Worldwide Christmas December 19, 2025 Devotional

JOHN 1:29-30, 32-34 | ²⁹ The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! ³⁰ This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’

³² And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. ³³ I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ ³⁴ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Chosen One.”

JOHN 3:29-30 | ²⁹ He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom who stands and hears him rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. ³⁰ He must increase, but I must decrease.”

John's modesty is based in reality. There is only one Messiah, one Son of God, one Lamb of God taking away the sin of the world, one person who can bestow the gift of the Holy Spirit. John has the sense to make his life and ministry about Jesus and not about himself. He is not swayed by the adulation of the crowds, by the flattery of admirers, the loyalty of disciples, or the thrill of success. His joy is to point beyond himself, away from himself to another. He understands that Jesus is qualitatively different. He even sends his own disciples to join Jesus. Interestingly, this pointing toward Jesus and away from himself is not difficult for John, it is a joy to be a friend of the bridegroom and to celebrate His presence.

Do you find witness to be joyful?

When was the last time you gave public credit to Jesus?

Gracious God,

May we, like John, prepare the way for Jesus to move into the lives of others, Help us be faithful witnesses.

Amen.