Jn 1:6-28 That Man Is You!
This is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “”Who are you?” he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ”…I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord.”
Election year is coming up soon. How many of you are excited? How many think that there will be any real change in our politics, economic, or culture of life?
The bad news is that fewer and fewer people vote. The worse news is that too many of us think that politicians will solve our problems!
Whatever happened to you? That’s right. Whatever happened to you making a difference? Do you not realize that what God demanded from John the Baptist, he now demands from you? Why are you waiting for someone else to do what you can do!
Take today’s Gospel passage. Now, replace John’s name with your name.
A person named [Insert your name] was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.
When the political correctness police and secular reporters asked him, “Who do you think you are?” he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I’m not my own god.”
They were shocked! So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you some religious freak?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you a crazy man?” He answered, “No.” So they asked him, “Who are you so that we can spin the truth and place some darkness over you?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the middle of the street, make straight the way of the Lord.”
Others questioned him and said, “Why do you do what you do? Are you running for office? Are you seeking fame? What do you have to gain from all of this?” He replied, “He must increase; I must decrease. I am a star that simply points to Him.”
This Christmas, many of us will be looking forward to new toys, new clothes and new surprises. Our kids will be very happy when they find an XBOX or Playstation under the Christmas tree. I’m also sure that our spouses will be more than content with the expensive gifts you get for them. But there is a gift that they are all waiting for that never seems to come. It is the gift of being Christ to them!
Yes, what will make them ecstatic and elated will be the arrival of Christ in their home. After all, who couldn’t use a little more peace, a little more hope and a little more love in their life?
This Christmas give to your family, your neighborhood and your work the gift of Christ. How? Be another Christ. Give people a reason to believe in Him. Live as if God sent you, so that all might believe through you. (cf. Jn 1:6-8)
“Brothers and sisters: Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit…May the God of peace make you perfectly holy and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thes 5:16-24)
