“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world… (John bore witness about him, and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.”’) For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
“The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God!’ The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.” John 1:6-9,15-16,35-37
“In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said,
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
make his paths straight.’”
“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Matthew 3:1-3,11
“You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30
Conceived by God’s gracious help to a barren mother, sent from God at a particular time with specific purpose, John the Baptist took his role seriously, proclaiming and pointing to the Lord of light. He was a witness, a preacher, a voice, a preparer of Christ’s way. Deflecting attention, his sole purpose was to spotlight and magnify his Lord- the worthier, mightier One. (Luke 1:5-17,24-25)
Am I so captivated by Jesus? Do I live and breathe to make Him known? It is common to revolve our worlds around ourselves, working hard, accomplishing good things, and making sure our experiences are noticed and opinions are valued. But the Lord calls us to turn the spotlight to reflect the One who made us. He planted us where He expects us to serve and flourish for His sake and fame. (Acts 17:26-27)
Into what wilderness- work colleagues, neighbors, friends- has God sent me to proclaim and reveal the light of Jesus? What about my life cause others to seek out and follow Him? How boldly and faithfully do I exalt His greatness and grace? In what situations am I tempted to take credit myself, even subconsciously, drawing attention to my experiences or good works or successes? How can I begin to think and talk about myself less and spotlight the Lord more? How can I better hide behind His majestic superiority, so those around me will be drawn to love and honor and live for Him?
Lord, moment by moment, let there be less of me, more of Thee, to Your glory. (John 3:30)
As the rain and snow 