“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.” John 1:6-8
John the Baptist came to point people to the One who is the Light and Life of the world so that all might believe in Him (Jesus Christ). Note that John was not the Light but was sent to tell people of the Light. In the same way, pastors and churches are not the Light but are to point people to Jesus Christ, the Light who gives life to the world.
O Jesus Christ, my Life and the only Light of the world, grant that I hear Your Word and look to You and Your cross in faith for pardon, forgiveness, and life eternal. Amen.
“And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” John 1:5
Now, since the fall into sin, Christ Jesus and His saving truth shine in this dark and sinful world, but people cannot understand and grasp God’s truth and the life Jesus offers and gives.
Grant us Your Holy Spirit, O Lord, so that we might see and take hold of the truth of Your Word and trust in Jesus Christ, our Savior. In His name, we pray. Amen.
“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” John 1:4
It was the eternal Son of God who gave man life — both physical and spiritual. He created us in His image so that man knew God and His will, loved Him, trusted Him, and sought to honor Him in all his thoughts, desires, words, and actions. Sadly, man’s disobedience and rebellion against God have marred and corrupted the image of God in which we were created.
We thank You, dear Lord Jesus, for creating us for life in fellowship with You. Restore us to that fellowship through faith in You and Your atoning sacrifice on the cross for our sins. Amen.
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.” Psalm 100:4-5
Need a reason to be thankful to the LORD and to enter His courts with praise? Consider His goodness to you in giving you life, family, and all your goods! Consider His mercy on you, His forgiveness, for the sake of Jesus Christ and His innocent sufferings and death on the cross in your stead! Consider that the truthfulness of His promises endures to all generations and remains true for you! Remember that He gives you life and has provided salvation for you in His Son, Jesus Christ.
Thank You and praise to You, O LORD, for giving me life, salvation, and all things! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
“Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! Serve the LORD with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” Psalm 100:1-3
The LORD God created all of us, no matter in which land we live; we belong to Him. Therefore, we owe it to the LORD to praise His name and serve Him with gladness, to shout and sing His praises.
We praise and honor You, O LORD, for creating us and giving us life, for redeeming us and winning for us eternal life through faith in the Son, who shed His blood on the cross to redeem us. In His name, we pray. Amen.
