Friday January 2nd: Bearing true witness

Like John, we are not the message, we are the witnesses.

John 1: 19 – 28

During the Christmas season, as we celebrate the birth of Christ, today’s passage calls our attention to the essential role of the witness. John the Baptist is questioned about his identity. He rejects every title that would identify him as the Christ. Instead, he defines himself by his task: to point to the One who is already present.

John is “the voice crying out in the wilderness,” a witness preparing the way so that Christ may be recognised. Even while Jesus stands among the people, He is unknown. John’s testimony bridges that gap. He is not the Light; he reveals it.

Christmas reminds us that God has entered the world in humility and closeness. Like John, we are not the message, we are the witnesses. Our lives are meant to direct attention to Christ through our words, actions, and faithfulness. In a world searching for meaning, our calling is clear: to stand firmly, speak truthfully, and point consistently to Jesus, so that others may come to recognise Him in their midst.