Christmas 2024
One.
The crowds that traveled toward Bethlehem must have had more than one. The extreme difficulty of balancing on a donkey as an expectant mother was no excuse for failing to show up for the census. After all, there was the possibility of being able to count another One if the timing was right.
It was reasonable to think that the bright star in the sky was an unusual one. Intrigued, the wise men set out to find the exact location of the brilliant light. They were confident that it would lead them to the One who was destined to be a great king.
When the travel-weary couple arrived, lodging was a scarce resource for one … but two with another One’s birth imminent? Several closed doors later, a compassionate innkeeper pointed them to a stable where they had shelter and privacy. It wasn’t ideal, but they were grateful for what was probably the last one available.
Later that night, the promised, long-awaited, life-changing One entered the world as a tiny baby. His birth caused shepherds to leave their flocks and run to find Him. His star caused kings to travel by camel from distant lands to find Him. And there they found Him under one star in one stable, God’s gift of One for all.
One.
When you know the One, you know how much He cares for each one. Little ones, busy ones, scared ones, lonely ones, forgotten ones, (you fill in the blank) ones … everyone. The daily work we do in God’s Kingdom in the Michigan District gives us the opportunity to love and serve each one. We encounter expectant mothers and fathers like Mary and Joseph, international visitors and newcomers like the wise men, and everyday workers in our life like the innkeepers and the shepherds who need to know they are cared for by the One.
Our congregations are united by our mission to bring the One to all. While 3,100 church workers, 340 congregations, and 200 Lutheran schools lead ministry in their communities, the Michigan District office equips and serves behind the scenes. District staff members provide advice, expertise, referrals, training, health and wellness resources, and all types of unique ministry and personal assistance.
With the help of the One, we saw the chartering of The Vine Lutheran Church in Walker, Mich.; continued vitality and growth of Hmong and Hispanic ministries in the District; established the Harvest Partnership Network where “tables” of pastors explore church planting opportunities; provided scholarships for sons and daughters of the Michigan District studying for church work professions; welcomed a record number of new teachers to the district and are offering colloquy assistance; provided over 50 conferences and trainings for church workers; and strengthened our network of counseling and assistance for church worker care.
Ministry is possible because of the partnership of faithful donors. As you consider your year-end gifts in 2024, would you include support for The Michigan District? Your gift will build faithful and consistent ministry pointing all to the One.
Gifts to the Michigan District are not meant to replace or reduce your gifts to your congregation or other ministries. Instead, these gifts support our current congregations and church workers through District-wide training and opportunities, congregation/circuit collaboration, strategic congregation partnerships with the community, and vision support for future ministry and innovation as we carry out our work together for the Kingdom of the One.
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior … for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name” (Luke 1:46–47, 49).
All glory, laud, and honor to the One!
…eyes on Jesus …
Rev. David A. Davis, President
Michigan District, LCMS
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