Advent devotions: December 16th
John 1:6-8, 19-28
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.
Advent is a season that I anticipate with great cheer and expectancy. For many, Advent is one of the most joyful and awaited seasons of the year. This season also makes space for the good news of Jesus to be shared. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the light that this world so desperately needs. The true meaning of the season is often replaced by the parties, Christmas cookies, twinkling lights, and presents.
The real celebration is of the true light: that a Savior was given to us (Luke 2:11). As believers, we have the confidence of knowing that Jesus Christ came into the world to bring hope, a future, and salvation to all people who accept him as their Lord and Savior. We proclaim that Christ is Lord, not only by our words but also by our actions.
As ambassadors of Jesus Christ, and as John came, so do we, “as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him” (v. 7). Our story and our testimony help shine the light of Jesus wherever we go. Let us be the light to people who don’t know the true meaning of Advent. Let us be the voice that helps direct them onto a straight path.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gift of Jesus. You sent your only Son and you did it all for love. Help us not forget this ultimate sacrifice. Let us also be a light, so we can share the good news with people in need. May God’s presence in our lives be the best present we can receive and share with others this year. In Jesus’s name, amen.
Diana Cano runs the Family Leadership Initiative (FLI) program for Comunidad Cristiana de Grand Rapids, an RCA church plant in Grand Rapids, Michigan, that is pastored by her husband, Rodrigo.
Posted on December 16, 2017, in Advent Devotions, Worship. Bookmark the permalink. Comments Off on Advent devotions: December 16th.
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