By Revd Caroline Ainger, Superintendent, Emmaus Circuit and Mission Area Lead for Liverpool Plus
Reading: John 1 v. 6-7
Notes:
The last film I watched, A House of Dynamite, took an unusual approach to telling the story of the American government’s official response to a single nuclear attack by an unidentified enemy. It showed the same sequence three times under separate titles and from different perspectives.
John, the last of the four gospels, has a very different approach to Matthew, Mark and Luke. It includes a lot of content not found in the other gospels, it has a style of its own, and a unique perspective. John’s focus is on Jesus as more than a teacher, healer or miracle-worker. It is on God become human and with us. This is why John includes fewer parables and more conversations, such as Jesus talking to a religious leader called Nicodemus (John 3); a Samaritan woman fetching water from a well (John 4); and two sisters stunned by the death of their brother (John 11). God is not distant but is with us, always.
One of John’s most powerful and enduring metaphors for God in Jesus is light. Jesus is the Life-light (John 1:4) and the Light of the World (John 8:12). In today’s verses we are introduced to John the Baptist. This John had a prophetic ministry and many disciples, but his role wasn’t to be the light, but to point toward it. His life and work were a witness- a living signpost directing others to Jesus. In these complex and confusing times, John’s clarity stands out: he came to bear witness to the light.
Advent reminds us that we are invited to take up the same vantage point: we are not the light, but we can reflect it. Our words, our actions, our prayers and even our hope can be small but not insignificant lights that guide others towards Jesus. Like John, we are sent from God to prepare the way for Jesus in our relationships, communities, and hearts.
Wonder:
During this Advent time of watching and waiting, we can ask ourselves:
How am I bearing witness to Jesus, the Life-light, in my daily life?
What is dimming my witness or distracting me from reflecting God’s presence in Jesus?
Who around me today might need a glimpse of hope that points them towards Jesus?
Prayer:
Life-light, as John the Baptist bore witness to your coming, help me to bear faithful witness to you in my daily life. Make me a clear reflection of your love, I pray. In this Advent season, may my heart prepare room for you: the true light who gives life to all. Amen.