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New December Bible Study Explores the Traditions and History of St. Nick

Just in time for the holidays, The Real St. Nick: Leader, Legend or Lie? is now available from the LHM Men's NetWork. Hosted by the Rev. Dr. Ken Klaus, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour^®, this single-session Bible study examines a man who, next to Jesus Christ, is the most visible figure at Christmastime.

He's known as St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus, in Western culture—the reputed bringer of gifts and goodies on Christmas. Like "visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads," most people's idea of St. Nicholas is full of centuries-old legends, childhood dreams, a little commercial marketing, and a hearty mix of wishful thinking.

Nicholas of Myra, the real third-century church leader on whom the character we know as Santa Claus is based, is actually credited with many acts—both documented and legendary—of kindness, generosity, and piety, for which he is honored by numerous cultures and countries. Whether staying the executioner's blade from the necks of three innocents, using his wealth to deliver a poor man's daughters from the prospect of becoming prostitutes, or simply giving children gifts, St. Nick led a life devoted to serving and honoring his Lord, Jesus Christ.

An extensive list of Web links in the discussion guide for The Real St. Nick gives users numerous sources of fascinating details behind the man. So this holiday season, why not find out the true story of Santa Claus by checking out The Real St. Nick: Leader, Legend or Lie? Visit www.lhmmen.com to learn how.

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'The Lutheran Hour' Float Stands as "A Cut Above the Rest"

The theme of the 121^st Tournament of Roses Parade on Jan. 1, 2010 in Pasadena, California is "A Cut Above the Rest," and The Lutheran Hour float entry will participate in the parade under a theme of "The Ten Commandments—Jesus Fulfilled."

The float depicts the Ten Commandments, which God gave to His people to live by. Etched in stone are the "thou shalts" and the "thou shalt nots" for the world to see. Also on the float is the "Ark of the Covenant," a vehicle designed by God himself to remind people that He is always present with them even as they walk through trouble and the high waters of their lives.

"Today, God continues to lead us now, not through an Ark, but through the Holy Spirit who leads us all the way to heaven," says Dick Gast, organizer of The Lutheran Hour float. "It is our prayer that the Holy Spirit would touch the hearts of those who view The Lutheran Hour float. May the Lord bless us all in this new year of Grace."

This year's float riders will recognize several current and past International Lutheran Laymen's League leaders from the national and local levels. LHM Executive Director Bruce Wurdeman, Int'l LLL Regional Governor Steve Rice, and past Int'l LLL Vice Presidents Raymond Stuckemeyer and Bob Beer will be among the riders.

Thanks to the Int'l LLL's Southern California District, The Lutheran Hour float is a 60-year tradition in the longstanding New Year's Day event, carrying on a mission to provide a Gospel witness to viewers everywhere, from the parade route along Pasadena's Colorado Boulevard to televisions all over the world. The float serves as the only Christian float in the parade. The Tournament of Roses Parade is watched live on television by approximately 40 million Americans and by millions more people in 150 countries.

The LHM float, as well as six other parade floats, will be decorated again in 2010 by the Petal Pushers, a 4,000-member group of volunteers. The Petal Pushers travel to Pasadena from all over the United States and Canada and include families, church groups, Girl Scout troops, and many other types of groups, as well as individuals of all ages.

Please invite friends, relatives, and neighbors to watch for The Lutheran Hour float during television coverage. Although ABC and NBC will broadcast the parade, the LHM float may or may not be shown on those networks because of commercials or other television commitments. Cable's Home and Garden Television (HGTV) may provide the best viewing option since it carries the entire parade without interruption nationwide. The Lutheran Hour float is scheduled as the 38th entry in the 91-unit parade. Check your local listings for channels and times.

For more information about The Lutheran Hour float and the Petal Pushers, visit www.petalpushers.org.

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Get Involved in Life-Changing Ministry

The Lord has blessed Lutheran Hour Ministries throughout 2009. This year, LHM launched the Men's NetWork, and the program has already made progress, inspiring men to strengthen their relationship with the Savior. More than 2,500 LCMS churches are registered to use the Men's NetWork Web site. Nearly 3,000 Bible studies have been downloaded, and the Web site gets about 9,000 visits each week.

LHM also began airing a Spanish version of The Lutheran Hour, called Para el Camino (For the Journey). The program is picking up steam, airing in 14 markets around the United States and gaining popularity in Latin American countries and other Spanish-speaking areas throughout the world.

LHM continues to reach out in culturally appropriate ways in more than 30 countries through its International Ministries. In Latin and South American countries, Project JOEL is a successful youth education and character-building program rooted in Christian principles. In an effort to develop and strengthen values in fifth and sixth grade students, the Ministry of Education in Panama has adopted a curriculum that includes Project JOEL content and is supported by LHM materials. The program was written by Project JOEL team member Professor Dayra Ruiz.

There are exciting opportunities in ministry as LHM continues to share the Gospel in new ways, using new technology. Of course, without generous donor support, LHM couldn't continue to support these projects! You can help LHM share Christ with someone who needs to know Him through the following options:

• Direct online gift


• Charitable Gift Annuity through LHM—A Gift Annuity gets you a tax deduction, ensures fixed payments for the rest of your life (mostly tax free), and allows you to make a sizable gift to ministry. Call 1-877-333-1963 or visit www.lhmgift.org/giftplan.


• IRA Gift—Until December 31, 2009, you can make a tax-free gift with a portion of your distribution while lowering your taxable income. Call 1-877-333-1963 or visit www.lhmgift.org/ira.htm.


• Stock Gifts—Make a gift of your stocks. If you have appreciated stocks, you'll avoid capital gains taxes on them. Call 1-877-333-1963 or visit www.lhmgift.org/donatestock.htm.

These are just a few ways you can make an impact on ministry. For other giving opportunities, visit www.lhmgift.org or call our Ministry Advancement department at 1-877-333-1963.

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New LHM International Site Goes Live

We are very excited to let you know that the newly redesigned LHM International Ministries Web site is now live. The new site is a portal to detailed ministry information and resources specific to each country in which LHM serves. Also featured on the Web site are blogs, photos, and videos from the different countries—all highlighting ministry activities.

We invite you to visit www.lhmint.org and experience the Web site for yourself.

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LHM—Mexico Launches Youth Magazine

Legna Lanza, director of the Project JOEL program in Mexico, recently announced the launch of a new magazine for youth in Tijuana. This magazine, simply called Proyecto JOEL, enters the world of border youth and challenges them to think differently and join the movement of caring for God's world. It also encourages them to live as God's people—being a part of the healing that God desires for their generation and for all time.

For more news and updates from Mexico, please visit the LHM—Mexico blog.

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Coming up on The Lutheran Hour

Dec 6
Nobody Tells Me What To Do
Speaker: Pastor Ken Klaus
Half-hearted repentance is not really repentance at all. Jesus didn't come into this world to live, suffer, die, and rise for those who think they are doing just fine on their own.

Dec 13
Imagine No Religion
Speaker: Pastor Ken Klaus
What would the world be like without religion? We don't have to imagine. The evidence from history is clear.

Dec 20
Light for Our Loneliness
Speaker: Pastor Ken Klaus
Even as the Christmas angels brought a message of light and hope to lonely souls in Bethlehem long ago, the birth of our Savior is good news that brings light for our loneliness today.

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