A man came, sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that everyone might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify about the light. The true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was created by him, but the world did not recognize him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not receive him. But to all who have received him – those who believe in his name – he has given the right to become God’s children – children not born by human parents or by human desire or a husband’s decision, but by God.
The Apostle John, John 1:6-13
A deep Christian thinker once said: “preach the Gospel always, use words when necessary.” I am sure the intention of this thinker was good but his thought is not consistent with the Christmas story. God did not do what he did in secret, on the contrary, He sent a man to proclaim what He has done. John the Baptist was sent as a voice in the wilderness, calling out the good news.
God does expect our actions to be consistent with our position as His children but we should never forget that we are to voice our testimonies. What he has done for us is too good for us to remain silent.
Our hope for you today is that you take time to speak about what God has done for you.
Bonus Content:
Sometimes impatience is a beautiful thing! This idea seems to be the driving force behind John Francis Wade’s classic hymn “O Come All Ye Faithful.” The urgency of life demands that we seek Christ now! The beauty of His gift to us demands we give voice to what He has done!
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come, and behold Him, born the King of angels!
Refrain:
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!
Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation;
sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest!
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n!
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!
With much love,
The Downings
