Seeing His Reflection in Our Redemption

“(6) There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. (7) This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. (8) He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. (9) That was the true Light which gives light to every man (person) coming into the world.” John 1:6-9 (NKJV)

There is a date on the calendar in the month of December that fills the hearts of countless numbers of people world-wide with unending jubilation! For many, it is a time for giving and receiving gifts! It is a time for singing the songs of the season, such as, “Silent Night! Holy Night!”, “Joy to The World”, “O Come, All Ye Faithful” and many more as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Though all of the above, for many, is a part of the Christmas season, The Gospel of John invites his readers to embrace “God’s story of redemption” for humanity from a different perspective.

In our text, John, a disciple of Jesus Christ, opens his gospel by pointing to the work of John the Baptist, in God’s plan of redemption. As God’s appointed messenger and forerunner to Jesus Christ, John the Baptist’s task was to proclaim to all of Israel, that Jesus Christ was both the fulfillment of God’s prophetic word and the Savior of Israel and the world. In order to be faithful to God’s charge on his life, even in the face of upsetting the power of the religious order, John the Baptist had to be faithful to God and speak truth from God. He had to “walk” in his faith in God and dare to “witness” from the truth of God. In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells His disciples the same things. He told them they were to be His “witnesses” in advancing the gospel throughout the world. The word “witness” means one who can speak with accuracy, knowledge, authority and shed “light and truth” on a particular action or event. Because they had been with Jesus, they were empowered to witness for Him.

As Believers in Jesus Christ we ought to celebrate His birth as our Lord and Savior. Also as Believers we ought to walk and witness in a manner that the “Light of the Lord” can be seen in our lives that we might draw others to Him. We should live so that others can “See His Reflection in Our Redemption”. Let us strive to live so that “The Light” in us shines so brightly that it points others to our Father who is in heaven as we live for Jesus Christ here on earth, He is the real reason for the season!!

Prayer: Almighty God Our Father, May Your “Unspeakable Gift” indwell us so completely that His Light in us will draw others to You. And even more, help each of us walk and live that we would experience Your power and presence in our lives and bring glory to Your name!! In Jesus name we pray. Amen.