Equipping Ordinary People to Share an Extraordinary Message
Christmas 2026
When we think about the Christmas story, it may seem strange that God chose shepherds to be the first to hear and see the Gospel. These were unremarkable people living largely unnoticed lives. When God’s angels delivered the message to them, they left immediately to see Him. Without hesitation, they responded. Without hesitation, they shared their witness. Without hesitation, their eyes and hearts were focused on Jesus, the Messiah. They returned to the ordinary lifestyle of a shepherd with an extraordinary calling to share the Good News.
As God’s People of Hope in the Michigan District, we have a lot in common with these biblical shepherds. At some point in our lives, someone shared the Good News of the Gospel with us. It might have been through infant baptism and confirmation, or someone who shared their witness with us later in life. We responded and grew in our faith by seeing Him in Scripture, worship services, and fellowship with other Christians. We share the hope we have in Christ with others. We are common, ordinary people entrusted with—and living with—the hope of an extraordinary message.
This year’s District emphasis is titled “Live to Tell About It” and is based on 1 Peter 3:15–16a: “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” Just as the shepherds were transformed at the hearing of the Gospel and couldn’t keep silent, ordinary people like us are also able to share our hope in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
What God made known to the shepherds that night long ago is still the most powerful, life-changing message we can share with others. The Michigan District is here to support congregations and church workers as they equip ordinary people to share this extraordinary message with families and communities in their vocations and the world.
Will you help care for and support the congregations and church workers who prepare us to share the life-changing message of the Gospel?
Your gift will open avenues for more learning, training, and resources for sharing this Good News. It will help with outreach to underserved communities in urban, language-based, and college “fields.” It will help Lutheran schools, universities, and seminaries teach the next generation about the shepherds’ faithfulness in sharing an extraordinary message. It will help your own community to strengthen the personal and professional lives of your church workers and prepare them to lead in this most important work of the Church.
Thank you for all that you do to vigorously make known the love of Christ in your community!
May the shepherds’ zeal and joy for the Gospel be yours,
...eyes on Jesus ...
Rev. David A. Davis, President
Michigan District, LCMS
Download Printable Christmas Letter with Remittance Form
