Reflecting the Light of Christ

God’s people live in the light of Christ and shine that light throughout all the world.

By Dan Galchutt | Spring 2026

Rev. Dan Galchutt

“We live on earth only so that we should be a help to other people … that we may bring other people also to faith as He has done for us. … Everything then should be directed in such a way that you recognize what God has done for you and that you, thereafter, make it your highest priority to proclaim this publicly and call everyone to the light to which you are called.” (Martin Luther, Sermons on 1 Peter, 1523)

Through our Baptism into Christ’s glorious death and resurrection, we have been called “out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). Christians, living in the light of Christ, reflect His light to the people around us. And since God’s people live all over the world, that light of Christ shines throughout all the world. It shines where God’s people live in the United States, where our missionaries are serving around the world, and where our partners are working with us hand in hand.

In this issue of Lutherans Engage the World, you will read about how we are working to reflect the light of Christ in a variety of locations and ways. God’s light shines through the LCMS’ efforts in Family Ministry, in School Ministry, in Puerto Rico, in Germany and in Kenya. As you read this issue, you will learn about how our mercy work is done in close proximity to God’s Word and Sacraments, so that people would be pointed to the light of Christ.

Living in Christ and, therefore, desiring to tell the next generation what our Lord has done, let us commend ourselves to a renewed zeal for spreading the Gospel light. As you read, I pray that you will be encouraged by the work of your church and the work that the Lord calls you and all His people to do. “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

In Christ,
Rev. Dan Galchutt
Interim Chief Mission Officer, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod