“In the beginning was the Word… In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
“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…
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory,.. full of grace and truth… No one has ever seen God; God the only Son, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known.
“And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent… to ask him, ‘Who are you?’.. He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord…”
“‘I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.’
“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, “After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me…” For this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel… I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.’” John 1:1,4-9,14,18-19,23,26-27,29-31,34
John the Baptist, the final prophet, was clear about his calling and message. He, a miracle child to his elderly barren parents, had been sent by God the Father as a witness of light. The true light, Jesus, was coming into the world darkened by sin to take away sin. His life mission was to bear witness so people would behold the Lamb of God. (Luke 1:5-15)
Jesus is the light in whom is no darkness, and we presently live in a world rife with spiritual darkness, conflict, and degradation. Crudeness and immorality abound as daily issues crowd our minds and hours. We may sense a holy purpose to bear witness, but fail to see how it fits into pressing responsibilities, or doubt its efficacy in the ugly clamor of the culture. It’s into this very murky slough that we’re to shine light. (John 8:12; Ephesians 6:12; Philippians 2:13-16; 1 John 1:5)
The enemy assaults with doubts and discouragement, convincing us we don’t have time to prepare, our witness won’t have effect, or there are smarter, more eloquent people to speak. Whose voice are we allowing to win? The devil is wily, but God places us specifically in life, employment, and service to do His work. His is the light that makes a difference. (Esther 4:14; 1 Corinthians 3:5-6)
Every Christian is sent as a witness to Jesus, as those transformed by grace to proclaim and extend grace. How seriously and zealously do we take this assignment? To whom are we proclaiming Him as the perfect Lamb? Where are we brightly shining His truth and goodness- elevating conversation, showing compassion, giving selflessly? An effectual call from God through us moves people. Our responsibility is to be faithful, all results are His. (John 1:35-37)
Lord, cleanse me from anything that would dull a bright witness, and help me courageously, joyfully proclaim Jesus in all His glory.
As the rain and snow 