Advent Reflections: Day 18 By Cortney Donelson

John 3:17
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 
Christ did not come with only the belt of truth. Jesus was born into a sin-filled world with the full armor of God. He came to fight for us, save us, and show us the way. Even as a humble baby in a manger, Jesus has everything He needed - the full offense and defense of God - to fulfill His purpose of restoring our relationship with our Creator. 
When the disciple Paul preached about the armor of God, he was describing more than a simple outfit. He was teaching us how to accept and use the impenetrable weapons and protections of the Almighty God. 
Jesus was full of truth, yet He was also equipped with the breastplate of righteousness, the Gospel of peace on His feet, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the Word of God as His sword. Christ came prepared for a battle. He entered this world as an infant but ready in both mind, spirit, and body to conquer all evil and restore your and my places in the Kingdom of Heaven. 
There are many who believe the Truth condemns and judges. That would be one of the war plans of the enemy. The Truth is a balance of both love and conviction. Mercy and justice. There is no condemnation in Christ. 
Therefore, to honor Jesus this Christmas, let's first be thankful. Let's praise Him for His victory on our behalf. And, then let's don our own armor and cloak ourselves with love and mercy in order to light the way to truth and justice. Let's make sure those who don't know Christ as their personal Savior understand that Jesus did not come to condemn ... but to save!


Jesus, thank You for making a way for us when we did not deserve it. Thank You for donning the armor of God, enter this world, humble Yourself, and then fight on our behalf. Thank You for the sacrifice. This Christmas, I pray we can all show the world Your truth and love and prove that You did not come to condemn, but to save. It's in Your name I pray. Amen.

Advent Reflections: Day 17 By Cortney Donelson

Luke 1:46-48

And Mary said:     "My soul glorifies the Lord       and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,      for he has been mindful       of the humble state of his servant."
Every year, I prayerfully select a word by which I will live, make decisions, and prioritize my commitments and activities. Many of you have followed my "Word of the Year" saga over the last several years. January 1, 2017 will introduce my sixth "Word of the Year." My words have become powerful reminders that my way is not God's way. My thoughts are not His thoughts. And, His will is the only will I wish to see done. A couple of my words caused me some trepidation. A few energized me for the entire year. The others were difficult but worth the struggle to abide, for I learned so much and was able to draw near to the One whom I believe hand-selected these words for me with divine purpose.
2012: Peace2013: Joy 2014: Courage2015: Obedience2016: Reflect 
This year's word came to me over the course of the last few months, as I sat in reflection more so than normal. This year's word is also a central theme in the Christmas story. Mary attributes 'my word' to the reason God chose her to carry His Son until His birth among the animals. Imagine that. If I can center my thoughts, actions, and soul around this word, I could very well become a significant part of the LORD's plan for 2017 and beyond. This word attracts the favor of God. I say, "Yes, please!" 
Humility.
The word itself is humbling. That God would handpick this word for me for the coming year means that perhaps it's something I need to work on. (Ouch!) Or, maybe He made this word clear to me because He has big plans for my life. I don't want to miss out because my character is not equipped to handle the majesty of His will for me. So, I (humbly) accept this word. Though again, I enter into the new year with a small measure of curiosity (ok, maybe mild anxiety!) about what this all means.
James 4:10 is clear. "Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you."
Zephaniah 2:3 is convincing. "Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth who have carried out His ordinances; Seek righteousness, seek humility. Perhaps you will be hidden in the day of the LORD's anger."
1 Peter 5:5 is convicting. "...and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
What about you? Will you prayerful consider a word for 2017 ... one that you will use to guide every aspect of your life? You may be surprised where God leads. 

Father God, I know I probably don't even understand the full meaning of humility. As Jesus entered this world on Christmas Day so many generations ago, He entered in the most humbling of ways. I pray, I learn from that and from the 33 years He spent on this earth. I pray I clothe myself with a humility to the extent that when others watch me, they know it is not of me. I pray that my humility points them directly to You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Advent Reflections: Day 14, 15, and 16 By Cortney Donelson

Matthew 11:28-30

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

I am now three days behind with my advent devotions. In another life, I would have considered that an epic fail. My relentless pursuit of meticulousness in combination with my current tardiness would have propelled me into internal chaos. I think I can now admit this ... I had a problem which the most potent of drugs may not have squelched. It was called perfectionism. In this past life I speak about, I would have chastised myself, angry in my belief that writing a two-minute devotion wasn't that difficult to do every day, especially if I was having quiet times with the LORD anyway. No wait! In thinking further, I have determined that my old self would  not have even let it get to this point. I would have stayed up late to get them done on time, likely resulting in illness and overall nastiness at best. My loved ones would be taking cover about now. My old self was a disaster. 

Thankfully, I am a new creation. My old self continues to die a little every day while I am being transformed from the inside out. So, I have to say, there was a flutter of disappointment after the first missed devotion. Then, there was a slightly more intense prick of frustration with the second day. But... rather than convince myself that I should have done better with this "little project" of mine to honor advent with a daily devotion, I instead followed Matthew 11:28-30.  

This Christmas, I am choosing to honor Christ with intentional pauses. I am choosing to take His yoke and learn from Him. Jesus spent his busiest years smoothly gliding between work and rest.  I have been quite busy this month. So, I know I must take His yoke and lean into Him more often to balance my soul. Humility starts with realizing I don't have to - no, I can't - do everything. My soul needs a break to sit with the One who can replenish me, the One who entered Earth over 2000 years ago alongside a bright star and a Heavenly host proclaiming His arrival. The child who not only saved us, but continues to teach us through The Word and the Holy Spirit. I desperately want to learn. 

Jesus, I want to accept Your grace, learn from Your teachings, and call on You to give me rest. This has been a turbulent few weeks, and I pray I sit still and know that You are God. I pray I don't miss the reason for this holiday. I pray we all take Your yoke and learn. Amen.

Advent Reflections: Day 13 By Cortney Donelson

Luke 2:13-14
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'

There has been no mistake here (at least with regards to repeating the Scripture from Day 12).  I approached this Christmas verse via a television cartoon last time. Today, let's look at it through song.

"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is a true Christmas hymn, thoroughly biblical and infused with joy. The song speaks about multiple concepts including, Christ's deity, Christ's humanity, Christ's Lordship, reconciliation with God the Father through Jesus, the fulfillment of prophecy, and salvation through Christ. 

   Hark the herald angels sing
  "Glory to the newborn King!
   Peace on earth and mercy mild
   God and sinners reconciled"

While the Bible is not apparent the angels sang during this event (one translation says 'praising and saying'), it's not difficult to imagine the angels rejoicing with song. Worship is a central component to building our intimate relationship with God. While worship includes the quieter aspects of communication such as prayer, it also encompasses our willingness to abandon our pride to sing, dance, kneel, and rejoice enthusiastically. 

This Christmas, perhaps at the Christmas Eve services we attend, I challenge us to release our inhibitions. Worship as if no one else is watching but God. Praise Him the way He deserves. Let's all express our thanksgiving for the coming of Christ in a way that shows He is the Messiah.  

Father God, we praise You! As angels rejoiced on that night over 2000 years ago, I pray we Christians rejoice and give thanks for the wondrous way You have reconciled everything. We praise You and want to express our love for You. May we do so in every way that pleases You. It's in Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Advent Reflections: Day 12 By Cortney Donelson

Luke 2:13-14

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'
I sat and watched A Charlie Brown Christmas with my kids the other night. Best. Christmas. Cartoon. Ever!
The use of Scripture in a cartoon was controversial even back in 1965 when it first aired. Yes, Linus' "True Meaning of Christmas" speech that highlights Luke 2:13-14 was almost cut. I am thankful it wasn't, because it has been included in every airing since then.  In fact, some schools around the country that use A Charlie Brown Christmas for their seasonal play are getting into legal hot water with their communities and local governments. 
I am fairly certain if this story was created today, Linus' monologue would be cut before it hit the airways. It seems the meaning of Christmas no longer includes Christ and His birth. With each passing year, Christmas leans a little more toward other things. The focus has shifted from the Word becoming flesh to consumerism-led expectations. Shopping, food, time off work or school, and a myriad of hurried activities underscore the holiday. 
So, I ask myself, how can I ensure Christ is at the heart of Christmas? How can we, as a family, do better? How can we sit still and adore Him? I believe this course of questioning will likely reveal a true dying to oneself moment for me. This path I'm on is leading down the sacrificial road. I can just sense it. But, it's a path I have chosen before, and it's one I have never regretted. I have faith and hope that it will lead to so much more than bows and ribbons. Stockings and cookies. House decorating contests and Santa. 
Perhaps, in the coming years, my family and I will rediscover this "holiday" for what it truly is - the day our LORD left home to be born in the lowliest position possible in order to rescue us from ourselves. It will become a celebration where we give to Christ in a way that would glorify God and honor the incredible gift we already received in Jesus, His Son. I cannot imagine wanting anything more than that. 
Father God, I look forward to the second coming of Christ. But, first I want to learn to honor His first coming appropriately. LORD, I am blessed to live where I do and have the things I have. More than those materials things, Father God, I want to experience the magnitude and significance of how and why Jesus was born.  Merry Christmas, LORD. It's in His name I pray, Amen.

Advent Reflections: Day 11 By Cortney Donelson

Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the LORD himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. 
Immanuel. Hebrew for God With Us. I cannot think of a more life-sustaining name. 
Immanuel waits alongside us for the test results. Immanuel holds our hearts when they break.Immanuel comforts us when we grieve.Immanuel calms the anxiety that rages within us.Immanuel carries the weight of our transgressions.Immanuel sits with us in our closets when it feels as if our worlds have been ripped apart.Immanuel speaks truth when the darts of lies penetrate our minds.Immanuel catches our liquid sorrow in His hands.Immanuel prayers to Father God on our behalves. Immanuel knows the facts when slanderous people steal our peace.Immanuel seeks justice when wrongs are committed.Immanuel solves the problem of aloneness. Immanuel encourages us when we hit rock bottom.Immanuel remedies regret.Immanuel overpowers oppression.Immanuel rejoices when we rejoice.Immanuel mourns with us when we mourn.Immanuel secures our salvation.
Immanuel. God with us. 

Jesus, there are no words that I could possibly find to express my shear gratitude nor the magnitude of my awe when I think about You. You are Immanuel. You are with us, for us, and among us. There is nothing more comforting than that. We love You and praise You. Amen.

Advent Reflections: Day 10 By Cortney Donelson

Revelation 17:14
These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is LORD of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful. 
The gifts brought to the baby Jesus reveal he was accepted as a king.
At the time of Jesus's birth, gold, frankincense, and myrrh were traditional gifts given to royalty in the Middle East. 
This idea convicted me not too long ago. My walk with Jesus doesn't always reflect every aspect of the relationship we have together or every position He holds. It's comfortable for me to relate to Jesus as Savior. Following Jesus as my servant makes sense to me. I can even relate to Christ as my brother and co-heir in eternity, though that gives me chills and upon deep reflection, causes me to drop to my knees in gratitude. However, it's the title of Jesus as King that I too often minimize or even forget. 
Today's culture, the American society, and my own naivety concerning history and government prevents me from truly understanding this dynamic position of King of kings. Not so in the culture of Jesus's birth. Jesus was and is royalty. He is the supreme ruler of all the Nations. And, even as a newborn lying in a dirty manger among farm animals, both Jew and Gentile recognized Him as King.
I can't help but ask myself this Christmas season, do I acknowledge this position of His? Do I allow Him to rule over me - my heart, my soul, my thoughts... my whole life? 
 Jesus, You are King of kings. I ask for Your forgiveness. At times, I forget. I forget to allow You to rule my life and I certainly don't act like I trust Your supreme oversight at times. I want You to know that I trust You implicitly. Thank You for Your grace and wisdom in my life.  Amen.

Advent Reflections: Day 9 By Cortney Donelson

Lamentations 3:25
The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. 
Sometimes bad things happen. We can't avoid them. For now, we are residents of a fallen world, one which the enemy uses as his very own playground. And yet...
there is always hope. It's a hope born from the faithfulness and goodness of God. 
there is always joy. It's a joy that springs forth as we recognize the presence of God during our toughest times as well as in the most wonderful of circumstances. 
there is victory in Christ. The birth of Jesus ignited God's plan to overcome evil, even death. 
For those who seek the LORD every day, for those who pursue His hope and joy, for those who wait in expectation for Him, and for those who understand the victory that is the LORD's and in which we share ... for those, the LORD is good. 
So no matter what trial you experienced this week, no matter how you have been hurt, no matter which condition you face (loneliness, grief, illness, or another), I encourage you to seek out God and rediscover the hope that awaits. Experience the goodness He promises. It's in the waiting that we truly find the fullness of God and realize He is our portion.  Father God, while we may not always feel happiness, we can always experience Your hope, joy, and goodness. For that, we are truly grateful. You never leave us, but rather lift us up in our darkest seasons and show us your power through Your mere presence. Father God, You are our portion. We will wait in You. In Jesus name we pray.  Amen.

Advent Reflections: Day 8 By Cortney Donelson

Luke 2:14
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"
This scripture bears repeating. 

Let's commit to give God the glory in all things. We can do nothing worthwhile, impactful, or wonderful for His Kingdom's cause apart from Him. Here on earth, as we abide in Him, He is the source of peace. No matter what difficult circumstances come our way, His peace is one that overpowers all anxiety, confusion, and dismay. 
Seek Him out. Follow His ways. Rest in His peace. Three steps to the abundant life here on earth. Glory to God in the Highest!

Father God, we praise You today. We know we can't produce abundant fruit without You. We are grateful for the peace that envelops us as we seek You out and rest in the confidence you alight in our hearts. May we also think, speak, and act in ways that please You. In Jesus name we pray.  Amen.

Advent Reflections: Day 7 By Cortney Donelson

Isaiah 9:6-7
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. 
What a year this country has experienced, culminating in quite an interesting election process and outcome. Regardless of our side of the fence (or whether we are perched right there on the top of it), the party we supported, or the results we may have judged, there is something for which we can all gather around and rejoice. We can rest confident in and give praise for this truth ... that God manages the world well. There is nothing too big for Him. No country. No government. No group. No religion. No person. No heart that is too radical or too damaging for Him to handle. Light will always pierce darkness. Life will always have victory over death for those who trust in Christ, the One for whom we celebrate this season.
Jesus came as Mighty God and Prince of Peace, and that is how God manages this world - through power and peace. It's a power that holds every circumstance captive and releases each one into reality only when God knows how to make it work for good in the end. It's a peace that eclipses our feeble definitions and human naivety. It's a peace that has no end as it leads the charge for justice and goodness in His perfect timing. As it was written, "upholding his kingdom with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever." The reign of Christ is supreme.
I love that last line of this verse, too. "The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this." The Lord's pursuit of peace, righteousness, justice, and mercy is both energetic and relentless. So it should be with us. 

Jesus, you are King of Kings. Your reign will be into eternity. Your power and peace are unparalleled. For that, we can rest in confidence. We can give hope to the most hopeless of situations. And, we can pour out peace in the most chaotic of circumstances. All because You came down to establish the Kingdom of God, adopted us as God's sons and daughters, all in pursuit of what is good and pleasing to the Father. Thank You. In Jesus name we pray.  Amen.

Advent Reflections: Day 6 By Cortney Donelson

2 Corinthians 9:15 (KJV)Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. 
The gift of Jesus is so precious that there exists no human word or single emotion we can use to describe it. It is, by all accounts, unspeakable. 
I have been given many amazing gifts. This morning, I thanked God for the gift of a new day (because yesterday was certainly not worth reliving). At the top of my personal list of best gifts ever, I would include my husband, my children, and my health. In 1987, I received my favorite childhood Christmas gift - a giant sized stuffed bear that I so ingeniously named, "Bear." I still have him ... er ... I mean, "it." My favorite gift as an adult is by far the vanity license plate my husband gave me after our family was almost torn apart. INTLFAM 
Yet no gift is as precious as everlasting life. No gift can compare to the opportunity to know God, experience His goodness, and have the promise of eternity with Him. No earthly gift can compete with Heaven's greatest gift - Jesus. 
This advent season, let's give thanks together for the most unspeakable gift we've ever received. Let's take a few minutes to sit with the promise of life everlasting... all because a baby was born in a manger. 
Father God, thank You for Your unspeakable gift. May we never take it for granted. May we focus our eyes on the merciful and powerful impact a baby's birth had on both history and eternity. We love You. Amen.

Advent Reflections: Day 5 By Cortney Donelson

John 1:14And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

God's Word became flesh means that God descended from Heaven to earth in the form of a baby named Jesus. Both fully God and fully human, He came to provide Salvation (the solution) for our sins. Without Jesus, we would still be making burnt offerings and sacrifices to atone for those sins. The veil would not have been torn, giving us access to the God of All Creation. 

Those who walked with Jesus during His 33 year reign on earth faced the spectacular. They used each one of their senses to experience God's glory, His grace, and His truth. Imagine! They touched the Lord's cloak, watched His miracles unfold, heard His sermons first-hand, smelled the wine turned from water, tasted the bread and fish that fed the multitudes, and learned how to walk intimately with God from God Himself. 

I am often envious of those who knew Jesus so tangibly. I forget that Jesus advised us that it was better for Him to leave. In the dark and anxious moments of life, it is easy for me to overlook the One who came in place of Jesus, the One whom Jesus called another Comforter. This Spirit dwelling within those who put their trust in Christ is also Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, and Counselor. I often forget I can use every sense to experience God's Word and power through the Holy Spirit. 

So, this Christmas season, let's take time to tap into the Spirit. Let's catch a glimpse of the love that pours out of others who are tapping into the Holy Spirit. Let's allow Him to comfort, help, advocate, and counsel us. After all, as Jesus explained, it is better to have God abiding within us at all times than to have Jesus right in front of us just part of the time as the disciples did. 

Father God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, we love You! We don't want to miss the impact of Christ's coming, NOR the significance of His leaving to return to the Father. We pray we tap into the Holy Spirit within us and allow our reactions and responses to our circumstances flow from the power of the Spirit rather than our own emotions and understanding. Amen.

Advent Reflections: Day 4 By Cortney Donelson

Matthew 2:10 
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

Have you ever waited an extended time for The Amazing? Not amazing as an adjective but the amazing - as a noun. I expect most of you, like me, have had to experience a season of waiting. For graduation. A job. A house. A child...

The shepherds were keenly aware of God's promise of the coming Messiah. They had been waiting. Prophesies about the Son of Man had been occurring for more than 700 years. Then, there had been a long period of silence. So, I imagine the Israelites were getting impatient, feeling rejected, and maybe even becoming apathetic. Did God forsake us or forget His promise? 

Despite the agony of the wait and the period of God's silence as He prepared to change history, when the star shone brightly that night, the shepherds knew. They did not second-guess. They didn't doubt. They didn't reject the reality as fantasy nor ignore the truth of the sign. They rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. I love the adverb clause and prepositional phrase here. It's as if twenty exclamation points were placed at the end of the sentence. They were not just rejoicing. They were filled with awe, joy, and most likely a good measure of relief. This was IT! 

Christ has come! Halleluiah! He was born, later was crucified, and finally rose again. We celebrate this joy-filled event of Christ's birth, and we realize we, too, are in a waiting period. We have been promised another Amazing. Christ will return, preceded by the sound of trumpets and culminating with the reconciliation of this world. When that happens, I hope we'll rejoice super exceedingly with a double portion of breathtaking joy and peace!!!

Father God, we rejoice exceedingly this Christmas season. We can only imagine what those shepherds were thinking and feeling that night as Your star shone, indicating Your promise had been fulfilled. We stand in awe of the majesty of that night. And, as we anticipate Christ's return, we pray we don't lose our intensity or resolve. We pray we don't doubt or second-guess in the midst of the wait. I pray when He comes, we are ready. In Jesus's name we pray. Amen.