johnmarkharris.net

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.

If you’ve missed any of the previous days, you can go back and catch up at johnmarkharris.net—each day is building toward Christmas, and I don’t want you to miss the journey.

So, what is Advent—real quick?
Advent simply means “arrival.” It’s the season where we remember the first coming of Jesus, and we look ahead with hope to His return. It’s like spiritually preparing your heart the way you’d prepare your home for Christmas—lights, warmth, anticipation.

Today’s verse is Luke 2:10:
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.’”

Think about this: the first announcement of Jesus’ birth didn’t go to kings or celebrities. It went to shepherds—regular people, working the night shift, in the cold, probably tired and forgotten by society. And what does the angel say?
“Do not be afraid.”
Why? Because God is showing up—not with judgment—but with good news. Not just everyday good news, but great joy. And not just for the religious, the powerful, or the deserving—for all people.

That’s the heart of Christmas.
The gospel isn’t advice about what we need to do—it’s good news about what God has already done. Jesus came to bring joy to a world that was stuck in darkness, fear, and hopelessness.

So here’s today’s challenge:
If Christmas is good news of great joy for everyone—then let’s not keep it to ourselves. Be a carrier of that good news today.
* Send a message to someone who’s discouraged.

* Speak life into a friend who’s struggling.

* Smile at the cashier, tip the server well, be kind when others aren’t.
Small acts of encouragement can carry big joy.


Because when the angel said this news was for all people—that includes you, and it can flow through you to someone else.

Let’s pray:
“Lord, thank You for the good news of Jesus—good news of great joy for all people. Help us not to be afraid, and help us share that joy with someone who needs it today. Use us to shine Your light. Amen.”

Thanks for joining me today. Don’t forget, if you missed any devotionals or want to share with a friend, head over to johnmarkharris.net. I’ll see you tomorrow as we keep walking toward Christmas together.

Hi everyone, Pastor John Harris here. Thanks for joining me for today’s Advent devotional.
Advent reminds us that Jesus came… and Jesus is coming again. It’s about waiting with purpose… expecting God to move… right where we are.
Our verse today is Luke 2:8
“Now there were shepherds in that same region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock.”
I love this. God sends the announcement of the Messiah straight to ordinary people. Not royalty. Not experts. Shepherds. People out in the cold. People just doing their job. People most folks didn’t notice.
But heaven saw them.
And heaven went to them first.
The good news isn’t guarded. It’s not hidden. It’s not for “special” people. It comes to the lowly… the watchful… the ones just trying to make it through another night.
And that means God can speak right into your life, right into your routine, right into the place you think doesn’t matter.
So here’s the challenge today—simple and real:
Share Jesus with someone who might feel unseen. A neighbor. A co-worker. Someone who’s always in the background. A quick word. A moment of kindness. A “you matter to God” kind of conversation. Keep it simple. Let God do the rest.

If you’ve missed any devotionals, you can watch the whole series at johnmarkharris.net. They’re all there for you.
Let’s live this out. The Savior came for everyday people… so let’s bring His hope to everyday people.
I look forward to tomorrow.