There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.      John 1 : 6 - 8

Bible reading : John 1 : 6 – 8, 19 - 28

Thought of the week

The appearance of John the Baptist in the Advent Gospel readings is a salutary reminder of the true meaning of these days leading to Christmas. It is about the Kingdom of God, with Jesus’ power, healing and peace, breaking into our world with all its distractions and constructions. It is about truth over deceit, and light in the darkness. John comes with his single message of turning back to the Lord.

We need to hear his message more than ever this year of course. For Christmas to be truly Christmas this year we need to stop. To turn again to the goodness and grace of the Lord’s love entering our world. Of His cleansing and His power in Jesus. Of His invitation to us to draw close to the stable, and believe that this is the Lord who searches for us, who comes in sacrifice and offers us freedom from fear.

This is a Christmas like no other any of us have ever known. Let us make it unforgettable by listening to John the Baptist’s words, that Jesus is the one who was long awaited, who has come to us with authority and grace. Let us stop in our busyness, and lift our eyes from the day to day, to eternity, and to the miracle of Emmanuel, God with us.

Rev Paul