12-1-11 John 1:6-9 True light?
There’s a common phrase, used often when someone has to tell others bad news: don’t shoot the messenger. Equally as dangerous is becoming enamored with the messenger and missing or forgetting the message. This happens in churches and organizations where the leader becomes the center of attention and allegiance. Then when that leader leaves, the people feel rejected and have a difficult time adjusting to new leadership. It borders on a personality cult or worship of the individual .
I sometimes wonder if John the Baptist would have signed up for his role of preparing the way for Jesus if he had known that it was going to be such a short gig and he would end up losing his head. In our function as “light of the world” (see Matthew 5:14) are we more focused on the perks of being light or the beauty of being light, or are we aware that we are pointing to something far greater than ourselves? Let’s be sure to use our light to shine on Him. Imagine that you have the role of the star. The star shone above the place where the baby Jesus lay and drew shepherds and magi to that place. The star wasn’t looking to be worshiped or given any credit. It’s job was to point the way, and so is ours.
Prayer: Star light, star bright, that is what I wish to be tonight. May the light of my life draw others to you these days of Advent. Amen.
Pot of Manna 