Pointing the Way
“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.”
John 1:6–9
As we know, the Gospel of John offers no narrative about the details around Jesus’s birth. Perhaps he simply chose to leave that to Jewish scholar Matthew and historian Luke. John chooses to paint with a broad brushstroke on finding the light — that is, the true light — that enlightens everyone.
For one who makes his living as an institutional church professional, I must remember that Jesus was not overly concerned about the institution of the church. I do not mean that He did not care. We know that He participated in public worship within the synagogue, as was His custom.[1] We also know that He spent time with religious leaders, sometimes asking questions, sometimes teaching, sometimes rebuking. He was not an enemy of religious institutionalism, but his primary goal was to transform lives by healing them and making them whole.
Jesus’s first cousin, John the Baptist, said a great deal about what Jesus came to do. John had a rather large following and a powerful preaching and baptism ministry. However, John’s baptism was not Christian baptism.[2] His baptism was one of repentance, a symbol of a life that is turning from sin to holiness and of preparation in waiting for the coming Messiah. John’s entire vocation was not focused on himself or on religion, but in paving the way for Christ to come.
Soon after Jesus’s baptism by John, we see John gently move away from center stage. At the height of his popularity, some thought John, not Jesus, might be the Messiah. When given the chance to take on that role, John stepped aside saying, “I am not the Messiah … He must increase, but I must decrease...” (John 3:28, 30)
This must be the prayer of all who want the Christ Child to enter our hearts, lives and souls. Earlier in this set of meditations, I stated that I have lived my adult life serving the Church as a priest and pastor. I believe that once one enters Christian life, being part of a lively church, a Christ-centered and Spirit-filled community of faith, is essential. Yet, Christ’s primary mission was to establish a Kingdom of disciples, not a Kingdom of hierarchy and structure, buildings and policies.
John came to help everyone see the way of true peace and salvation. “He must increase, but I must decrease.” What does that mean? My mentor and friend, John Stott, puts it this way:
Some people become engrossed in the externals of religion. They come to church. They come to be baptized and confirmed. They come to a pastor and seek his counsel. They come to the Bible and read it, together with other religious literature. Yet, it is possible to engage in all these “comings” without ever coming to Jesus Christ himself.[3]
Year after year, I have watched the behavior of what we clergy sometimes call the “C and E Christians” — Christmas and Easter Christians. These are members of the Parish or even those who come in off the street for the Advent, Christmas and Easter “stories.” Once or twice a year, they are drawn by the colors, smells, music and comfort of the story. Yet, when they leave, some do not understand the emptiness that drew them to church in the first place, or the promise behind all the pageantry and majesty that can fill the emptiness.
There is so much more to the Advent and Christmas story than meets the eye. Advent — “to come” — is about pointing the way toward the whole meaning of Christmas. Advent says Christmas without Christ is not Christmas at all. John the Baptist did this, perhaps better than anyone, when he said with all humility, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Have you uttered those words?
A Question to Ponder as you Prepare Room for the Christ Child
We are now nearly to the end of these Advent and Christmas Meditations. We have had the opportunity to sweep clean all those things in our heart that may be keeping Christ from His advent — His coming. What other things must be swept away today to help once again in preparing room?
A Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ,
I am aware that in different ways you have been
seeking me.
I have heard you knocking at my door.
I believe—
that your claims are true;
that you died on the cross for my sins,
and that you have risen in triumph over death.
Thank you for your loving offer of forgiveness,
freedom and fulfillment.
Now—
I turn from my sinful self-centeredness.
I come to you as my Savior.
I submit to you as my Lord.
Give me strength to follow you for the rest of my life.
Amen.
The Reverend Dr. John Stott, d. 2011 [4]
[1] Luke 4:16.
[2] Christian baptism was only authorized by Jesus and not until after His death when He commissioned His apostles to baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).
[3] John Stott, “Why I Am a Christian” (Downer’s Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2003), 127.
[4] Ibid. 132-133.
