The idea of being a witness is a powerful one. A witness sees, and one who proclaims what they see. A witness gives evidence of something and, at times, is even evidence.
John has seen something. He has recognised that Jesus is the long-awaited One whom God has sent. By his words and his way of being in the world, he
is alerting people to this reality.
Each one of us is invited to be a witness to what God has shown us. John is not the only one called as a witness to the light. We also have that sacred responsibility. People come to believe through the witness of others.
This does not mean that we need to become Bible-bashing evangelists - more often than not, - that will only put people
off. The power of our witness is in the quality of our lives, actions and relationships. We, like John, are not the light but are called to point to the light that we have seen and experienced.
What compels you to follow Christ? What makes you see and know that the mystery of Christmas is far beyond the superficial trappings?
At some point in our life, someone witnessed the
light for us. Our parents, grandparents, a teacher, a friend. Who have been the ‘Johns’ of your life? Perhaps this is a good moment to give thanks for their witness and its impact on your life.
And having seen something of the mystery of Christ, we, in turn, are called to be ‘Johns’ for others. To live in a way that draws others to open themselves to see the Light. The quality of our presence, the depth of our care for others, the
environment, and those on the margins may cause others to want to discover this Light. When others see conviction, courage, faithfulness in small things, a generosity inspired by faith, they may recognise the light we have been called to witness to. And they, too, will be called to become witnesses to that light.
- Who has been a witness to the light for me? Spend some time giving thanks for them.
- Ask the Lord to show you who you have
been a witness to the light for, and give thanks for that grace.
- How might I be called to live differently to more fully bear witness to the light?
Reflections by Annemarie
Paulin-Campbell
