Day 1: Light and Life
In [Jesus Christ] was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John [the Baptist]. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him.
John 1:4-11 NIV
Points to Ponder:
You and I have more in common with John the Baptist than we may think. The son of Elizabeth – who was a cousin to Mary the mother of Jesus – this John received the divine, God-given assignment of announcing the arrival and purpose of the ministry that would be the first coming of Christ to earth. In a very real way, God has assigned today’s Christian a similarly important task. It goes without saying that Light to whom today’s Scripture refers is Jesus Christ, the very Son of God. Simply put, He is Light who provides the path that leads us to God the Father; there is no other. But just as John was called “as a witness to the light” that would dawn some 2000 years ago, we likewise to serve as witnesses of Christ’s presence from the here and now until a) He calls us to our heavenly home or b) He returns to earth at His second coming.
You and I have more in common with John the Baptist than we may think. The son of Elizabeth – who was a cousin to Mary the mother of Jesus – this John received the divine, God-given assignment of announcing the arrival and purpose of the ministry that would be the first coming of Christ to earth. In a very real way, God has assigned today’s Christian a similarly important task. It goes without saying that Light to whom today’s Scripture refers is Jesus Christ, the very Son of God. Simply put, He is Light who provides the path that leads us to God the Father; there is no other. But just as John was called “as a witness to the light” that would dawn some 2000 years ago, we likewise to serve as witnesses of Christ’s presence from the here and now until a) He calls us to our heavenly home or b) He returns to earth at His second coming.
In Greek – the original language in which the New Testament was written – the root word associated with witness is synonymous with someone who bears record of or reflects. The implication here is as astounding as it is humbling. Think of it: Jesus chooses you and me to serve as the conduits through whom His light – His truth – is reflected outward and into an unbelieving culture.
– Copyright 2016, Carole Anne Hallyburton. All Rights Reserved.
Do you see similarities between the culture described in John 1:5,11 and the culture in which you live today? If so, what are they?
What specific things will you do in the coming days in effort to reflect the light of Jesus to others as you prepare for His next advent…
In your home?
In your workplace?
In your culture?
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