The Witness
There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. – John 1:6-7
The phone call came on a Saturday afternoon, “Mr. Cohrs? You are required to appear in court to testify in the matter. Your presence is mandatory. We will subpoena you if necessary.” I had to go to court to testify to what I had witnessed.
The court room was an imposing sight – the bench, the judge, the lawyers, the litigants, and the local reporters. I was testifying regarding what I had observed in school relative to a child’s behavior. I was nervous. I sat in the chair and waited for the questions. The lawyer for the state began. I answered as best as I could, trying to be accurate and concise. The lawyer for the defense was next. He was polite, but firm. He challenged some of my statements. I checked my notes and stood firm in my answer. I knew what I had observed and could not change my testimony.
After the questions and answers I was dismissed. I walked to my seat in the courtroom and waited for the results of the hearing. I was relieved. I had testified to what I witnessed – was challenged – and held firm. I told the truth.
John was a witness to testify about the Savior – Jesus. John’s role was to tell the Children of Israel that the long expected Savior was not only born, but was among them – healing the sick, forgiving the sinners and fulfilling the prophesies. John was inspired by the Holy Spirit. He was given the words of testimony. He was given the courage to remain firm in his words – even when challenged by the authorities of the day. He lived his life telling people what he knew – what he saw – the truth about Jesus.
Today we do not see Jesus in the flesh. Today we see Jesus through the words of Holy Scripture. We read a description of His life, His work, His reconciling man to God. The Holy Spirit gives us the eyes and ears of faith. We know Christ.
Like John, we are called upon to testify concerning Jesus. It is critical in today’s world, in this Advent season that we give a clear witness concerning Jesus – the Babe of Bethlehem – born to save us from sin – born to give us the hope of heaven. When the world refuses to acknowledge the birth of Christ by using the generic “Happy Holidays,” we can boldly proclaim, “Merry CHRISTmas.”
Prayer: Thank you God for a Savior born in Bethlehem. Give us the power to proclaim Him in all we do and all we say. Amen
The phone call came on a Saturday afternoon, “Mr. Cohrs? You are required to appear in court to testify in the matter. Your presence is mandatory. We will subpoena you if necessary.” I had to go to court to testify to what I had witnessed.
The court room was an imposing sight – the bench, the judge, the lawyers, the litigants, and the local reporters. I was testifying regarding what I had observed in school relative to a child’s behavior. I was nervous. I sat in the chair and waited for the questions. The lawyer for the state began. I answered as best as I could, trying to be accurate and concise. The lawyer for the defense was next. He was polite, but firm. He challenged some of my statements. I checked my notes and stood firm in my answer. I knew what I had observed and could not change my testimony.
After the questions and answers I was dismissed. I walked to my seat in the courtroom and waited for the results of the hearing. I was relieved. I had testified to what I witnessed – was challenged – and held firm. I told the truth.
John was a witness to testify about the Savior – Jesus. John’s role was to tell the Children of Israel that the long expected Savior was not only born, but was among them – healing the sick, forgiving the sinners and fulfilling the prophesies. John was inspired by the Holy Spirit. He was given the words of testimony. He was given the courage to remain firm in his words – even when challenged by the authorities of the day. He lived his life telling people what he knew – what he saw – the truth about Jesus.
Today we do not see Jesus in the flesh. Today we see Jesus through the words of Holy Scripture. We read a description of His life, His work, His reconciling man to God. The Holy Spirit gives us the eyes and ears of faith. We know Christ.
Like John, we are called upon to testify concerning Jesus. It is critical in today’s world, in this Advent season that we give a clear witness concerning Jesus – the Babe of Bethlehem – born to save us from sin – born to give us the hope of heaven. When the world refuses to acknowledge the birth of Christ by using the generic “Happy Holidays,” we can boldly proclaim, “Merry CHRISTmas.”
Prayer: Thank you God for a Savior born in Bethlehem. Give us the power to proclaim Him in all we do and all we say. Amen