Scripture

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. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. (John 1.6-9)

Reflection

This “John” is John the Baptist – whom we remember on this Third Sunday of Advent. The priests from the Temple in Jerusalem, ask him a simple yet profound question, “Who are you?” He knows he is not “the light”; he is the messenger. He answers them, from the scripture of one of their great prophets, Isaiah, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord’.”

John the Baptist was a very unconventional man within his society. He knew who he was; he knew what God called him to be and do; he didn’t worry about what other people thought of him. He didn’t compare himself to other people or to their relationship with God. He simply got on and did what God called him to do.

Maybe there is a message in there for us too. Listen to that simple question for yourself…. “Who are you?” And ask yourself, what does God want me to do?

Revd David