There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.” vss. 6-7
John 1:6-8
As the gospel writers retold the stories about John the Baptist, they all refer to his baptismal ministry in the wilderness and his interaction with Herod, an encounter that eventually led to his death. But the gospel writer John also writes that the Baptizer was sent from God to be a witness who would testify to Jesus as the Light of the world. And that’s what he did. He was the first witness, but he was by no means the last. In fact, the rapid growth of the Jesus movement was due entirely to hundreds and thousands of witnesses who testified to Jesus in both word and deed. It might seem to some that we’ve reached a point where witnesses are no longer needed. Sometimes it appears that everyone has heard the good news and knows that Jesus is the Light of the world. Now it’s certainly true that people know about Christmas, and would be able to say that it’s about the birth of the Jesus baby, but we can wonder how many have actually seen the Light. That’s a different story entirely, and it may be that there is still a need for witnesses, people who will actually share their faith stories, and testify to the joy they have in Jesus. And if we don’t tell those who have never heard, who will?
Thought for the Day: What is my testimony about Jesus?
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