In this Advent season, we prepare our hearts to celebrate the Christ child. We are also preparing for the Christmas holiday in many ways – cleaning, baking, sending cards, buying gifts, and decorating. I hope, as you prepare, you take joy in every aspect of this season. Sometimes, I forget what all the celebrations are about. I forget to focus on the joy — our Savior.

In my busyness, there are moments when I must remind myself that time in God’s Word is paramount. Time with my Father drains the stress from my body, allows me to focus on His love and promises, and fills my heart with joy. No matter how many times you have read and ingested these Scripture passages below, I know the Holy Spirit will provide you comfort and peace as you read them once more.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone … For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:2 and 6).

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:15–16).

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross (Colossians 1:15–20).

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 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 2:1–7).

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. For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ (John 1:14 and 16–17).

Preparations continue for the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) Convention next June. LWML groups throughout the country are holding bake sales, hosting Advent events, collecting gifts for those who are in need, visiting the homebound, and decorating their churches. The work of our organization continues through every season. Why do the women of the LWML give so much time and effort, and fund so many grants and mission projects when their own lives are full of responsibilities and commitments? We give because our Lord and Savior, Jesus, gave first. He came as a babe in a manager (for us), lived and taught by example (for us), died an unimaginable death (for us), and rose triumphantly (for us) — all out of His great love for His flock. He gave and it is our honor and privilege to give in return.

Make your preparations and enjoy each moment but remember all that needed to be done was done over 2,000 years ago — in a manager, on a cross, witnessed by an empty tomb. Christ is born! Christ is risen! Alleluia! Merry Christmas!

Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,

Debbie