“The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me…” –Mark 1:7
John the Baptist may have been eccentric, but his mission was clear. His job was to draw everyone’s attention to the Christ. He spent his days preaching and baptizing, and his ministry attracted large crowds and great success. He didn’t let this success get to his head, though. He didn’t puff up with pride and preach sensationalist sermons to get even more attention and success. Instead, he continually directed everyone’s attention towards the coming Messiah. You think I’m great? He’d ask. Wait until you see the Messiah! He cried, “the one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals.” John’s purpose for living was declaring the good news that the Messiah was coming, not because he wanted attention or success, but because he believed so strongly in the promise that the Messiah would save the world.
Do we spend our lives pointing to Jesus like John, or do we spend our lives drawing attention to ourselves? John reminds us that in this Advent season our job as Christians is to draw the world’s attention to Jesus, the one who came to save the world. Often we get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas that we forget to proclaim with John “the one who is more powerful than I” has come, and is with us now.
In these weeks leading up to Christmas, I invite you to point to Jesus. Do not let success, or busyness, or your own desires for attention distract you from the real reason for Christmas. Point to Jesus in your words by telling people – strangers even – of all that God has done in your life. Point to Jesus in your actions by doing things that communicate true, authentic, and unconditional love. Point to Jesus by letting others around you know the hope of the gospel, that Christ saves us and gives us life abundant.
Advent Blessings,
Laura
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