December 19, 2025 

In John 1:6–8, 19–28, John the Baptist is described as a Witness to the Light. He was not the Light himself but came to point others toward it. His voice prepared hearts for Christ, calling people to repentance and readiness. Witness to the Light reminds us that Advent joy is found not in self-importance but in humble participation in God’s story. We shine when we remember who we are—and who we are not.

Devotional:

John the Baptist never mistook himself for the Light. In an age hungry for heroes and headlines, that’s astonishing. Crowds came from everywhere to hear him preach, yet when questioned, John’s answer was simple: “I am not the Messiah.” He knew his role—to point beyond himself toward the One who was coming. His humility was his strength, and his purpose was clear.

That’s what it means to be a Witness to the Light. It’s not about drawing attention but about reflection—living in such a way that others catch a glimpse of God through us. Advent joy flows from that kind of clarity. It’s the joy of knowing we don’t have to be the source of the light—we simply need to stay close enough to Christ that His radiance spills through us.

Light is most visible in darkness. And the truth is, our world still knows darkness well—division, loneliness, grief, fear. Yet God still calls His people to be witnesses. Not to fix everything, not to outshine everyone, but to stand steady and let His light be seen. The darker the night, the more beautiful the reflection.

John’s life was marked by that kind of steady faithfulness. He called people to repentance—not condemnation, but preparation. His message wasn’t about guilt; it was about readiness. “Make straight the way for the Lord,” he said. That’s what every act of grace, every word of encouragement, every gesture of compassion does—it clears the path for others to encounter Jesus.

Being a Witness to the Light means living awake to God’s presence. It means believing that our ordinary lives can become lanterns in His hands. Sometimes we witness through bold proclamation, and other times through quiet consistency—through kindness that surprises, forgiveness that confounds, or hope that refuses to fade.

Advent reminds us that joy grows brighter when we remember our place in the story. We’re not the light, but we belong to it. We’re not the Savior, but we know His name. When our lives point toward Christ, our joy becomes unshakable because it’s no longer dependent on applause or recognition—it’s anchored in purpose.

So if you feel small today, take heart. The night sky doesn’t need one blazing star to be beautiful—it needs a thousand faithful witnesses, shining where they’ve been placed. You may not feel radiant, but God’s light in you is real and powerful. Stay close to the Source. Keep reflecting His warmth. The world needs your glow more than you know.

Action:

This week, let your kindness or encouragement be someone’s glimpse of light. Pray, “Lord, let Your light shine through me in ways that point others to You.”

Prayer:

Lord of light, thank You for trusting me to be a witness to Your glory. Teach me to reflect You faithfully, not for attention, but for love. When the world feels dark, remind me that even a small light shines far. Fill me with Your radiance so that my life leads others to Jesus. In His name, amen.

Thought for the Day:

You don’t have to be the Light—you just have to point to Him.

John the Baptist was a Witness to the Light. He didn’t try to outshine Christ—he reflected Him. That’s Advent’s calling for us too. Our joy grows not from being the light, but from belonging to it. Every act of love becomes a reflection of God’s glory shining through us.