Advent is such a powerful time to tell the story - the story of light coming into the darkness and overcoming it (John 1:5). It is the time when we celebrate our Savior's birth and look forward to His second coming. He is the true light, which enlightens everyone and has come into the world (John 1:9). This is the story many Native people need to hear.

What if Jesus had not completed His mission? 

What if Jesus had said, “This is trouble. I’m going to be beaten and die. I should just turn back and forget about this, for my own well-being.”

Praise God that nothing was going to stop Jesus from fulfilling His mission. 

We were dead in our trespasses and sins, a people spiritually blind and without hope.  But Christ came out of the brightness of His heavenly Kingdom into our dark world of sadness and tragedy.

He offered forgiveness of sins, comfort in times of sorrow, and assurance that He will never leave us no matter what our circumstances.

If we could see everything with our natural eyes, we wouldn’t call it faith.  Faith is knowing, believing, and trusting in the promises that God has bestowed upon us according to His precious Word.

In the year 1824, Kapiolani took a journey of nearly a hundred miles on foot on the trails to the great crater of Kilauea volcano. This was the home of the goddess of the volcano, the much feared “Pele.” Her faith in the true God led many Native Hawaiians to Christ.

Our shining may not be a big deal to us. They are the simple things, things we don’t notice:  a kind word, a hug, a shared tear, tying a child’s shoelaces, a blessing of the Lord's peace, a smile, a prayer. Each of these is light.  Even a match can cast significant light and hope to one lost in a cave.

Nawa!

It gives me great pleasure to share the Lutheran Indian Ministries 2017 Advent Devotion booklet with you.

This Week in Native American News (12/1/17): 3D Printing, Genetic Mapping, and Basket Weaving

We are on a journey to complete God's mission among our Native brothers and sisters and today you can make a big impact!

With your help, we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, disciple our Native brothers and sisters, and provide resources for the healing of the trauma that afflicts so many communities.

It is no small task, but when you join us to follow God's mission, we know all things are possible.