Scripture Reading:

From the Gospel according to John, the first chapter, verses six through eight: “There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.”

From the Gospel according to Mark, the first chapter, verses one through three: “The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is written in Isaiah the prophet: ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way’— ‘a voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'”

Sermon:

Dear congregation, today we gather to reflect upon the profound roles of the heralds in the life of Jesus Christ. John the Baptist, as described in both John and Mark’s Gospels, serves as a beacon, pointing not to himself but to the Messiah, the true Light of the world.

John the Baptist was no ordinary man. He was a voice, a clarion call in the wilderness, where one would least expect to find enlightenment. Yet, there he was, preparing the way for the Lord, urging people to straighten their paths, to make ready their hearts. He was not the light, but he bore witness to the light, which is Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

In our lives, we are often called to be like John the Baptist. Not to be the light ourselves, but to reflect and testify to the light of Christ. We are called to prepare the way in our communities, our workplaces, our homes, for the coming of Christ in spirit and truth.

Hymn 1: “Prepare the Way, O Zion”

This hymn captures the essence of our preparation. It speaks of making room in our hearts and in our world for the arrival of Christ, just as John prepared the way. As we sing, let us reflect on how we can clear the clutter of sin, doubt, and distraction from our lives.

Hymn 2: “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing”

This hymn celebrates the message of Christ, which John the Baptist began to herald. It’s a song of praise and proclamation, reminding us that our role, like John’s, is to spread the word of Christ’s love and light to all corners of the earth.

O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing – YouTube

In conclusion, let us remember that our purpose, inspired by the example of John the Baptist, is not to seek glory for ourselves but to point others towards Christ. Let us be voices crying in our own wildernesses, preparing the way, making straight the paths, so that when the Light comes, all may see and believe.

May the message of John the Baptist resonate in our hearts today and every day, that we might be heralds of Christ’s love and grace. Amen.

Reflection

Please take 5 minutes to reflect on today’s sermon.

Communion

Closing Prayer:

Lord, help us to be like John, to witness boldly yet humbly to Your light. May our lives prepare the way for Your kingdom, both now and forever. Amen.