

Providing Food and the Gospel to Starving Children. This is only one of the mission grants you support through your mighty mites. During this season of giving, always continue to recognize the opportunities you are given to share God’s Word and His love with others in need.

Learn more about this grant here.

Jennifer Huecker

Vice President of Christian Life
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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The calendar looms with many activities that involve ways to use your monetary funds:

• Last Week was Black Friday — a crazy fun day of shopping for super bargains.
• This week brought Cyber Monday — when you could stay at home and let your fingers do the walking on your electronic device as you shop for just right gifts.

Now there is the great opportunity for Giving Tuesday!

That's this Tuesday, November 28. A welcome newcomer in recent years, this tradition encourages people to give a little more to organizations that promote ideals they care about — like sharing the gospel of Jesus our Savior.

On this day of sharing, pray for the work of Lutheran Women in Mission, then join with others in your support. This year, thanks to two anonymous donors, you can TRIPLE your donation. That's right TRIPLE!

This quick and easy way of giving can be done by visiting www.lwml.org/givingtuesday

As celebration of the 75 anniversary of the LWML continues, bring joy to your heart this Christmas by sharing God's love for others around the world with your special gift to LWML. 

Edie Norris

75th Anniversary Committee Chairman 
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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In my home I have a small plaque that reads “GRANDKIDS WELCOME, Parents by Appointment”. Although humorous, it has caused me to stop and think — is that the way I treat newcomers to my LWML group or to my church family?  What do I do to make the newcomers feel informed and comfortable? Suddenly it doesn’t seem so humorous.

I recall my daughter-in-law asking me about LWML and the Mite Box. Unfortunately, I had taken for granted that she understood LWML. After all, I’d seen the Mite Box at her church including a variety of LWML announcements in her church bulletin. Her question and our discussion instantly ignited an excited connection for mission grants and the Mite Box. Her personal Mite Box now regularly gathers, with purpose, proceeds for mission grants.

Thinking back to the plaque, more conscious of newcomers, and how we might treat them, let’s make an intentional appointment so they too can join us in serving the Lord with gladness!

Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality (Romans 12:13).

Find resources for LWML groups here.

Marilyn Schroeder

Treasurer, 2015–2019
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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