Category Archives: Hope

Songs for Sunday, December 17, 2023 @ Christ Community Church

Tomorrow is Sunday, and I’m excited!

I love Christmas, but over recent years, I have grown to especially love Advent at Christ Community. It’s not about lighting the candles or tradition or, well, anything I can really put into words. It’s just been special – and is special.

Tomorrow, our Advent focus will be on Joy and Love.

In thinking of joy, it seems that this season – festivities and the hustle-and-bustle nature of our calendars – really shows how much people seek after joy amid life’s challenges. This is a season for some where joy seems to be out of place, or at least out of reach. It never will be in reach if we only seek joy here on earth.

Jesus’s birth was heralded by an angel army choir as “good news of great joy for all people” (Luke 2:10) to a group who understood difficult circumstances. I mean, not many of us will be camped out on a hillside working with a bunch of dumb sheep this Christmas. But this is exactly who Jesus came for – people like those shepherds, in fact those specific shepherds: people who need Him, sinners in need of a Savior. Amid our flaws and sins, the good news of great joy stands – a Savior born to rescue sinners from sin and death was born that day in Bethlehem, and even though He died on the cross to save us from our sins (Romans 5:8), He is alive and on His throne today (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)! That’s good news – of great joy!

In our world that seems to be plunging more and more quickly into the darkness, we sometimes let that joy be eclipsed. But just as the moon (that looks big to us but is infinitesimally smaller than our sun) cannot completely block out the light of our sun, darkness cannot block out the Light – Jesus. One thing that helps that Light shine so brightly is the power of His love. Just as darkness cannot withstand the flame of a single candle, the hatred and darkness of sin cannot stand in the light of His love (1 John 1:5).

The love of God in Christ offers hope amid chaos! And that love is truly a gift, epitomized by John 3:16, showing that God loved the world in such a way that He gave His only Son. The good news that brings great joy is that there is a Savior for sinners. God became flesh to live the life we cannot live (sinless) and die the death due our sin in our place (Romans 6:23, 2 Corinthians 5:21). And anyone – all people – who confess Him as Lord and believe in Him shall be saved (Romans 10:9, 13) – those shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

If you seek joy and love from the glitz and glamour of the lights and presents around a Christmas tree, you will come up empty. No amount of gifts and trappings found on earth can satisfy – none can save. But Jesus can. He wants to save. So, amid the hustle and the bustle and the gifts and the goings, remember the gift of Christ – the Son of God offered for our salvation. May our hearts rejoice in His presence more than in presents. For Emmanuel – God with us – dispels the darkness, saves souls, produces joy, and freely gives of His love!

And if you need someone to talk to or to just listen to you or pray with you, we at Christ Community would love to point you to the One who can meet your needs. We would love to point you to Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30).

Won’t you gather with us and make much of Him?

Here are our Scriptures & songs:

Advent Reading | JOY

  • Scripture | Luke 2:8-12 —

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

Advent Reading | LOVE

  • Scripture | Romans 5:1-8 —

1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

"Before the Throne of God Above" from Revelation 4 (The KING is Coming) – Refresh & Restore | A JustKeithHarris.com Podcast

📖 Revelation 4:1–11In this episode of The King is Coming, Keith Harris and Jamie Harrison move beyond Jesus’s letters to the churches and into the next part of John’s vision. In Revelation 4, John is invited through an open door into heaven—and what he sees is the throne room of God.At the center of everything is a throne, and seated on it is the Lord in all His glory. From this point forward in Revelation, the throne becomes the focal point of the entire book.John describes the scene the best way he can: the brilliance of precious stones, a rainbow surrounding the throne, flashes of lightning and thunder, and a crystal-like sea before it. Surrounding the throne are twenty-four elders and four living creatures who never cease to worship the Lord.Together, Keith and Jamie discuss:✔️ Why Revelation 4 marks a shift from the letters to the churches to John’s heavenly vision✔️ What the throne room reveals about God’s authority and security over all things✔️ Why John uses comparisons (“like” and “as”) to describe the glory he sees✔️ The mystery of the twenty-four elders and what we can—and cannot—know✔️ The constant worship of the living creatures crying “Holy, holy, holy”✔️ Why heaven’s worship centers on God simply because He is worthyIn the throne room, everything points to one truth: God alone is worthy of worship.“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)🔗 If you would like to see a written version of this podcast, complete with footnotes and cross-references, you can find it here.
  1. "Before the Throne of God Above" from Revelation 4 (The KING is Coming)
  2. " Lukewarm Yet Not Without Hope: Jesus’s Letter to the Church at Laodicea" (The KING is Coming)
  3. "Kept Through the Trial: Jesus's Letter to the Church at Philadelphia" (The KING is Coming)
  4. Christ Has Come: The Promised King & His Gift of Love" (Advent 2025)
  5. Christ Has Come: The Promised King & His Gift of Peace (Advent 2025)

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Advent Reading for December 16, 2023 | “Good News of Great Joy” from Luke 2:8-20

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 

14 “Glory to God in the highest, 
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Luke 2:8-20

“Good News of Great Joy”

In our journey with Jesus, we often hear the refrain: in Him, we are new creations – born again (2 Corinthians 5:17, John 3:1-16). It’s a reminder that our old self is transformed by the Holy Spirit into something fresh and beautiful (Ephesians 4:22-24). But at times, this transformation might seem distant, especially when life’s challenges cloud our perspective.

Consider Israel in the Old Testament—a cycle of mistakes, repentance, and the certainty of God’s welcome upon repentance (Isaiah 55:7). They felt secure in God’s love, knowing they were chosen, set apart, and deeply cherished by Him (Deuteronomy 7:6; Jeremiah 31:3). But for those outside God’s chosen people, Gentiles, this language might feel alienating (Ephesians 2:11-13).

Understanding our identity in God’s eyes—realizing whose we are—is crucial (1 John 3:1). It means recognizing that we belong to a loving Father who chose and set us apart (1 Peter 2:9). When Jesus died, He knew us intimately—flaws and all (Romans 5:8). He not only chose us but transformed us to be His ambassadors (Ephesians 2:10). The terms used for God’s people—chosen, set apart, loved—are rooted in the Old Testament but remain equally true for us today (1 Peter 2:9). Like Israel, even amidst our failings, we can rest in God’s enduring love (Psalm 103:13-14). His correction is a sign of His care for us as beloved children (Hebrews 12:6).

This profound truth isn’t about our abilities or origins; it’s about God’s unwavering love, choosing us despite our imperfections (Romans 8:28-30). Personally, I’ve experienced this—I’m chosen not for my merit but to showcase what Jesus can accomplish in someone like me (Ephesians 2:8-9). Embracing this truth means embracing the Gospel—the good news of great joy (Luke 2:10). It’s about recognizing that God’s love, shown through Jesus’ sacrifice, offers us a new life (John 3:16). It’s an invitation for you, too, to experience this transformative love that surpasses our flaws and backgrounds (Romans 10:9-10).

Reflecting on the shepherds’ encounter in Luke 2:8-20 sheds light on this transformative message. Shepherds were often disregarded, yet they were the first witnesses to the Savior’s birth. The heavenly host announced His arrival to these practical men, not the religious elite, emphasizing God’s grace toward all humanity. Their encounter wasn’t just a revelation; it was a call to action. They responded by seeking the newborn Messiah and spreading the good news, glorifying and praising God. These humble shepherds, disregarded by society, became bearers of the greatest news—the arrival of the long-awaited Savior.

Just like these shepherds, we’re invited to embrace and share this good news—the gospel of Christ. Let’s join in proclaiming this good news to the world and find our purpose in embracing the Savior who came for us all.

Reflection Questions:

  1. How does the encounter with between the shepherds and the angels demonstrate God’s choice to reveal His transformative love to those often overlooked in society?
  2. Today’s devotion mentions how our identity in Christ is not determined by our abilities or background but by Him. How does this truth shape your perception of what God does for us in salvation? How does it impact our call to continue to share good news of great joy — the gospel – with all people?

"Before the Throne of God Above" from Revelation 4 (The KING is Coming) – Refresh & Restore | A JustKeithHarris.com Podcast

📖 Revelation 4:1–11In this episode of The King is Coming, Keith Harris and Jamie Harrison move beyond Jesus’s letters to the churches and into the next part of John’s vision. In Revelation 4, John is invited through an open door into heaven—and what he sees is the throne room of God.At the center of everything is a throne, and seated on it is the Lord in all His glory. From this point forward in Revelation, the throne becomes the focal point of the entire book.John describes the scene the best way he can: the brilliance of precious stones, a rainbow surrounding the throne, flashes of lightning and thunder, and a crystal-like sea before it. Surrounding the throne are twenty-four elders and four living creatures who never cease to worship the Lord.Together, Keith and Jamie discuss:✔️ Why Revelation 4 marks a shift from the letters to the churches to John’s heavenly vision✔️ What the throne room reveals about God’s authority and security over all things✔️ Why John uses comparisons (“like” and “as”) to describe the glory he sees✔️ The mystery of the twenty-four elders and what we can—and cannot—know✔️ The constant worship of the living creatures crying “Holy, holy, holy”✔️ Why heaven’s worship centers on God simply because He is worthyIn the throne room, everything points to one truth: God alone is worthy of worship.“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)🔗 If you would like to see a written version of this podcast, complete with footnotes and cross-references, you can find it here.
  1. "Before the Throne of God Above" from Revelation 4 (The KING is Coming)
  2. " Lukewarm Yet Not Without Hope: Jesus’s Letter to the Church at Laodicea" (The KING is Coming)
  3. "Kept Through the Trial: Jesus's Letter to the Church at Philadelphia" (The KING is Coming)
  4. Christ Has Come: The Promised King & His Gift of Love" (Advent 2025)
  5. Christ Has Come: The Promised King & His Gift of Peace (Advent 2025)

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

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And 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, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And 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:

  1. 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?
  2. How does Ephesians 2:10 encourage us to view our lives and the good works prepared for us?

"Before the Throne of God Above" from Revelation 4 (The KING is Coming) – Refresh & Restore | A JustKeithHarris.com Podcast

📖 Revelation 4:1–11In this episode of The King is Coming, Keith Harris and Jamie Harrison move beyond Jesus’s letters to the churches and into the next part of John’s vision. In Revelation 4, John is invited through an open door into heaven—and what he sees is the throne room of God.At the center of everything is a throne, and seated on it is the Lord in all His glory. From this point forward in Revelation, the throne becomes the focal point of the entire book.John describes the scene the best way he can: the brilliance of precious stones, a rainbow surrounding the throne, flashes of lightning and thunder, and a crystal-like sea before it. Surrounding the throne are twenty-four elders and four living creatures who never cease to worship the Lord.Together, Keith and Jamie discuss:✔️ Why Revelation 4 marks a shift from the letters to the churches to John’s heavenly vision✔️ What the throne room reveals about God’s authority and security over all things✔️ Why John uses comparisons (“like” and “as”) to describe the glory he sees✔️ The mystery of the twenty-four elders and what we can—and cannot—know✔️ The constant worship of the living creatures crying “Holy, holy, holy”✔️ Why heaven’s worship centers on God simply because He is worthyIn the throne room, everything points to one truth: God alone is worthy of worship.“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)🔗 If you would like to see a written version of this podcast, complete with footnotes and cross-references, you can find it here.
  1. "Before the Throne of God Above" from Revelation 4 (The KING is Coming)
  2. " Lukewarm Yet Not Without Hope: Jesus’s Letter to the Church at Laodicea" (The KING is Coming)
  3. "Kept Through the Trial: Jesus's Letter to the Church at Philadelphia" (The KING is Coming)
  4. Christ Has Come: The Promised King & His Gift of Love" (Advent 2025)
  5. Christ Has Come: The Promised King & His Gift of Peace (Advent 2025)

Advent Reading for December 14, 2023 | “Hope in Emmanuel: God With Us” from Matthew 1:18-25

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 

23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, 
and they shall call his name Emmanuel” 

(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Matthew 1:18-25

“Hope in Emmanuel: God With Us”

As we approach Christmas, seeking solace in the presence of King Jesus amid the trials of this year, our focus turns to the facets of hope, joy, and love that emanate solely from the Lord. To commence this journey, let’s delve deeper into the profound narrative of Joseph, often overshadowed by Mary’s pivotal role.

Joseph, described as a “just man” (v. 19), faced a dilemma when confronted with Mary’s unexpected pregnancy. Despite the social norms and legal avenues available to him, Joseph chose a path of grace rather than justice. In a society quick to condemn and shun Mary, Joseph’s decision to spare her from shame embodies God’s profound mercy and compassion. It’s a poignant reflection of the gospel – choosing redemption over condemnation, displaying the heart of God toward His people.

The angel’s revelation to Joseph validated the truth behind Mary’s conception and urged him not to fear but to embrace his role in God’s divine plan. This narrative mirrors Christ’s embrace of the flawed yet beloved Church, demonstrating the beauty of redemption amid societal scrutiny and judgment.

The significance of the name Jesus reverberates throughout history. Beyond its literal meaning of salvation and divine assistance, it embodies the unparalleled authority and saving grace encapsulated who Jesus is (Acts 4:12, Philippians 2:9-10).

Emmanuel – God with us, a promise foretold by Isaiah in 7:14, served as a beacon of hope for Israel amid turmoil. It assured them of God’s presence, dispelling fear and fortifying their spirits against adversity. This promise resonates with timeless relevance today, assuring us that God’s presence transcends circumstances, offering unwavering hope and strength.

To close, let’s meditate on Romans 8:31-34, a profound reminder encapsulating the essence of Emmanuel: 

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died – more than that, who was raised – who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

These verses reassure us that with God on our side through Jesus, no force or circumstance can overpower us. Christ’s intercession for us solidifies our hope and assurance in His unwavering love and support. Despite uncertainties that lie ahead, remember this truth: while challenges may arise, the throne of heaven remains unshakeable. God’s sovereignty prevails, and He orchestrates all things, offering us an unshakable foundation of hope.

Embracing the profound truth encapsulated in the name Emmanuel – God with us, let’s find rest, solace, and hope in the promises it holds. In acknowledging God’s abiding presence with us, both now and forever, may this Christmas season be a source of renewed hope and unwavering assurance.

Reflection Questions:

  1. Think about the name Jesus and its meaning of salvation and divine help. What does this name mean for you personally, and how does Jesus bring hope and rescue into your life?
  2. Reflect on times when you have felt overwhelmed or anxious. How does the idea of Emmanuel – God with us – offer comfort and strength in these moments in your life?

"Before the Throne of God Above" from Revelation 4 (The KING is Coming) – Refresh & Restore | A JustKeithHarris.com Podcast

📖 Revelation 4:1–11In this episode of The King is Coming, Keith Harris and Jamie Harrison move beyond Jesus’s letters to the churches and into the next part of John’s vision. In Revelation 4, John is invited through an open door into heaven—and what he sees is the throne room of God.At the center of everything is a throne, and seated on it is the Lord in all His glory. From this point forward in Revelation, the throne becomes the focal point of the entire book.John describes the scene the best way he can: the brilliance of precious stones, a rainbow surrounding the throne, flashes of lightning and thunder, and a crystal-like sea before it. Surrounding the throne are twenty-four elders and four living creatures who never cease to worship the Lord.Together, Keith and Jamie discuss:✔️ Why Revelation 4 marks a shift from the letters to the churches to John’s heavenly vision✔️ What the throne room reveals about God’s authority and security over all things✔️ Why John uses comparisons (“like” and “as”) to describe the glory he sees✔️ The mystery of the twenty-four elders and what we can—and cannot—know✔️ The constant worship of the living creatures crying “Holy, holy, holy”✔️ Why heaven’s worship centers on God simply because He is worthyIn the throne room, everything points to one truth: God alone is worthy of worship.“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)🔗 If you would like to see a written version of this podcast, complete with footnotes and cross-references, you can find it here.
  1. "Before the Throne of God Above" from Revelation 4 (The KING is Coming)
  2. " Lukewarm Yet Not Without Hope: Jesus’s Letter to the Church at Laodicea" (The KING is Coming)
  3. "Kept Through the Trial: Jesus's Letter to the Church at Philadelphia" (The KING is Coming)
  4. Christ Has Come: The Promised King & His Gift of Love" (Advent 2025)
  5. Christ Has Come: The Promised King & His Gift of Peace (Advent 2025)

Advent Reading for December 13, 2023 | “Zechariah’s Hymn of Redemption” from Luke 1:67-80

67 And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying,

68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has visited and redeemed his people
69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David,
70 as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
71 that we should be saved from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us;
72 to show the mercy promised to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant,
73 the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us
74 that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
might serve him without fear,
75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people
in the forgiveness of their sins,
78 because of the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

Luke 1:67-80

“Zechariah’s Hymn of Redemption”

Zechariah’s song, the Benedictus, bursts forth like a symphony of redemption, echoing through the corridors of history. It begins with the profound proclamation, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people” (Luke 1:68). These words, penned by a man once silenced by disbelief, now resound with the power of prophecy fulfilled and salvation’s promise proclaimed.

Zechariah’s hymn encompasses a tapestry of themes—each thread woven intricately with the divine promises, from David to Abraham, connecting the grand narrative of God’s faithfulness to the imminent arrival of the Messiah. At its core lies the concept of redemption—freedom from captivity and deliverance from sin’s bondage. It echoes the call of Isaiah, foretelling the release of captives and the opening of prison doors. Through Christ, God was inaugurating a new era of liberty, breaking the chains of sin and offering spiritual emancipation to all who believe (Luke 4:18). The imagery of the “horn of salvation” harks back to the Davidic tradition, symbolizing power and victory—assurance that in Christ, the enemy is defeated, and complete triumph prevails for God’s people (Psalm 18:2).

Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah, arrives, tracing His lineage to the royal lineage of David—bringing health, soundness, and spiritual wholeness to a broken world (Micah 5:2). His redemption doesn’t merely liberate; it transforms. The victory achieved by Christ doesn’t end in personal emancipation. Those redeemed are called to live in alignment with God’s will—to embrace freedom not for selfish desires but for a life of obedience and fulfillment in service to the Most High (Colossians 1:12–14).

Central to this anthem is the remission of sin debts. Humanity, indebted by sin, finds its burden lifted by the gracious act of Christ. His sacrifice becomes the means through which debts are canceled—a divine act of mercy that sets the repentant heart free from the chains of guilt and condemnation (Psalm 103:12).

Moreover, Zechariah’s hymn provides a profound metaphor—the dawning of a new day, the rising sun breaking through the darkness of humanity’s plight. Jesus, the Dayspring, brings light, life, and peace to a world shrouded in despair, heralding the tender mercies of God, and initiating a new era of divine grace and restoration (Isaiah 9:2). Zechariah, once mute, now becomes a mouthpiece of divine revelation. His joy is palpable as he rejoices not only in the birth of his son John but in the advent of the Messiah whom John will herald. Through the ages, prophets had foretold this moment, and now, it was finally dawning.

Today, the resonance of Zechariah’s song beckons—a call to believe in the Good News, to embrace the joy of salvation, and to join the chorus of praise for the Redeemer who came from the lineage of David to set the captives free. Just as Zechariah’s voice was restored to praise, may our lives echo with gratitude for the redemption found in Jesus Christ, our Savior and King.

Reflection Questions:

  1. Considering Zechariah’s transformation from silence to praise, how can his experience encourage us to embrace gratitude and praise for the redemption found in Jesus? How might this echo our thankfulness for the salvation He brings?
  2. Look at the imagery of the sun rising and chasing away darkness in vv. 78-79. How does the image of Jesus being like the bright sun rising and the darkness being unable to stand before Him help you understand His first coming? How about His second coming?

"Before the Throne of God Above" from Revelation 4 (The KING is Coming) – Refresh & Restore | A JustKeithHarris.com Podcast

📖 Revelation 4:1–11In this episode of The King is Coming, Keith Harris and Jamie Harrison move beyond Jesus’s letters to the churches and into the next part of John’s vision. In Revelation 4, John is invited through an open door into heaven—and what he sees is the throne room of God.At the center of everything is a throne, and seated on it is the Lord in all His glory. From this point forward in Revelation, the throne becomes the focal point of the entire book.John describes the scene the best way he can: the brilliance of precious stones, a rainbow surrounding the throne, flashes of lightning and thunder, and a crystal-like sea before it. Surrounding the throne are twenty-four elders and four living creatures who never cease to worship the Lord.Together, Keith and Jamie discuss:✔️ Why Revelation 4 marks a shift from the letters to the churches to John’s heavenly vision✔️ What the throne room reveals about God’s authority and security over all things✔️ Why John uses comparisons (“like” and “as”) to describe the glory he sees✔️ The mystery of the twenty-four elders and what we can—and cannot—know✔️ The constant worship of the living creatures crying “Holy, holy, holy”✔️ Why heaven’s worship centers on God simply because He is worthyIn the throne room, everything points to one truth: God alone is worthy of worship.“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)🔗 If you would like to see a written version of this podcast, complete with footnotes and cross-references, you can find it here.
  1. "Before the Throne of God Above" from Revelation 4 (The KING is Coming)
  2. " Lukewarm Yet Not Without Hope: Jesus’s Letter to the Church at Laodicea" (The KING is Coming)
  3. "Kept Through the Trial: Jesus's Letter to the Church at Philadelphia" (The KING is Coming)
  4. Christ Has Come: The Promised King & His Gift of Love" (Advent 2025)
  5. Christ Has Come: The Promised King & His Gift of Peace (Advent 2025)

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

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

  1. 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?
  2. 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?

"Before the Throne of God Above" from Revelation 4 (The KING is Coming) – Refresh & Restore | A JustKeithHarris.com Podcast

📖 Revelation 4:1–11In this episode of The King is Coming, Keith Harris and Jamie Harrison move beyond Jesus’s letters to the churches and into the next part of John’s vision. In Revelation 4, John is invited through an open door into heaven—and what he sees is the throne room of God.At the center of everything is a throne, and seated on it is the Lord in all His glory. From this point forward in Revelation, the throne becomes the focal point of the entire book.John describes the scene the best way he can: the brilliance of precious stones, a rainbow surrounding the throne, flashes of lightning and thunder, and a crystal-like sea before it. Surrounding the throne are twenty-four elders and four living creatures who never cease to worship the Lord.Together, Keith and Jamie discuss:✔️ Why Revelation 4 marks a shift from the letters to the churches to John’s heavenly vision✔️ What the throne room reveals about God’s authority and security over all things✔️ Why John uses comparisons (“like” and “as”) to describe the glory he sees✔️ The mystery of the twenty-four elders and what we can—and cannot—know✔️ The constant worship of the living creatures crying “Holy, holy, holy”✔️ Why heaven’s worship centers on God simply because He is worthyIn the throne room, everything points to one truth: God alone is worthy of worship.“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)🔗 If you would like to see a written version of this podcast, complete with footnotes and cross-references, you can find it here.
  1. "Before the Throne of God Above" from Revelation 4 (The KING is Coming)
  2. " Lukewarm Yet Not Without Hope: Jesus’s Letter to the Church at Laodicea" (The KING is Coming)
  3. "Kept Through the Trial: Jesus's Letter to the Church at Philadelphia" (The KING is Coming)
  4. Christ Has Come: The Promised King & His Gift of Love" (Advent 2025)
  5. Christ Has Come: The Promised King & His Gift of Peace (Advent 2025)

[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 Reading for December 11, 2023 | “Rejoicing in God’s Care: Lessons from Mary’s Song” from Luke 1:46-56

46 And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.

Luke 1:46-56

“Rejoicing in God’s Care: Lessons from Mary’s Song”

When thoughts of God occupy our minds, what shapes our perceptions? Each person has their own view of God, influenced by feelings, family, and life. Some see God as distant, others as always present, loving, or serious.

Think about Mary, a big part of the Christmas story. She sang a song about God, not herself. This song came from her heart, filled with feelings. This song, called “The Magnificat,” reflects the reversal of fortunes people will experience through her son, Jesus (vv. 52–55). It shares themes and language with Hannah’s song in 1 Samuel 2:1–10, foreshadowing God’s acts of deliverance and echoing thanksgiving psalms in the Old Testament (Psalms 30, 34, 138).

In this song, Mary first speaks personally, saying that God paid attention to her, even though she was lowly. She says God chose her, a regular girl, for an important job (Luke 1:46–48). Mary doesn’t only talk about herself but also about God caring for everyone. This connects to God’s big plan for His people, reversing the fortunes of the poor and marginalized, remembering His covenant with Abraham (v. 55).

Mary’s song shows God’s care and strength. It shows that God knows us closely, even when the world might not see it. Despite what the world thinks, God shows His care, promise-keeping, and actions toward His people. He’s the caring God, who knows us deeply despite what people think.

This important truth shows God cares about us and is stronger than us. It changes how society sees things, making proud people humble and surprising rich people. Mary’s song talks about this, showing how God’s strength changes what people think (Luke 1:49–53).

As we think about Mary’s song, look at how it is similar to Nahum 1:7: “The Lord is good. He is a stronghold in the day of trouble. He knows those who are His.” Thankfully, through Mary’s willingness, she gave birth to the One who had come to be all of those things for us too. Let us look at her example of praise and worship Him!

Reflection Question:

  1. How does Mary’s emphasis on God’s attention to the humble and lowly challenge the way society bestows value or attention?
  2. In what ways does Mary’s song reveal the intimate relationship between God and His people? How does this contrast with the way the world views God’s involvement in our lives?

"Before the Throne of God Above" from Revelation 4 (The KING is Coming) – Refresh & Restore | A JustKeithHarris.com Podcast

📖 Revelation 4:1–11In this episode of The King is Coming, Keith Harris and Jamie Harrison move beyond Jesus’s letters to the churches and into the next part of John’s vision. In Revelation 4, John is invited through an open door into heaven—and what he sees is the throne room of God.At the center of everything is a throne, and seated on it is the Lord in all His glory. From this point forward in Revelation, the throne becomes the focal point of the entire book.John describes the scene the best way he can: the brilliance of precious stones, a rainbow surrounding the throne, flashes of lightning and thunder, and a crystal-like sea before it. Surrounding the throne are twenty-four elders and four living creatures who never cease to worship the Lord.Together, Keith and Jamie discuss:✔️ Why Revelation 4 marks a shift from the letters to the churches to John’s heavenly vision✔️ What the throne room reveals about God’s authority and security over all things✔️ Why John uses comparisons (“like” and “as”) to describe the glory he sees✔️ The mystery of the twenty-four elders and what we can—and cannot—know✔️ The constant worship of the living creatures crying “Holy, holy, holy”✔️ Why heaven’s worship centers on God simply because He is worthyIn the throne room, everything points to one truth: God alone is worthy of worship.“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)🔗 If you would like to see a written version of this podcast, complete with footnotes and cross-references, you can find it here.
  1. "Before the Throne of God Above" from Revelation 4 (The KING is Coming)
  2. " Lukewarm Yet Not Without Hope: Jesus’s Letter to the Church at Laodicea" (The KING is Coming)
  3. "Kept Through the Trial: Jesus's Letter to the Church at Philadelphia" (The KING is Coming)
  4. Christ Has Come: The Promised King & His Gift of Love" (Advent 2025)
  5. Christ Has Come: The Promised King & His Gift of Peace (Advent 2025)

Advent Reading for December 8, 2023 | “Divine Surprises and Unforeseen Grace” from Luke 1:5-25

          5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.

          8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before him in the spirit of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”

          18 And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” 21 And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. 23 And when his time of service ended, he went to his home.

          24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, 25 “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”

Luke 1:5-25

“Divine Surprises and Unforeseen Grace”
by Will Goff

Imagine with me for a minute here: you work at a restaurant and at the end of each shift, you draw straws to see who is going to have to stay late and cleanup. Your name gets drawn and so everybody else leaves. You’re alone and you know that nobody else should be in the building, but when you’re cleaning the counter, out of your peripheral vision, you see somebody standing there. Talking about jumping out of your skin! I would probably throw the rag at the person and kick the bucket as I’m scrambling to get away. That’s what it was like for Zechariah when the angel appeared to him.

The angel says, “Do not be afraid,” but it was too late for that. He was already shaking and overwhelmed with fear – like the shock you feel when something really startles you. But then the angel gives Zechariah good news. The angel tells him that they will have a son. This is special for multiple reasons, but the biggest is the fact that Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, well past childbearing age with no children – so at least in their 50s or 60s. Can you imagine having your first child in your 60s? They thought they couldn’t have kids (v. 7). Talk about shock on top of shock!

And Zechariah did what most of us would do. He had questions and doubt instead of faith, but he gets answers for his questions and then some. Because of his doubt, the angel told him he wouldn’t be able to speak until the child was born. One of the most common verses we use at our house is James 1:19, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry.” We use this at our house because we all are too quick to speak instead of being quick to listen. What is God trying to tell you right now? Maybe you can’t hear him because you won’t stop talking. Silence may feel awkward for us, but many times God speaks in a still, small voice.

Picture this: despite Zechariah’s wavering faith in that divine encounter, God had monumental plans for both him and Elizabeth. The answer to his questioning wasn’t just a clarification; it was a revelation about their son—John the Baptist. Zechariah, entrusted with tending the temple’s incense and interceding for Israel in prayer, seemingly also pleaded with God for a child. Remarkably, both requests were met with overflowing abundance. The child born to them would be “filled with the Holy Spirit” (v. 15), leading many of Israel’s children back to their God (v. 16), and paving the way for a prepared people for the Lord (v. 17). It wasn’t just good news for Zechariah, Elizabeth, and Israel; it resonates with us today.

Zechariah’s response to this revelation resulted in a temporary silence imposed upon him. And Elizabeth? Her words are few, but their impact profound: “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people” (v. 25). Swift to listen, slow to utter. Yet, God removed her shame. He granted her a son destined to ready His people for His imminent arrival. It’s the narrative of God stepping in to remove the reproach of all who turn to Him. Zechariah and Elizabeth’s son’s name would be John – literally translated, “Yahweh has shown grace”. He showed grace to Zechariah and Elizabeth by sending John, and to the whole world by sending Jesus. That, my friends, is indeed good news!

Reflection Questions:

  1. Zechariah was overwhelmed with big news that made his fears and faith clash. What happens (or has happened specifically) when such clashes happen in our lives?
  2. Reflect on Elizabeth’s statement in v. 25: “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.” How does God’s grace in removing shame or reproach resonate with your own experience of God’s power to save?

"Before the Throne of God Above" from Revelation 4 (The KING is Coming) – Refresh & Restore | A JustKeithHarris.com Podcast

📖 Revelation 4:1–11In this episode of The King is Coming, Keith Harris and Jamie Harrison move beyond Jesus’s letters to the churches and into the next part of John’s vision. In Revelation 4, John is invited through an open door into heaven—and what he sees is the throne room of God.At the center of everything is a throne, and seated on it is the Lord in all His glory. From this point forward in Revelation, the throne becomes the focal point of the entire book.John describes the scene the best way he can: the brilliance of precious stones, a rainbow surrounding the throne, flashes of lightning and thunder, and a crystal-like sea before it. Surrounding the throne are twenty-four elders and four living creatures who never cease to worship the Lord.Together, Keith and Jamie discuss:✔️ Why Revelation 4 marks a shift from the letters to the churches to John’s heavenly vision✔️ What the throne room reveals about God’s authority and security over all things✔️ Why John uses comparisons (“like” and “as”) to describe the glory he sees✔️ The mystery of the twenty-four elders and what we can—and cannot—know✔️ The constant worship of the living creatures crying “Holy, holy, holy”✔️ Why heaven’s worship centers on God simply because He is worthyIn the throne room, everything points to one truth: God alone is worthy of worship.“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)🔗 If you would like to see a written version of this podcast, complete with footnotes and cross-references, you can find it here.
  1. "Before the Throne of God Above" from Revelation 4 (The KING is Coming)
  2. " Lukewarm Yet Not Without Hope: Jesus’s Letter to the Church at Laodicea" (The KING is Coming)
  3. "Kept Through the Trial: Jesus's Letter to the Church at Philadelphia" (The KING is Coming)
  4. Christ Has Come: The Promised King & His Gift of Love" (Advent 2025)
  5. Christ Has Come: The Promised King & His Gift of Peace (Advent 2025)

Advent Reading for December 7, 2023 | “Unlikely Lineage: Sin and Redemption in Jesus’s Family Tree” from Matthew 1:1-17

1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
          2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3 and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, 4 and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5 and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of David the king.
          And David was the father of Soloman by the wife of Uriah, 7 and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph,  8 and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, 9 and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, 10 and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah, 11 and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.
          12 And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, 13 and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, 14 and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, 15 and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, 16 and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.
          17 So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.

Matthew 1:1-17

“Unlikely Lineage: Sin and Redemption in Jesus’s Family Tree”
by Keith Harris

Once upon a time, there was a great King. He was foretold of old to be a great hero who would come from His faraway country to win back His lost love. His story is one of romance as He left His palace to rescue His Bride. His lineage hailed back to other…great…well, um….

One of the things I love about God’s Word is how it does not fall into the temptation to pretty things up or rewrite/remix them to be more acceptable. Yes, Jesus is the great King – the King of kings who was prophesied for centuries to come from heaven and rescue His people. Yes, Jesus’s Story is one of romance where He left His throne on high and traded it for a lowly manger in a tumble-down stable. But His lineage? It was not filled with kings and queens, although there are a few sprinkled in toward the middle. It was not filled with great heroes with tragic flaws; well, the tragic flaws are many. No, Jesus’s family tree was filled with regular old sinners with real sin and problems – people like me and you.

This Bible study will look at some women emphasized in Jesus’s family tree in Matthew who point us to Jesus in very specific ways. We do not have time to go fully into their stories today, so I will give you the cross-reference so you can check it out directly from Scripture.

The first woman is Tamar (v. 3), and her story is found in Genesis 38. Tamar was Judah’s – as in lion of the tribe of Judah, the original – daughter-in-law. She was originally married to Judah’s oldest son Er until “the Lord put him to death” because Er was “wicked in the sight of the Lord” (Genesis 38:7). In those days, when the elder son died, it was the role of his younger brother to take his place and father children in his name. This fell to second-born son, Onan, but Onan was more sinful and selfish than his big brother, doing what was “wicked in the sight of the Lord” and being “put…to death, also” (Genesis 38:10). Poor Tamar. Her only hope at bearing children would fall on Judah’s youngest son Shelah. But Judah lied and had no intention of continuing with Tamar. What did she do? She decided to be wicked herself. She tricked Judah and tempted him. How did he respond but by being wicked himself? Judah and Tamar committed sin together that is so heinous that I won’t write on it here. So, why would they be included in Jesus’s official lineage – in the Bible no less?

The second woman is Rahab (v. 5), and her story is found throughout the Bible in Joshua 2:1-21, 6:17, 6:22-25; Hebrews 11:31; and James 2:25. Rahab wasn’t one of God’s chosen people, and before the Hebrew spies came to her house in Jordan, she was known for her sinful profession, a profession that, like Tamar isn’t something I am writing down here. Yet she had faith in the God she had heard of because of the mighty work He had done with His people. She kept the Hebrew spies safe by hiding them from her own people. She sided with the Lord. Despite her people and her own history, God rescued her by letting her put a scarlet cord in her window to mark her safe. But what about that earlier profession? Why would someone like her be included in Jesus’s official lineage – in the Bible no less?

The third woman is actually somewhat related to Rahab – she ended up marrying Rahab’s son Boaz. Her name is Ruth, and her story is told in the book of the Bible bearing her name. Like her mother-in-law, she wasn’t one of God’s chosen people. She was from the land of Moab (a people group started by a whole bunch of mess way back in Genesis 19:30-37). Her husband Mahlon came to Moab with his family during a famine in Israel, seeking help from their own strength and ingenuity rather than from the Lord. While they were in Moab, her father-in-law, husband, and brother-in-law all died. She alone decided to go back to Israel with her mother-in-law Naomi. God blessed her while she was there and took care of Ruth and Naomi. Eventually, she – not one of God’s chosen people – would be blessed to marry Boaz, Rahab’s son. This story has a happy ending, especially considering Ruth would be David’s great-grandmother, but doesn’t King Jesus deserve a more presentable bloodline?

The fourth woman isn’t even called by her name, but how she is listed tells the sadness and sin surrounding her: “And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah” (v. 6, 2 Samuel 11:1-25). King David is heralded as a hero but mainly for his worship of the Lord. He is also known as a sinner. Yes, the man who slew Goliath and wrote a good chunk of the psalms committed some of the most heinous sins: murder and adultery. David saw “the wife of Uriah”, a woman named Bathsheba, and decided that he wanted to make her his. His decisions led to a child between them. Rather than owning up and confessing his sin – to the Lord, to his wives, to Uriah, to Israel, David undertook a massive cover-up that ended in his arranging Uriah’s murder. He stole a man’s wife. He took a man’s life. It looks good to have a man who killed a giant who worshiped the Lord in your lineage, but why associate King Jesus with the wickedness of King David (and the same or worse from many of the kings listed after him in the family tree)?

In short, there are answers to those questions. Why would the Bible recognize all those sins and sinners in Jesus’s lineage? They all really happened. Sin happens. All people “have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). None of us – not a single person in the history or future of the world – deserve to be in Jesus’s lineage, but faith in God – trusting in His work and His steadfast love and kindness – is woven through that lineage, marking like a scarlet cord those who are saved by trusting in Him. Looking at their sin and faith in Him reminds us that none of us are worthy of saving. But that is why He came. Jesus Himself said that He came to “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10). And how did He come to seek and to save? Christmas. The incarnation of God becoming flesh and dwelling among us (John 1:14). He came to earth to provide a way for people like Tamar, Rahab, David, you, and me to be saved – by grace through faith in Him alone.

So, as you gather with family and friends and notice some rough looking fruit in your family tree – or whether you notice the same by looking in your own mirror, realize that Jesus is more than the reason for the season – He came to seek and save sinners like you and me. Won’t you ask Him to save you?

Reflection Questions:

  1. By God including Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and David in Jesus’s family line, how do you see God’s grace and mercy at work despite their sins? How can that remind us of God’s redemption?
  2. Consider the phrase Jesus used in Luke 19:10, that He came “to seek and save the lost”. How does that impact you personally?

"Before the Throne of God Above" from Revelation 4 (The KING is Coming) – Refresh & Restore | A JustKeithHarris.com Podcast

📖 Revelation 4:1–11In this episode of The King is Coming, Keith Harris and Jamie Harrison move beyond Jesus’s letters to the churches and into the next part of John’s vision. In Revelation 4, John is invited through an open door into heaven—and what he sees is the throne room of God.At the center of everything is a throne, and seated on it is the Lord in all His glory. From this point forward in Revelation, the throne becomes the focal point of the entire book.John describes the scene the best way he can: the brilliance of precious stones, a rainbow surrounding the throne, flashes of lightning and thunder, and a crystal-like sea before it. Surrounding the throne are twenty-four elders and four living creatures who never cease to worship the Lord.Together, Keith and Jamie discuss:✔️ Why Revelation 4 marks a shift from the letters to the churches to John’s heavenly vision✔️ What the throne room reveals about God’s authority and security over all things✔️ Why John uses comparisons (“like” and “as”) to describe the glory he sees✔️ The mystery of the twenty-four elders and what we can—and cannot—know✔️ The constant worship of the living creatures crying “Holy, holy, holy”✔️ Why heaven’s worship centers on God simply because He is worthyIn the throne room, everything points to one truth: God alone is worthy of worship.“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)🔗 If you would like to see a written version of this podcast, complete with footnotes and cross-references, you can find it here.
  1. "Before the Throne of God Above" from Revelation 4 (The KING is Coming)
  2. " Lukewarm Yet Not Without Hope: Jesus’s Letter to the Church at Laodicea" (The KING is Coming)
  3. "Kept Through the Trial: Jesus's Letter to the Church at Philadelphia" (The KING is Coming)
  4. Christ Has Come: The Promised King & His Gift of Love" (Advent 2025)
  5. Christ Has Come: The Promised King & His Gift of Peace (Advent 2025)

Advent Reading for December 4, 2023 | “The Eternal Salvation and Kingdom of GOD” from Isaiah 9:2-7

2 The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone.
3 You have multiplied the nation;
You have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
4 For the yoke of His burden,
and the staff for His shoulder,
the rod of His oppressor,
You have broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
and every garment rolled in blood
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a Son is given;
and the government shall be upon His shoulder,
and His name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Isaiah 9:2-7

“The Eternal Salvation and Kingdom of GOD”
by John Goldwater

Isaiah the prophet is given an incredible vision of the eternal salvation and kingdom that GOD will bring. GOD’s fight will bring light to darkness, hope to gloom, and victory to defeat. All these wonderful transformations will be accomplished by His power and experienced by His people. GOD Himself will accomplish all that He promises.

In Isaiah 8:19-22, the prophet describes those who have forsaken GOD and His Word in favor of occult practices. This practice of abandoning GOD and seeking spirits, sages, philosophies, religions, sciences, theories, or just man-centered feelings and wisdom, is still a practice prevalent in modern times. These twin sin of abandoning GOD and seeking others always and inevitably leads to darkness, hopelessness, and fruitlessness. And this is the backdrop into which GOD announces His coming eternal salvation and kingdom.

Isaiah 9:1-3 identifies the people and the place where GOD’s great initiative will first impact the earth. Ground zero of GOD’s great work will be the northern section of Israel, “Zebulun and the land of Naphtali…beyond the Jordan, in Galilee of the Gentiles” (Isaiah 9:1). These lands were devastated by the cruel Assyrian invaders and the residents there suffered greatly. The people described as the distressed, the lightly esteemed, the heavily oppressed, the Gentiles, the people who walked in darkness, and those who lived in death’s shadow. It’s just like GOD to take on the lowest people in toughest places during the darkest darkness, so that His light and glory will shine brightest.

This mighty and gracious act of GOD is meant to be experienced by His people. The light of GOD’s glory is meant to be seen and felt. They “have seen a great light…Upon them a light has shined” (Isaiah 9:2). The bright future of those who put their trust in GOD will not be hidden forever, eventually the darkness will flee in the light of the brilliant dawning of GOD’s saving power. GOD’s brilliant victory over darkness brings an ever-increasing joy. Joy like a bountiful harvest and joy like soldiers coming home from war will sweep away the years of want, suffering, and shame.

Isaiah 9:4-7 describe the perfect Savior and King in action. Verses 4, 5, and 6 all start with the word “For” to confirm that it is GOD alone who causes this victory, therefore it is to GOD alone to receive glory and honor.  GOD will destroy the power of the enemy to oppress and burden His people. Just like the prophecy of Genesis 3:15, the special born Son who will crush the head of the serpent, implies, there cannot be lasting peace if there is a lasting enemy. Like when GOD struck down the Egyptians and the Midianites, He again will break the power of the His enemies.  Furthermore, He brings an end to war itself. The uniforms and the gear used for war will become useless except for burning. This is all GOD’s doing.

GOD’s mission, His fight, is going to take place in close quarters and in the filth of this world. The Child born and the Son given will be none other than the Mighty GOD, God the Warrior, and Everlasting Father. These titles cannot rightfully and especially not biblically be address to any other being but GOD, the One True GOD. He will enter the fray and penetrate the darkness. He will be King at His birth and even His vulnerability is stronger than man’s strength (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 2:1-2, 1 Corinthians 1:25). His wisdom and counsel will be unstoppable because He is the Wonderful Counselor. The idea of Wonderful here carries describes that which is beyond human and worldly understanding. He is the Prince, the Ruler, of peace (Genesis 14:18, Psalm 110:4, Hebrews 7:1-3). He manufactures peace like a car manufacturer makes cars (Colossians 1:19-20). GOD, the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty GOD, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace (note He is both Father and Son=Prince), will both Give His Son and the Child born will be GOD with us, Immanuel – God with us. Because of this mysterious, gracious, and glorious incarnation the victory is assured.

The loving governance that He brings will rest on His shoulders and will last forever. For those who hope for real justice and righteousness to rule this world, hold it is coming. GOD will fulfill His promises through His Son JESUS. JESUS was born of the tribe of Judah and of the family line of David (Genesis 49:10, 2 Samuel 7:12-16, Romans 1:2-4). JESUS is the Child born, He is the Son given, He is the Word made flesh (John 1:1, 14), and He is the personification of the “Zeal of the LORD of hosts” (Isaiah 9:7). Take time this season to think about how wonderful it is that GOD Himself, the perfect Savior and King, came to establish His Eternal Salvation and Kingdom.

“Joy to the world! The LORD is come; Let earth receive her King!”[i]

Reflection Questions:

  1. Reflecting on v. 2, how does it describe the powerful impact of the light of Christ on places and people in darkness and despair?
  2. Think on the titles and roles of Jesus in vv. 6-7. What do they tell us about who Jesus is?

"Before the Throne of God Above" from Revelation 4 (The KING is Coming) – Refresh & Restore | A JustKeithHarris.com Podcast

📖 Revelation 4:1–11In this episode of The King is Coming, Keith Harris and Jamie Harrison move beyond Jesus’s letters to the churches and into the next part of John’s vision. In Revelation 4, John is invited through an open door into heaven—and what he sees is the throne room of God.At the center of everything is a throne, and seated on it is the Lord in all His glory. From this point forward in Revelation, the throne becomes the focal point of the entire book.John describes the scene the best way he can: the brilliance of precious stones, a rainbow surrounding the throne, flashes of lightning and thunder, and a crystal-like sea before it. Surrounding the throne are twenty-four elders and four living creatures who never cease to worship the Lord.Together, Keith and Jamie discuss:✔️ Why Revelation 4 marks a shift from the letters to the churches to John’s heavenly vision✔️ What the throne room reveals about God’s authority and security over all things✔️ Why John uses comparisons (“like” and “as”) to describe the glory he sees✔️ The mystery of the twenty-four elders and what we can—and cannot—know✔️ The constant worship of the living creatures crying “Holy, holy, holy”✔️ Why heaven’s worship centers on God simply because He is worthyIn the throne room, everything points to one truth: God alone is worthy of worship.“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)🔗 If you would like to see a written version of this podcast, complete with footnotes and cross-references, you can find it here.
  1. "Before the Throne of God Above" from Revelation 4 (The KING is Coming)
  2. " Lukewarm Yet Not Without Hope: Jesus’s Letter to the Church at Laodicea" (The KING is Coming)
  3. "Kept Through the Trial: Jesus's Letter to the Church at Philadelphia" (The KING is Coming)
  4. Christ Has Come: The Promised King & His Gift of Love" (Advent 2025)
  5. Christ Has Come: The Promised King & His Gift of Peace (Advent 2025)

[i]            George Thomas Kurian, Nelson’s New Christian Dictionary: The Authoritative Resource on the Christian World (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2001).