December 9, Second Advent Sunday
   John 1:6-9, 15-16, 19-23

        There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John.  He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe.  He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.  The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.
        John testifies concerning him.  He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me,'"  From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.
        Now this was John's testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was.  He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, "I am not the Christ."  They asked him, "Then who are you?  Are you Elijah?"  He said, "I am not."  "Are you the Prophet?"  He answered, "No."
        Finally they said, "Who are you?  Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us.  What do you say about yourself?"  John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.'"
        Jesus is the Christ!  This is the testimony of John the Baptist.  For all the greatness of John the Baptist; for all the wisdom. powerful work and changed lives - John is clear: don't confuse me with the one who is much greater than I, Jesus Christ.
        Like John, we who believe are to live our lives so that all we do will point others to Christ, for as John says, "From the fullness of his grace we have all received on blessing after another."

Prayer

        Lord Jesus, we pray that you give us the insight to follow the example of John the Baptist and place you before all others in our life.  May the power of your Holy Spirit be with us now - Amen

                                                        by Pastor Jim Visbeek

Return to Church History