This Christmas we are focusing on how Jesus is the light who shines in the darkness.
He is for us
He is with us
He is amongst us
He is for us
He is with us
He is amongst us
- Pause – As you begin, pause, open your hands and be aware that God is present with you.
- Read – Read the Bible passage slowly.
John 1:19-28
The Testimony of John the Baptist
This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” He came right out and said, “I am not the Messiah.”
“Well then, who are you?” they asked. “Are you Elijah?”
“No,” he replied.
“Are you the Prophet we are expecting?”
“No.”
“Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?”
John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah:
“I am a voice shouting in the wilderness,
‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!’”
Then the Pharisees who had been sent asked him, “If you aren’t the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, what right do you have to baptise?”
John told them, “I baptise with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognise. Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.” This encounter took place in Bethany, an area east of the Jordan River, where John was baptising.
The Testimony of John the Baptist
This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” He came right out and said, “I am not the Messiah.”
“Well then, who are you?” they asked. “Are you Elijah?”
“No,” he replied.
“Are you the Prophet we are expecting?”
“No.”
“Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?”
John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah:
“I am a voice shouting in the wilderness,
‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!’”
Then the Pharisees who had been sent asked him, “If you aren’t the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, what right do you have to baptise?”
John told them, “I baptise with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognise. Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.” This encounter took place in Bethany, an area east of the Jordan River, where John was baptising.
- Reflect – Notice what stands out. Why does it stand out? Read the reflection:
God is amongst us…
Our culture is currently in the midst of identity wars. Who am I and what constitutes being ‘me’ preoccupies our social sciences. This too, for different reasons, pre-occupied the people of Jesus’ day. “Who are you?” they asked. Malachi had promised an Elijah figure would come. Moses promised that a prophet like him would return. Isaiah had signalled that a servant figure would emerge. Jesus’ identity is important, so important that for a moment John the Baptist’s task will be to prepare the way so that people don’t miss him. That is exactly what can happen amidst all our fluster and bustle at Christmas. John’s caution: “There is one who is coming after me.” Remember who Christmas is about, and prepare your heart for his arrival.
Our culture is currently in the midst of identity wars. Who am I and what constitutes being ‘me’ preoccupies our social sciences. This too, for different reasons, pre-occupied the people of Jesus’ day. “Who are you?” they asked. Malachi had promised an Elijah figure would come. Moses promised that a prophet like him would return. Isaiah had signalled that a servant figure would emerge. Jesus’ identity is important, so important that for a moment John the Baptist’s task will be to prepare the way so that people don’t miss him. That is exactly what can happen amidst all our fluster and bustle at Christmas. John’s caution: “There is one who is coming after me.” Remember who Christmas is about, and prepare your heart for his arrival.
- Respond – Respond to God in prayer