Faithful with our Gifts

THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL: John 1: 6-8, 19-28 (MESSAGE)

There once was a man, his name John, sent by God to point out the way to the Life-Light. He came to show everyone where to look, who to believe in. John was not himself the Light; he was there to show the way to the Light.

When Jews from Jerusalem sent a group of priests and officials to ask John who he was, he was completely honest. He didn't evade the question. He told the plain truth: "I am not the Messiah." They pressed him, "Who, then? Elijah?"  "I am not."  "The Prophet?"  "No."  Exasperated, they said, "Who, then? We need an answer for those who sent us. Tell us something—anything!—about yourself."  "I'm thunder in the desert: 'Make the road straight for God!' I'm doing what the prophet Isaiah preached." Those sent to question him were from the Pharisee party. Now they had a question of their own: "If you're neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet, why do you baptize?" John answered, "I only baptize using water. A person you don't recognize has taken his stand in your midst. He comes after me, but he is not in second place to me. I'm not even worthy to hold his coat for him." These conversations took place in Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing at the time.

Have you ever known exactly who you were called to be in a given moment?  Has that deep understanding of your identity caused you excitement or pain? 

In our lesson, John is clear about his identity.  He is a man sent to point the way to the one who is the Light of the world. But John himself is not the light, just the witness to the light. When questioned, John names all the roles and people he is not called to be even as he reaffirms his mission and his identity. 

In our lives, having this kind of clarity is wonderful.  Today, when we examine our lives with God and each other, who are we?  Who are we being called to be?  Maybe our role, like John, is to point to someone else in whom God is living, moving and breathing. Perhaps we are simply to embrace our identity as children of God and live out of that certainty and hope.

Join us this Sunday, December 11 at 10:00a.m. in Christ Church as we remember who we are in relationship with God and one another. With bells ringing, children singing, choir and congregation creating glorious music, this Sunday will be a day of celebration, preparation and joy in which we point the way to our amazing God. Together we will all be faithful with our identity and our gifts! Bring your friends and family because this is a service that is certain to put everyone in the holiday spirit. Hope to see you there.