“God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.”

We’ve all likely at some point in our lives been asked to hold a flashlight or any kind of light for someone else as they try to do something where they don’t have enough light to see.  We became a helper.  And, we are asked to do the same all the time in our work when someone asks us our opinion, wants an idea or comes right out and asks us “Can you shed some light on what is going on?”.  A gift of work is that when we are asked to be a lightbearer that we can do so in a way that is truly illuminating to others.  Our ability to shine is a a great thing and also a responsibility for us to live up to in the best way we can.  Everyone likes an advisor who helps them see more clearly.

John the Baptist was the lightbearer for Jesus.  He is one of my favorite people in the Bible because he knew from the beginning that he was not destined or chosen to be more important than Jesus.  He was more than satisfied to be one who diminished in importance while Jesus rose.  Lord, let us accept the gift of being a lightbearer for You today and in this Christmas week.  Let us accept the gift You have given us to be the helper to others so they can see You shine through us.

Reference:  John 1: 6-9 (New Living Translation)