Guest Writer: Burt Schmitz – Just Keith Harris

Advent Reading for December 17, 2023 | “The Significance of Names” from Luke 2:21-24

²²And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord ²³(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) ²⁴and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”
Luke 2:21-24

“The Significance of Names”
by Burt Schmitz

Luke brings us from the rejoicing of the angels and shepherds to what seems to be a mundane event. A couple of things happen on the eighth day after His birth that are significant. First, He is circumcised. He receives the sign of the covenant as a descendent of Abraham (Genesis 17:7-12). The baby is now identified as a member of the household of faith. Second, the baby is given His name, Jesus. This is the name that the angel Gabriel told Mary to give her child (Luke 1:31). Jesus, “the Lord is salvation”, is His name. Matthew 1:21 tells us “For He will save His people from their sins.”

Names are significant. When we lived in Togo, we learned that the names that were given to children at their birth could be used to give the child identity as well as to indicate a significant event. My friend Lamoutidja’s name signified that he was born on a Thursday. His name literally means “Thursday’s man”. Lamoutidja had a lot of brothers. Another friend was the first born of his mother and was given the name Nanlieb, “Everyone envies me”. Having a son was very important and especially as a first born.

The name Jesus, “the Lord is salvation”, has great significance for us. It is Jesus, that even from His birth, is identified as the Savior of the world. Luke 2:11, the angels declare, “there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Christ, Messiah, Anointed One, all indicating that Jesus was the Son of God, born to accomplish the task of providing salvation.

Luke 2:29-32 identifies Jesus not only as the Savior of the Jews, but also of the Gentiles, the whole wide world. We see in the names and titles given to Jesus around His birth, circumcision, and purification in the temple that Jesus is the baby born to die. “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12).

What will you do with Jesus?

Reflection Questions:

Reflect on Acts 4:12. Since Jesus is the only way of salvation, how does that impact our desire to share the gospel – good news of great joy – with others?
Today’s devotion closed with a question: what will you do with Jesus? Belief in Him is supposed to impact one’s whole life. How does this question challenge the way our daily lives reflect (or do not reflect) Him?

Christ Has Come: The Promised King & His Gift of Peace (Advent 2025) – Refresh & Restore | A JustKeithHarris.com Podcast

Christ Has Come – Week 3Episode Title: The Promised King & His Gift of JoyLuke 1:39–56In this Advent episode of Christ Has Come, Keith Harris turns to Luke 1 and invites us to slow down and listen to the joy that begins stirring before Bethlehem. Long before angels sing to shepherds, joy breaks the silence in the hill country of Judea—through a Spirit-filled confession, a leaping child, and the worshipful song of a young woman who trusts the promises of God.Together, we explore:What biblical joy is—and what it isn’t, distinguishing it from fleeting happiness or emotional highs.How joy appears before the word is even spoken, as John the Baptist leaps for joy in Elizabeth’s womb at the presence of the unborn Messiah.Why Mary’s joy is rooted not in circumstances but in God’s mercy, as she magnifies the Lord and rejoices in God her Savior.The meaning and message of the Magnificat, a Scripture-saturated song that celebrates God’s great reversal—lifting the lowly, filling the hungry, and humbling the proud.How Mary’s joy points beyond herself to Jesus, the promised King who fulfills God’s covenant promises and secures lasting joy through His saving work.This episode reminds us that joy is not something we manufacture—it’s something we receive, and it grows wherever Jesus is trusted. Advent teaches us that true joy is found not in having life figured out, but in the presence of Christ and the mercy He brings.If you would like to see a written version of this study, complete with footnotes and cross-references, you can find it here.

Advent Reading for December 15, 2023 | “The Quiet Birth That Changed the World” from Luke 2:1-7

¹In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ²This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. ³And all went to be registered, each to his own town. ⁴And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, ⁵to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. ⁶And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. ⁷And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Luke 2:1-7

“The Quiet Birth That Changed the World”
by Burt Schmitz

The birth of a child is always a joyous occasion. Here we have the birth of not just any child, but the birth of the Son of God, Jesus. This is a very significant moment in history. The Apostle Paul writes, “But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, so that He might redeem those who were under Law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” (Galatians 4:4-5). Jesus’ birth is in fulfillment of the promise given in Genesis 3:15 of the one who shall crush the serpent’s head. And yet, the birth of the Son of God is recorded in these verses in a manner that is seems so insignificant.

Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem to be counted in a census “because he was of the house and family of David.” (Luke 2:4). The Scripture does not indicate that Joseph was moving to fulfill the prophecy in Micah 5:2 that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem. No, Joseph took his wife, Mary, so they could be counted, nothing less or nothing more. While there in Bethlehem, “the days were completed for her to give birth” (Luke 2:6) and Jesus is born. No fanfare for the birth of the King of Kings. There was no rejoicing by the multitudes. There was no one singing the Hallelujah Chorus, nor was there the reciting of Isaiah 9:6-7. “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and evermore.” No, Mary gave birth to Jesus and wrapped Him in cloths and laid Him in a manger because there was no room in the inn. A very quiet and unassuming birth, that changed the world.

Much in our lives seems exactly like Jesus’s birth. Our thoughts go something like this. It is just another boring day where nothing exciting happens. God why don’t You choose me to do something great in Your Kingdom? How come I am never recognized for what I do like…? God has not forgotten you. Ephesians 2:10 affirms that each of us is saved for a purpose. There are good works for us to do that God “prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them”. Just as Jesus’s birth was not an insignificant event, even though it looks that way in today’s passage, neither is your birth into the Kingdom of God. Jesus chooses us to follow Him and then to do His work (John 15:16). So here it is. Jesus came to save us and then to choose us to do His work.

Will you answer the call to follow Jesus first in salvation and then to do the good works to which He has called you?

What will you do with the Babe of Bethlehem?

Reflection Questions:

Reflecting on the quiet and humble birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, how does this challenge our culture’s expectations of grandeur and recognition for significant events?
How does Ephesians 2:10 encourage us to view our lives and the good works prepared for us?

Christ Has Come: The Promised King & His Gift of Peace (Advent 2025) – Refresh & Restore | A JustKeithHarris.com Podcast

Advent Reading for December 12, 2023 | “Rejoicing in Hope: Exploring the Joy of Advent” from Luke 1:57-66

⁵⁷Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. ⁵⁸And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. ⁵⁹And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father, ⁶⁰but his mother answered, “No; he shall be called John.” ⁶¹And they said to her, “None of your relatives is called by this name.” ⁶²And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called. ⁶³And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they all wondered. ⁶⁴And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. ⁶⁵And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea, ⁶⁶and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, “What then will this child be?” For the hand of the Lord was with him.
Luke 1:57-66

“Rejoicing in Hope: Exploring the Joy of Advent”
by Burt Schmitz

Today we begin thinking about the third week of Advent. This is the week of joy. There are few events in the lives of individuals that bring more joy than the birth of a child. Imagine with me some of what is happening with the birth of this child. Elizabeth in her old age has not only become pregnant, beyond any hope, and has now given birth to a child. She who at one time felt disgraced has found favor with God (Luke 1:24-25). Elizabeth rejoices! Her son was born! Oh joy! Her neighbors rejoice along with Elizabeth. I can hear them now. The sounds of rejoicing and laughter with one who has been blessed with her first-born child a son. Most of us have seen this scene and the joy it brings to our lives, and we can relate to the joy that comes with the birth of a child.

But is joy only a feeling that we get when things are going our way or when something wonderful and inexplicable happens to us? No, joy is much more than this. There is a joy that is experienced by God’s people that is based on more than a feeling. This joy rises above circumstances and focuses on the very character of God.^[i] I can think of no reason to have joy more than that God has provided a way of salvation for us, His creation. Romans 5:12 states it this way, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith in this grace in which we stand: and we exult in hope of the glory of God.” What does that have to do with our Scripture for today?

When Zechariah was in the temple and the angel Gabriel was foretelling the birth of his son, Gabriel said, “You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth” (Luke 1:14). Joy and rejoicing at the birth of Elizabeth and Zechariah’s son. Why? It is not just the whole old age issue. It is because “he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah…to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:17-18). Joy because salvation is coming to the house of Israel and to all peoples!

Rejoicing and then confusion as Elizabeth says that his name is John. This is affirmed by Zechariah who writes “His name is John.” And immediately begins to speak in praise of God! A whole lot of joy and rejoicing because God is showing His people salvation. This was news that spread throughout the hill country of Judea, their home. Joy and rejoicing not just in the birth of a child. Joy and rejoicing because God is bringing salvation to His people. The really good news is this. The salvation that is spoken of for the people of that time is not just for them. This same salvation is available to us today through faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord. “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). Accept Jesus and experience true joy in His salvation.

Reflection Questions:

Considering Zechariah’s and Elizabeth’s joy at the birth of their son John, how might the angel’s prophecy about John’s role in turning people back to God contribute to their joy?
When Zechariah affirms the name John, leading to his immediate praise of God, what does his reaction reveal about the significance of God’s plan and the joy that comes from seeing it play out in real life?

Christ Has Come: The Promised King & His Gift of Peace (Advent 2025) – Refresh & Restore | A JustKeithHarris.com Podcast

[i] Ronald F. Youngblood, F. F. Bruce, and R. K. Harrison, Thomas Nelson Publishers, eds., Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1995).

Advent 2023 — Reading Guide

“Joy to the World! The Lord is Come!”

Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things! His right hand and His holy arm have worked salvation for Him. The Lord has made known His salvation; He has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations. He has remembered His steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break into joyous song and sing praises!
Psalm 98:1-4

Did you know that Isaac Watt’s hymn “Joy to the World” was not intended to be a Christmas carol? Watts wrote it with the intention of having a hymn show praise to God for His care for His people with a New Testament perspective, specifically a focus on the return of Christ. But just as the New Testament begins with the birth of Christ – Emmanuel, God with us – “Joy to the World” will forever be associated with Jesus’s first coming. It will forever be associated with Christmas.

Psalm 98 is the inspiration for “Joy to the World” and is a psalm celebrating God’s continual salvation for Israel and all the times that “His steadfast love and faithfulness” were bestowed on them. But all of that – all the times God showed up and moved in Israel’s history, all the powerful examples of His continued care for them – was on display for the Gentiles, on display for “all the earth”. That’s good news!

When we look at the world around us, there is not a lot of good news to be found – and definitely very little “good news of great joy”, and even less good news that is meant “for all the people” (Luke 2:10). But with Jesus comes “Joy to the World”. Jesus makes Psalm 98 true because He is the culmination of the “marvelous things” God has done – God in flesh (John 1:14)! Jesus is God’s salvation “made known”! Jesus is God’s righteousness revealed! God truly “remembered His steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel” by sending them the Messiah, and praise be to God, “all the ends of the earth” can see and experience “the salvation of our God” through Him!

This year’s Advent guide is named after the hymn “Joy to the World”, but it is also – not a subtitle, but another title entirely – named after a line from “O Holy Night”: “a thrill of hope the weary world rejoices”. There seems to be a lot more weary in the world today than joy, but we need to be reminded that the Lord has come, and He is coming again. So, this is our effort to help you be able to rejoice in this weary world – to help you fix your eyes on Jesus rather than the trouble of the day (Hebrews 12:2, Matthew 6:34).

You can download the reading guide here free of charge.

Or you can use the links or podcast player below to listen to the Bible reading and devotion for each day.

Christ Has Come: The Promised King & His Gift of Peace (Advent 2025) – Refresh & Restore | A JustKeithHarris.com Podcast

Here are the links to the daily Scripture readings & devotions:

HOPE

Lighting the first candle of hope means looking forward to the promised Savior, as foretold in Isaiah 7:14 and Romans 15:12-13. This hope isn’t just a wish—it’s a sure expectation based on God’s promises. Seeing God’s faithfulness in fulfilling ancient prophecies during Christ’s birth offers hope for everyone, not just for personal salvation but for a world seeking restoration that comes from Him.

We find hope in God’s faithfulness to keep His promises. We worship a God who planned to forgive our sins through Jesus Christ long before Bethlehem, as foretold in Scriptures centuries earlier. Advent reminds us of God’s promises fulfilled in Christ, assuring us of His unchanging faithfulness and securing our hope in Him. And Advent reminds us Gd has promised Jesus’s return. “He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23).

PEACE

As the second candle of peace shines, consider the profound peace brought by Jesus, the Prince of Peace, mentioned in Isaiah 9:6-7 and Luke 2:14. His birth signifies reconciliation between God and humanity, offering a deep, lasting peace found only in a personal relationship with Christ. His teachings guide us towards peace with God, ourselves, and others. Let this candle inspire a desire for reconciliation and peacemaking in a divided world.

This portion of Advent also draws attention to Bethlehem. Reflecting on Bethlehem’s seemingly insignificant setting reminds us of God’s penchant for using ordinary places for extraordinary purposes. In this portion of Advent, amidst feelings of insignificance, remember that God loves you dearly. Take a moment to pause, acknowledging how God specializes in using the seemingly small and insignificant for His glory. Pray that God uses you for His purpose—to bring peace and reconciliation to those around you, to bring people to Him.

JOY

As the candle of joy, the third candle, shines, remember the angel’s message of “good news of great joy” in Luke 2:10-11. This Gospel isn’t just duty; it’s a reason for deep delight in God’s work through Jesus Christ. It’s a lasting joy rooted in Christ’s hope, surpassing fleeting happiness. This joy invites you to live joyfully, sharing the transformative joy of knowing Christ with others.

In the same way, the Gospel reminds us to find our joy in Christ rather than in temporary pursuits. Embrace the deep joy found in knowing Christ, sharing this good news of great joy with those around you.

LOVE

As the fourth candle, the candle of love, shines, ponder God’s profound love revealed through Christ’s birth and sacrifice, echoing 1 John 4:10. Reflect on John 3:16 and Romans 5:8, recognizing the Gospel as the ultimate display of God’s unconditional love. This divine love calls for embracing it fully and extending it sacrificially to others, as highlighted in Ephesians 5:2. Let Christ’s love inspire you to practice radical love in your relationships, mirroring His example.

The heart of Christmas lies in God’s immense love shown by sending His Son, Jesus, as the ultimate gift. This Advent phase illuminates the depth of the Father’s love, echoing the truth found in 1 John 4:10. Amidst the festivities, remember that Christmas revolves around God’s extraordinary love revealed through the sacrificial gift of His beloved Son for unworthy sinners like us.

CHRIST

The Christ candle marks the culmination of Advent, embodying hope, peace, joy, and love of Jesus. He is the heart of the Gospel message, representing hope for humanity’s reconciliation with God. Embrace His presence, allowing His light to shine through your life, illuminating the world with the Gospel’s transformative power.

Jesus’ birth led to His sacrificial death, offering us new life through His resurrection. He is our sole hope, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Amid the Christmas hustle, ponder the profound impact of Christ’s birth in history, changing humanity forever.

This Christmas Eve, reflect on His birth, mourn the necessity of His death, celebrate His resurrection, and gather with fellow believers to worship Him.

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Holy (or Spy) Wednesday, April 13, 2022

¹Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. ²And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people.
³Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. ⁴He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. ⁵And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. ⁶So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd.
Luke 22:1-6

Here it is, Wednesday, midway through the last week of the Jesus’ life here on earth. It began with the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem with crowds proclaiming: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9) The chief priests and scribes were not pleased with this. Then, Jesus headed to the Temple to clean house, not with a broom but a whip, driving out animals and turning over tables. To say the least, the chief priests and scribes were really unhappy with Him. And we have seen that Jesus’ teaching in the temple and at Simon’s house showed the true colors of the chief priests, Pharisees, scribes and, well, let us just say everyone, especially the religious leaders. It was to the point that they “plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him” (Matthew 26:4).

And we have seen the entrance of Judas Iscariot into the events of Holy Week. What was it that caused Judas to seek a way to betray Jesus? What do we know about Judas?

He is named among the twelve disciples (Matthew 10:4). His father was Simon Iscariot (John 6:71). He was referred to by Jesus as “a devil” (John 6:70-71), referencing his coming betrayal. He was a thief (John 12:6). Ultimately, there is not much information on possibly one of the most infamous people in all of history.

We have already seen that it is likely that the root of his betrayal of Jesus was simply the love of money. Remember, Judas was the one who was indignant that the expensive perfume was poured out on Jesus rather than being sold to feed the poor (John 12:4-6). And any money that was given to Jesus’ ministry was in the money box that Judas kept and profited from.

Here is the truth of the matter, whatever his motives: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Judas had a heart problem. His heart was tied up in money – a thief left in charge of the money box. That heart problem – just like in each of our lives – made an easy target for Satan to tempt Judas. Certainly, Judas was aware that the religious leaders were looking for a way to kill Jesus. The religious leaders began much earlier in Jesus’ ministry, “but the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him” (Matthew 12:14). This was while John the Baptist was in prison. It was no secret that the religious leaders had a hatred for Jesus.

We are told in James 1:13-15 several important things to keep in mind regarding Judas: 1) God does not tempt, 2) each person is tempted when lead by his own desire, and 3) desire brings sin and, ultimately, death. Judas became the instrument of Satan, enticed by his own desire to have riches here on earth. To be precise, thirty pieces of silver (about five weeks of wages) was all Judas’ loyalty cost the religious leaders (Matthew 26:15).

Here is where the rubber meets the road. Judas did not begin following Jesus with a desire to betray Jesus. Somewhere along the line, his own desires got the best of him. How hard is it for us to not also fall in step with Judas? Each one of us reading this has desires of our own, desires that can lead us to follow God with our whole heart. We also have desires that can lead us into destruction.

The question for each one of us to answer as we live each day – and, particularly, through this Holy week – is this: what will I do with Jesus? Will I follow Jesus with my whole heart? Will I believe in my heart that God has raised Him from the dead and confess Jesus as Lord? Will I choose to submit my desires to Jesus and follow His leading?

We are standing on the edge of the abyss, just a step away from choosing wrong. Choose well. Choose Jesus.

Holy Week 2022

We are happy to be able to provide Bible readings and devotions for Holy Week in conjunction with Christ Community Church in Grenada, MS!

Click on the link for each day below to access them:

Palm Sunday, April 10, 2022

Holy Monday, April 11, 2022

Holy Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Holy (or Spy) Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Maundy Thursday, April 14, 2022

Good Friday, April 15, 2022

Black Saturday, April 16, 2022

For the Kiddos – The Resurrection Story told by a kid for kids!

Holy Week 2021 — Ash Wednesday, March 31

¹Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. ²And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people.
³Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. ⁴He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. ⁵And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. ⁶So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd.
Luke 22:1-6

And we have seen the entrance of Judas Iscariot into the events of Holy Week. What was it that caused Judas to seek a way to betray Jesus? What do we know about Judas?

We are standing on the edge of the abyss, just a step away from choosing wrong. Choose well. Choose Jesus.