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Hey everyone, Pastor John Harris here. Thanks for jumping in for today’s Advent devotional.
Advent is this short season where we slow down… and we remember our need. Our need for God to break in. Our need for hope. Our need for light. And today’s verse hits that straight on.
John 1:9 says, “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.”
-> The true light.
Not fake. Not dim. Not limited.
Jesus brings a light that reaches everyone… even the places we try to hide.
And that’s good news. Because darkness lies. Darkness traps. But light—His light—exposes what’s hurting us… and then heals it.
So let me ask you, just honestly:
Where do you need His light?
What corner of your heart feels heavy?
What struggle have you kept quiet for too long?
Advent isn’t about pretending everything’s fine. It’s about opening the door and saying, “Jesus, shine here. Right here. In this mess.”
And He will.
He’s gentle, but He’s bold.
He won’t shame you—He’ll free you.
So today, confess what’s been hidden. Tell someone you trust. Pray for help. Let the “true light” break in. Healing starts when the light gets in.
If you missed earlier devotionals, they’re all waiting for you at johnmarkharris.net. Keep walking with us—one day at a time—toward the light of Christ.
See you tomorrow.

Hello, I’m Pastor John Harris. Thanks for joining me for today’s Advent devotional.
Advent reminds us why we wait. We remember that Jesus came… and we set our hearts on the fact that He’s coming again. Hope with direction. Expectation with purpose.
Today’s verse is John 1:14:
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
This is the miracle at the center of everything. God didn’t stay distant. He stepped into our world. He took on flesh. He walked with us. He showed us exactly who the Father is—grace and truth, side by side, perfectly held together in one Person.
And if Jesus carries both grace and truth, we should too.
So here’s the challenge for this week:
Let grace and truth shape your words. Be honest, but gentle. Be clear, but kind. Let the way you speak reflect the One who spoke life into the world by becoming one of us.
If you’ve missed earlier devotionals, you can watch all the previous entries at johnmarkharris.net.
I’m grateful you’re here, and I’m looking forward to the next one with you. See you tomorrow.

I’m Pastor John Harris. Advent is the season when we intentionally slow down to remember the coming of Christ—His first coming in Bethlehem, and His promised return. It’s a season of waiting, watching, and expecting God to move.
Today’s verse comes from Matthew 1:23: ‘See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel, which is translated “God is with us.”’”
That one sentence changes everything. God didn’t shout from a distance. He didn’t send help from far away. He came. He stepped into our world, into real human life, and made His presence unmistakable.
Immanuel means God doesn’t abandon His people. He draws near. The incarnation is God saying, “I’m here. With you. For you.”
So when you feel alone… when the room gets quiet… when the weight hits you—speak His name: Emmanuel. Let that truth settle into your soul. God is with you right now, not theoretically, but personally and completely.

If you’ve missed earlier devotionals, you can find all of them at johnmarkharris.net.
Thank you for watching today. I’m grateful you’re joining me on this journey, and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.

Hi, I’m Pastor John Harris! Today’s Advent focus is Jesus’ mission. Check out Matthew 1:21
“She will give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Pause for a second. He came to save us from our sins. Not just the little mistakes. Not just the obvious stuff. All of it—the guilt, the shame, the stuff we try to hide even from ourselves.
That’s why His name is Jesus. It means “God saves.” This is the heart of Advent. God saw our mess and said, “I’m coming in. I’m saving you.”
So today, if you’re carrying guilt or shame—bring it to Him. Let Jesus do what only He can do: save, forgive, and make you new. Your past, your mistakes, your regrets—they don’t have to define you. He came for all of it.

If you’ve missed any devotionals this month, go to johnmarkharris.net and catch up. There’s a whole journey of hope waiting for you.
Remember: His name is Jesus. He saves. Let Him.

Hi, I’m Pastor John Harris. Thanks for joining me for this Advent devotional. Advent is simply the season when we slow down and remember that Jesus came, and we look forward to the day He comes again. It’s anticipation that shapes how we live right now.
Today’s verse is Luke 2:11:
“Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”
God doesn’t just announce a birth—He announces a rescue. The Savior has come for you. Not far-off. Not theoretical. Personal. Present. Real.
And He is Messiah. He is Lord. The One who holds authority over everything—including the things that weigh on you today.
Christmas isn’t just nostalgic warmth; it’s God stepping into our world to save us. So here’s today’s practice: take one practical worry—just one—and hand it over to the Savior who came for you. Say it out loud if you need to. Let the Lord who entered the world enter that space too.
If you’ve missed any of the devotionals in this December series, you can review all the previous entries at johnmarkharris.net. I’d love for you to catch up and keep walking through this season with us.
Thanks for watching today. I’m grateful you’re here, and I’m looking forward to the next one.