Dearly Beloved in Christ,

In John the Baptist's day there were rumors abounding that he might be the Prophet, or Elijah who had returned, or even the long-awaited Messiah. John could quite easily have ridden the wave of expectations and received the accolades and "glory," but John never pointed to himself, never puffed himself up, never took the glory for himself. His one task, the reason for his ministry, was to point the way to the one the thong of whose sandals he considered himself unworthy to untie - the Light that had come into the world.

In our own day some place similar expectations on politicians, the President (wether Democrat or Republican), or on the nation,  to solve the nation's or the world's problems. But when we attribute to mere humans, divine knowledge, skill, and abilities, we set ourselves up for frustration, disillusionment, and ultimately despair when our hopes are dashed. 

When we believe another human, however gifted or skilled, or a nation, however powerful, can, in a sense, be a "savior" then we have lost our true focus as Christians. For there is only one savior. Only one who is greatest of all. Only one in whom our hope has a sure footing. Only one who will not disappoint us, and that one never puffs himself up. Indeed, he chooses instead to come amongst us humbly, born to an ordinary couple, in a backwater conquered nation, and in a stable surrounded by animals. This is the one who is greatest of all.

This is the one to whom John the Baptist points. This is the one about whom he testifies. May we do likewise.

In the love, peace and grace of the Light of the World,
Rev'd Sarah+