Twice, they ask John the Witness, “Who are you?”  In the Gospel lesson, (John 1) John is, “John the Witness and Voice.”  In a selfie world, those who would be our leaders tend to call attention to themselves.  Not only politicians, but religious leaders, entertainers (how many award shows do we need?) sports figures (note: end zone antics).  John provides a lesson in leadership.

John knows who he is.  He is not the light of a dawning new creation.  He points us to the light, who was there when the first light dawned, the Christ, who is Jesus.  He is the voice in the world’s wilderness not calling attention to himself but leading the lost to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord, in Jesus.  He is not a selfie person, rather he points us to One of whom he isn’t worthy even to be his foot servant.

John leads us to our true leader, the One of whom we ask in song, “Christ, be my leader by night as by day.” John the Witness says of Jesus, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” As we prayed: “Lord Jesus Christ, we implore you…to lighten the darkness of our hearts by your gracious visitation.”