John 1: 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 

Straight forward and simple. John was not the light but he was a reflection of the “Light.” He would be the last of a long line of prophetic voices who points his hearers to another.

I suppose we all point to something or some one. Every human  reflects whatever he or she is looking at.

Those who listened to John the Baptist recognized Jesus and came to be witnesses themselves. The witness of the Light changes those who accept the testimony of the witness.

This raises several questions in my mind! Whose witness have we been listening too, recently? This question will determine so many things in our lives.

To whom or what are we bearing witness? Who are we affecting? And in what way?

The true light that enlighten every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home, and his own people received him. not. John 1:9-11

All men whether they believe it or not live in the light of the sun. Some accept it as a gift from God, others explain it’s existence in another way. Either way every man lives in the reality of the sun.

In the same manner all men live in the “true light” the rub comes when they refuse to “receive him.” Preferring darkness over light.

However, their rejection of him is not the final answer.

But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:12-13)

God’s gift to those who receive Jesus is to be “adopted” into the Father’s family. This is not an acheivement for which they can take the credit but rather the gift that is to be received.

“But to all who received….”

Just as you awoke this morning to receive the light of the sun, I hope you take a few minutes this morning and receive the ever fresh Presence of Jesus into your life, upon your face and let him flood you again with his life and light.