Read John 1:6-8, 19-28
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.
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.
From Rev. Dawna Watkins, Bluefield, WV
I’ve been traveling a lot and noticed there are sometimes confusing signs for road construction sites. In one state the signs say, “Road Work Next 17 Miles” and it means that there are 17 miles worth of construction ahead. In another state it means that we can expect construction in 17 miles.
Leaders can sometimes read the signs and get confused. But one thing I’ve learned about road signs is that eventually—the closer you get—the clearer it becomes. When the Jewish advocates get closer to John, a witness to the coming of Christ, they are able to see the signs more clearly.
As we get closer to the Christmas message during Advent, try looking more closely at all the signs of Christ’s message for your life.
Help me to see the signs of Christ’s coming, O God, and to understand from them what you are calling me to do.
These daily readings are offered by the Order of Ministry
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