Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34).

On Christmas Day, many churches will read the Christmas story from one of the Gospels as well as a section of the book of Exodus. On the surface, it sounds like an odd pairing. This devotion explores why this portion of Exodus is often chosen as the Old Testament reading for Christmas.

His Christmas Presence, written by Michele Doel, Burlington, North Dakota Copyright © 2023 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. All rights reserved.

This devotion on struggles and challenges is a hymn study on Abide With Me.

Life has a perplexing way of presenting all kinds of challenges and struggles for us. Though we understand that God is with us every moment of our lives, we, as humans, tend to need support, comfort, and encouragement. The hymn, "Abide with Me," reminds us that there will be challenges and obstacles throughout our life, but Jesus has overcome them all and is always with us!

Struggles and Challenges — Oh, My! written by Sylvia Bean, Clovis, New Mexico

Our seasons of life can be much like the seasons of the year. We may have seasons of darkness where it feels as though God is far away and unconnected from what we are going through. These hard seasons may include the loss of a loved one, health challenges, changes in a career, or other things that make life in this world hard.

Relationship Requirements, written by Martha Gregory, Lancaster, California

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 

he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, (Titus 3:5–6).

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22–23).

Although most of us probably will not be able to surf behind a boat or ride a Hawaiian wave, we can step out of the boat in faith and work in God’s kingdom, creating a wondrous wake.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 

Reflections during a trip to a spa on how Mark 4 relates to the goals and results of a facial.

Sowing Seeds in All Seasons of Life, written by Michelle Zollinger, Monroe, Louisiana

Find a printable version of the devotion on our website.

https://www.lwml.org/posts/devotion/sowing-seeds-in-all-seasons-of-life

O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come (Psalm 71:17–18).

Sometimes life is hard even for "more mature" Christians. Health issues and sometimes the rounds of doctor visits are never ending. Visits to hospitals and sick friends increase. Visits to the funeral home occur far more often, and even in the "golden years" Christians may suffer attacks from enemies because of their faith.

It is difficult to proclaim God's wondrous deeds when we are feeling down and out, but this is just what our souls need.

Don’t Discard Me, God! is a devotion on struggles and challenges, and relationship to God, written by Cindy Trombley, Harrison Township, Michigan. Originally published by LWML. 

This devotional is also available for download at https://www.lwml.org/posts/devotion/dont-discard-me-god

“Behold, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel; I will never again pass by them” (Amos 7:8b).

I do not know if my human perfectionism is a blessing or a curse, but I do know this — God’s holy perfectionism leads to our salvation. He has treasured His creation since the very beginning, to the point of sending His Son to die for us on the cross. 

Treasured to Perfection is a devotion on our relationship to God by Allison Maschhoff, St Louis, Missouri, originally published by Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 2023.

This devotion is also available as a free downloadable PDF at https://www.lwml.org/posts/devotion/treasured-to-perfection

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience (Colossian 3:12).

Jesus’ example of compassion is seen many times in Scripture, and we can use those examples in caregiving.

The Season of Caregiving is a devotion on caregiving by Carrie Brumbaugh, Lyman, Wyoming, originally published by Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 2023.

This devotion is also available as a free downloadable PDF at https://www.lwml.org/posts/devotion/the-season-of-caregiving