Dec. 12 - Light the way
Contributed by
Carla Friesen Weldy, associate director of alumni and parent relations on Thursday December 12
Scripture
John 1:6-8, 19-28 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. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.
This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, "I am not the Messiah." And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the prophet?" He answered, "No."
Then they said to him, "Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" He said, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, "Make straight the way of the Lord,' " as the prophet Isaiah said.
Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, "Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?"
John answered them, "I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal."
This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.
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Devotion
John the Baptist's life had one main purpose: "He was there to show the way to the Light" (John 1:8 MSG). This simple, yet profound passage has implications for our lives as well. Isn't that why we as Christians are here on earth?
Here are a few ideas for showing the way to Jesus, our Light, this Christmas season:
1. Love extravagantly. (1 Corinthians 13:13 MSG)
In spite of the extravagant love poured out on us by our loving Father, aren't we sometimes stingy with our love, like Simon the Pharisee (Luke 7:36-47)? In his book , Max Lucado suggests that living "in the overflow of God's love" is only possible when we drink daily from "the deep aquifer of love" God has for us.
2. Sing songs of Joy. (Psalm 126:2 NIV)
Because "the Lord has done great things for us," we ought to be "filled with joy" (vs. 3)! As my friend Leslie reminded me, our non-Christian friends also need to hear about those "great things the Lord has done." Share joyfully the answers to prayer, the times you were protected from harm and the doors He has opened for you!
3. Let peace rule. (Col. 3:15 NIV)
Christ offers us an attitude of peace, instead of bitterness and quarrelsomeness. This attitude of peace is to "rule" (like an umpire), in all of our relationships, even when others are unkind to us.
Light the way to Jesus with love, joy and peace this Christmas season.
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