My dear friend Ella Connolly came up with a brilliant idea this Advent season — gather writers from around the world together and have them share thoughts on Instagram about Scripture, Christmas, and Christ. We each took one day leading up to Christmas Eve, sharing briefly about what the Lord was teaching us, hoping to encourage others and shine a light on Him.

It was such an honor and a joy to take part in this fun project, especially as the first one to post and get things going! I wanted to gather up all of the posts to share in one place — they are beautiful and deeply meaningful. I know I’ll want to return to them in years to come as reminders of His peace, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness.

Enjoy!

day one:

by me!

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“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:4-5 ⭐️ This time of year can easily feel dark to me. (Anyone else?) There are fewer hours of daylight outside, and even within me, depression feels like darkness. But the beautiful truth I’m reminded of in this season is that Jesus, our Savior, came to bring his radiant, glorious light to all of us. A star lit up the sky thousands of years ago to lead the way into his presence, and the light of his glory still shines and invites us to draw near to him today. He is Immanuel, God with us now and forevermore, and no darkness can overcome his mighty light. Today, I invite you to pray that Christ would spark a new light in you, that he would use you as a bright beacon of hope and joy in our dark and weary world. ✨// I’m so excited to kick off this #reasonfortheseason18 devotional series today— from now until Christmas Eve, some incredible women will be sharing daily encouragement here on Instagram! Be sure to follow them all so you don’t miss out: @ellascribbles @livingbyyfaith.blog @mandacarpenter @alwaysaugust @aspoonfuloffaith @oaholland @emmakateacton @samanthaecollin @ohthesweetthings @abounding.grace 🖤 #radadvent #myradchristmas

A post shared by rad. (@racheladawson) on Dec 14, 2018 at 5:55am PST

day two:

by Manda Carpenter

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E and I mail out Christmas cards every year. I genuinely enjoy everything that goes into the process... getting pictures taken, designing the card, and addressing them to all of our friends and family. We keep one wall in our apartment dedicated to displaying all of the Christmas cards we receive and it’s absolutely stunning when they all come in. But something happened in us this year. We both felt this strong nudge not to send out Christmas cards. To be honest, at first I was annoyed. I love snail mail and keeping this little tradition. But the call was clear: we were supposed to take the $241.87 from our Shutterfly total and instead give it to someone. We still aren’t sure who, but believe God is going to make that part just as clear to us at any given moment. I’m not writing this to throw shade on anyone sending out Christmas cards. I’m not asking you to join me, though you are welcome to if you’d like! I simply want to encourage you to find quiet space, in the midst of what can be a chaotic season, so that you don’t miss your nudge. We celebrate this holiday because Jesus, our Savior, was born. He came into the world to save us, bringing hope, light, and joy to conquer the darkness. I think the very best way to celebrate his birth is by giving hope, light, and joy to somebody else this season, every little chance we get. #reasonfortheseason18

A post shared by Manda Carpenter (@mandacarpenter) on Dec 15, 2018 at 9:12am PST

day three:

by Bridgette Brandon

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I’ve been thinking a lot about Matthew 5:14-16 recently and what it has to do with Christmas, but let’s be honest, pretty much everything has to do with Christmas because hello, Jesus! Anyway, the scripture goes, “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” I really love this because it’s an invitation to follow in Jesus footsteps, to follow His example and be a light—The moon, a reflection of the Son. When we sit and think about all we want to do this next year, I think adding that to the list is a good idea. Sure, not hiding our light takes bravery, it takes guts, but the best part is, it’s so practical and honestly simple. When you’re at the store, love on the cashier. When you go home and you’ve gotta spend two weeks with your crazy family, listen to their stories and be sweet to em. Pay for the coffee of the person in line behind you. Text that person you’ve been thinking about an encouraging word. It’s simple. Be a light. What are some ways you can be a light this season—Be a reflection of Jesus? | This is Day 3 in the Reason for The Season devo series, I’ve tagged all the other ladies involved in the photo! Follow along in my stories to catch the rest of the days.

A post shared by Bridgette Brandon (@alwaysaugust) on Dec 16, 2018 at 6:54am PST

Day four:

by Jena Holliday

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HOPE. Jumping into day 4 of #reasonfortheseason18 ✨ Today my heart is stirring around this truth: Jesus is our hope in every circumstance. I don’t know what you are facing today. This might be a hard season of grief or hard things. But I’d love to encourage you with this verse: ✨⠀ .⠀ “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress my God, in whom I trust.” - Psalms 91:1-2 ✨ ⠀ .⠀ Sometimes I don’t dwell there. I look to my work, or my clean home, or checked off list to give me comfort. But it never lasts. How many can relate? 🙋🏾‍♀️ I’m reminded - We can ALWAYS find shelter in Him. He is our refuge and fortress. Don’t settle, let’s find our peace, joy, and hope in The only One who satisfies- Jesus.❤️✨ . Check out all posts from this series at #reasonfortheseason18 and follow along with @ellascribbles @alwaysaugust @mandacarpenter @racheladawson @oaholland @ohthesweetthings @emmakateacton @abounding.grace @livingbyyfaith.blog @samanthaecollin ❤️

A post shared by J e n a H o l l i d a y (@aspoonfuloffaith) on Dec 17, 2018 at 6:41am PST

Day five:

by Olivia Holland Klefeker

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I’m mindful this season of Mary’s unwavering faith in the goodness of God. I can’t confidently say that had I received the news she did about giving birth to Jesus I would have responded with the grace and confidence she did. "I am the Lord’s servant. Let everything you’ve said happen to me.” I can’t help but wonder if she had already resolved deep down that she was neither accidental nor incidental to the story. I believe she knew she had a roll to play and that God would equip her to play it, regardless of factor or feeling. I’m challenged by her gumption to stand strong in our own fields. To stand strong in order that those lost or seeking within the very fields that we are planted in can witness something on our lives that will set them free. I believe now more than ever, the world needs to see a Church that is upright. It needs to see a church that is peaceful — where Peace has been set a-sail. A people who are resolute and unshakeable. I pray in this new year, we’d be a people who learn how to take authority of our own space, mind, soul, and spirit. I pray we live overshadowed by the same Spirit that was at the critical juncture where we see Mary's life come into play. I pray we remain under the shadow of the almighty all the days of our lives and that it would set in motion the mandate that has been placed upon us for such a time as this. I pray all of these things for you, and for me. x

A post shared by Olivia Holland Klefeker (@oaholland) on Dec 18, 2018 at 6:16am PST

Day six:

by Ella Connolly (the genius behind this whole idea!)

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My one prayer this Christmas : let it not be one day. Please Lord let it not be one day that my mind is full of YOU. Let it not be one day that I’m overwhelmed by the reality that God put on human skin to bridge heaven and earth. Let it not be one day that I’m filled with joy and sing songs about my Father’s goodness. I want a Christmas mindset all year round. Friends, let’s never reduce the Christmas story to a lovely heartfelt nativity scene. This was a dramatic rescue mission that tore open history and still affects every human today. I LOVE festivities. Cards, decorations, the food.. especially the food! But I never want to get so swept up in the preparations and prettiness that I’m not shaken to my core this Christmas by the truth. Because Jesus didn’t stay a baby. The story doesn’t end in a manger. And our redemption story doesn’t end on Christmas Day either. It’s a reality EVERY SINGLE MOMENT. So please Lord, let Christmas not just be one day. #reasonfortheseason18

A post shared by Ella Connolly (@ellascribbles) on Dec 19, 2018 at 6:52am PST

Day seven:

by Faith

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To be quite honest, this time of the year is usually a tough one for my me and my family. For the past three years, more than one of my close family members is placed in the hospital. I won’t get into the specifics, but it’s been challenging to forget those memories that are so closely associated with this season. However, we have held on to the peace that God has given to us each year since then. Without His unending peace and love, we would never have survived such difficult times. With that in mind, it is essential that each of us remember that someone could be going through a rough time this season without others knowing. I encourage you to take the time to reach out to someone with genuine intentions this Christmas and share with them the peace and love that God so willingly offers to us all. And if YOU are personally going through a challenge this season, I want you to know that there is a God who cares and Wants to give You Peace. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 (KJV). Nothing that the world can offer will give you a peace that satisfies your soul. There is only One who can give you a peace that is wholesome—Jesus Christ. Only He alone can supply every need this season and for the rest of your life✨

A post shared by f a i t h (@livingbyyfaith.blog) on Dec 21, 2018 at 7:19pm PST

Day eight:

by Natasshia Neary

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As the days become shorter, and nights grow longer, I find myself seeking for more light. Sure, this time of year, we light candles, decorate the tree with twinkling lights and are mesmerized by the flame of a fire. However, I feel that my heart aches for more than just the superficial light; it seeks for something more profound. Thankfully, there is hope. During this season of darkness, we can be reminded that Jesus was born and lived to be our guiding light. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) If your heart also feels lost, or your entire being yearns for a sense of direction, then let me pray alongside you today. I pray that God’s light will shine down on us to cast the darkness away. Let us believe that He has already set aside all our fears and made way for our hopes and dreams. That He is walking alongside us as we forge into our adventure, willingly shining His light forward. This I pray to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine, Amen. ✨ . If you need more encouragement during this time of year, I invite you to visit the pages of these lion hearted women I’ve partnered with for this project. I certainly have been inspired by working alongside them 💕 . @racheladawson @mandacarpenter @ellascribbles @livingbyyfaith.blog @alwaysaugust @aspoonfuloffaith @oaholland @emmakateacton @samanthaecollin @abounding.grace . #reasonfortheseason18

A post shared by natasshia neary (@ohthesweetthings) on Dec 22, 2018 at 8:13am PST

Day nine:

by Ronja

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“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke‬ ‭2:14‬) :: Here in Finland in my hometown, the Christmas Peace is declared every Christmas Eve. At noon, the whole city gathers to hear the Christmas Peace Declaration like we have since 1320s. This marks the beginning of the Christmas celebrations and reminds people to behave in a peaceful manner over the holidays. :: Though this is a man made tradition, it reminds me of Luke 2:14 and the Christmas story. We live in a broken world with broken people — and we feel it at times. But at Christmas, we come and remember the miracle: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory” (John‬ ‭1:14‬). This, as we know, changes everything. :: And today? We have peace. No matter the circumstances or where our hearts are. No matter what has been said or done. We can have peace today — because we have Jesus, the Prince of Peace. He is the God with us. So let’s lift up our eyes today and ask Jesus to fill our hearts with peace. Let’s reach out to others in grace and love. Let’s tell others of the Christmas miracle and the glory of God. That is the heart of Christmas, after all. #reasonfortheseason18

A post shared by Ronja (@abounding.grace) on Dec 23, 2018 at 7:59am PST