READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l In this Advent season, let us be reminded of the hope that awaited the birth of our saviour Jesus Christ. We reflect on the significance of His coming and the true light He brings into our lives.
John the Baptist was sent from God. He came as a witness to the light of Jesus Christ. However, the apostle John probably knew Jesus more intimately than John the Baptist did. Even believers today know more about Christ than John the Baptist knew of Jesus’ ministry, as we have the benefit of the New Testament scriptures and 2000 years of church history to learn from. We know of God’s goodness and graciousness and, like John the Baptist, should be witnesses to the light of Christ. Have we been faithful witnesses?
Pointing Others to the Light
John the Baptist understood his calling and identity in pointing others to the Light. John described himself as the voice in the wilderness crying out ‘Make straight the way of the Lord’; as the Prophet Isaiah said. John said that while he baptised with water, the coming messiah will baptise with the Holy Spirit. When we received Jesus into our lives, we received the Holy Spirit to work in and through us. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. These qualities ought to be light in this dark world.
Focused in Humility
John the Baptist was humble. He understood his calling and affirmed what he was not. John acknowledged that he was not the messiah, Elijah or a prophet. There was no inflated sense of self-importance. His ministry was simply in obedience to the one who called him. We should, in the same way, point others readily to our saviour in humility. We are mere instruments of God’s grace. Our calling is to be faithful and active witnesses for Christ. We have received the power of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:8) As we are transformed and cultivating humility in our hearts, Jesus increases, and we decrease. Jesus helps us to overcome our weaknesses and sinful impulses. We grow more Christlike and begin to love people the way God loves us.
Rekindling Hope with Lighted Faith
Our calling is to rekindle hope in man by simply loving and serving the person in front of us – with the selfless giving love God has poured into us. We witness to the light and love of Christ when we pass on the love, faith and hope that we have been given. We are loved by God and because we are loved, we can love and serve others as well.
Jesus is the light of all mankind. We have received the light of love and forgiveness, no matter how far or dark our lives may be. When we place our hope in Christ, nothing can separate us from the love of God. John was a witness to the light. Yet we know more about the Lord than he did. Our faith is lighted in Christ because we know of the goodness, love and kindness of the Father. God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all. May we be witnesses of the light.
Let us love and serve others, bringing hope to wherever God calls us as we eagerly anticipate our Saviour’s birth and his second coming.
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Let’s recall, reflect, consider, and commit!
1. Recall the christian witnesses in your lives.
• How were you inspired in those circumstances to be witnesses of Christ’s light in your own lives?
2. Reflect on the faith lighted by how John responded when questioned by the religious leaders.
• How can we cultivate a humble heart and maintain a focused pursuit of pointing others to Christ?
3. Consider the significance of preparing our hearts for the coming of Jesus.
• How can we actively engage in repentance and surrender, ensuring our hearts are ready to receive Him?
4. Commit to living a life that reflects the light of Christ this Christmas and in reflection of these years of church direction of being an intentional disciple.
• What practical steps can we take to actively point others to Jesus in our daily interactions and serve as beacons of hope in a dark world?
