December Messenger

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Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).

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The theme of light and darkness is present throughout the Bible. In the beginning, there was darkness and against the darkness our Lord spoke his first word in Genesis saying, “‘Let there be light.’ And there was light. And God saw that the light was good” (Gen. 1:3-4). This not only tells us the origins of day and night, but also paints a vivid picture for us about life and death, sin, and salvation. 

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When Pharaoh refused to listen to the word of the Lord spoken to him by Moses, darkness covered the land of Egypt for three days as a sign of judgment, but where the people of Israel lived, they still had light (Ex. 10:23). On the Last Day, some will be cast into that outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt. 8:12), but for those who have lived and died in Christ, we will ushered into that holy, happy place “that has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb…and there will be no night there” (Rev. 21:23, 25b). 

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The verse from John 1 above is part of the appointed Gospel reading for Christmas Day, and it sets the tone for much of John’s Gospel, culminating with Jesus identifying himself as “the Light of the world” (John 8:12). This makes Christmas, more so than perhaps any other time of year, a Feast of Light in the church.   

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As the Advent wreath, week by week, slowly glows brighter with ever candle that is lit, as the Christmas tree shines and shimmers in the darkness, reminding us of the pillar of fire that led the Hebrews out of Egypt on their way to the Promise Land (Ex. 13:21) we should think of Christ, who has come into the world to bring light and life to all, shattering the powers of darkness, death, sin and the devil. These tried to overcome our Lord. On the cross they tried to extinguish him, and for a brief time it seemed that they had succeeded as the Lord was laid to rest in the tomb. But at sunrise on Easter, as the Son rose, the darkness could not hold him. Or as John put it, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).

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We are drawn to light, to the warmth and glow of a fire. To those who are lost, the sight of a search light shining out of the darkness is a beacon of hope. Light takes away fears, provides clarity, and even gives life– few things can live in total darkness. 

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If the sun, a fire, a candle, the filament in a bulb, or a light emitting diode (LED) can do such amazing things, then how much more will he who is the Light of the world do for us? As he warms our souls and softens our hearts. As he lights the path of righteousness showing us all that is good and right. As he shines as the one, true beacon of hope in this lost and weary world. As he takes away our fears, not only about things that go bump in the night but also the fear of death, of judgment, and all that could ever separate us from the love of the Father. How marvelous is this Light who is Christ! The Light that no darkness can overcome. The Light that shatters the darkness. The Light that saves and brings us at last to the bright courts of heaven. The Light that provides truest clarity, highlighting the noble, the good and the true. For this, Lord Jesus Christ, we give you thanks.  And we pray, the traditional collect (prayer) for Christmas Eve: 

O God, You make this most holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that as we have known the mysteries of that Light on earth we may also come to the fullness of His joys in heaven; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

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Yours in Christ, 

Pastor Suehring

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CWG/LWML

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Nov. 19, 2025

The November meeting was called to order by Vice President Carol Fuhrmann.  

Pastor Suehring read a devotion based on Ephesians 5:8-9, followed by prayer concerns.

Mites were collected. 

The roll call showed 6 members and Pastor present.

The minutes from the September meeting were approved as read.

Treasurers report was given by Carol Lehman. A total of $406 was

sent to the District from our LWML Fall Rally. A thank you was sent

to St. John, Caroline for their assistance and help at the Rally.

Sunshine Report was given by Carol Fuhrmann in the absence of Leah.

Loah Horton gave the over 80 birthday card report. 2 cards were sent. 

She also stocked Christmas cards for sale in the narthex.

LCFS Thrift Store report was given by Carol Fuhrmann.

 Bible a month for November is going to West Africa.

Correspondence: newsletters were passed out and money request considered.

NEW BUSINESS:

The future of CWG/LWML was discussed.  A motion was made by Barb Huebner and seconded by Kathy Hintz that starting in 2026, we will meet 4 times a year, in January, April, July, and October, on the first Wednesday of the month. Motion was passed unanimously.

The 2026 District Convention will be held on June 18-20, in Marquette, MI.

Our next meeting will be Dec.17th at 11:30 a.m. at Hidden Valley Supper Club for our Christmas Luncheon.  Everyone will be responsible for their own meal with each paying $12.

There were no birthdays in November.

The meeting was closed with the LWML Pledge and the Lord's Prayer.