Two Birth Announcements

Devotional Thoughts: The Purpose of Our Witness

1. The Joy and Privilege of Being a Witness One of the most exciting aspects of the birth announcements of Jesus and John the Baptist is that both reveal a divine calling. John’s purpose was clear from the beginning: he was born to prepare the way for Jesus, to point people to the Light. As believers today, we too share in this divine calling. We are called to be witnesses of the light of Christ. Our testimony, while unique, is grounded in the same purpose: to point others to the Savior. How can we embrace this role with joy and humility, knowing that our lives can serve to draw others closer to the love and truth of Jesus?

2. The Great Necessity of Our Witness Our witness to Christ is essential. John the Baptist’s role, though he was not the Savior, was vital to the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan. He was a necessary part of the process of salvation. Likewise, our witness is necessary for others to hear the gospel and come to faith in Jesus. This is a humbling thought. God has chosen us, ordinary people, to carry His message of hope and salvation to the world. Reflect on the weight of this responsibility and the privilege it is to be a part of God's eternal work. Who in your life might need to hear the good news of Jesus from you today?

3. The Great Not: Humility in Our Witness John the Baptist’s testimony was grounded in a posture of humility. He knew his place in God’s plan—he was not the Christ; he was simply the one who pointed to Him. This "great not" is a powerful reminder to us of the humility we must carry in our own lives. Our witness is not about glorifying ourselves; it’s about making much of Jesus. Sometimes, it can be tempting to want credit for the work we do in sharing the gospel or to seek recognition for our efforts. But like John, we must continually remind ourselves that the glory belongs to God alone. Our role is to decrease, so that He may increase. In what areas of your life do you need to embrace a deeper humility, knowing that your role is to reflect Christ, not to draw attention to yourself?

4. Embracing Our Identity in Christ John’s birth announcement and mission give us clarity about our identity as believers. We are not the Light, but we are called to testify about the Light. Our lives are meant to point to Jesus. This helps us understand the purpose of our own lives—our ultimate purpose is to glorify God and make Him known to others. Reflecting on John’s humble witness can help us align our hearts with God's mission for us. Are we living in a way that consistently points to Christ? Do our words and actions testify to His love and salvation?

5. God's Sending: A Call to Action John’s birth was a divine act of sending—God sent him to prepare the hearts of the people. Similarly, we are sent into the world with the message of Jesus Christ. In John 20:21, Jesus says to His followers, “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” This is not just a historical event that happened to John, but a truth that applies to every believer. We are not left alone in our mission; we are sent by God with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to witness and testify about Jesus. This is an invitation to action. Who is God sending you to today? How can you be a faithful witness in your everyday life, whether through words, actions, or serving others?

Closing Thought:

As we reflect on the birth announcements of John the Baptist and Jesus, we are reminded of the divine purpose each of us has in God’s kingdom. Just as John was born to prepare the way for Jesus, we are called to point others to Him. Let us embrace this calling with humility, knowing that we are not the Light, but we are privileged to bear witness to the Light. May our lives be a testimony that leads others to Jesus, the Savior of the world.

Discussion Questions: The Purpose of Our Witness

1. The Role of a Witness

What does it mean to be a witness of Jesus in today’s world? How can we live out our calling as witnesses in our daily lives?

Reflecting on John the Baptist's role, how can we embrace our purpose to prepare the way for Jesus in the lives of others?

2. The Necessity of Our Testimony

Why is our testimony about Jesus so crucial to the spread of the gospel? How does this affect our responsibility to share Christ with others?

Think about someone who shared the gospel with you. How did their witness impact your faith journey?

3. Humility in Our Witness

How does John the Baptist’s attitude of "not being the light" influence our approach to sharing the gospel? Why is humility so essential in our witness to others?

Are there areas in your life where you may be tempted to seek attention or recognition for your efforts in sharing Christ? How can you remind yourself to focus on Jesus' glory instead?

4. Our Identity and Purpose in Christ

What does it mean to "decrease" so that Christ may "increase" in our lives? How can we align our actions, words, and priorities with this mindset?

How can understanding our identity as witnesses of the Light help us live with greater purpose and focus in our faith?

5. God’s Sending: Our Call to Action

In John 20:21, Jesus says, “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” How does this truth affect how you view your mission in life as a believer?

Who in your life can you specifically reach out to with the message of Jesus? What steps can you take this week to be a faithful witness to them?

6. Celebrating Our Spiritual Birth Announcement

Reflecting on the idea of a spiritual birth announcement, when did you come to faith in Christ? How can remembering your own journey of faith inspire you to share the gospel with others?

How can we make our lives a "birth announcement" for Jesus, drawing others’ attention to the life and salvation He offers?

7. Reflecting on the Glory of God

Psalm 115:1 says, "Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory." How can we apply this mindset in our efforts to share Christ with others?

How do we balance the necessity of sharing Christ with others while ensuring that God receives all the glory? How does this shape our motivations when witnessing?

These questions can help foster deep reflection and practical application as we seek to live out our purpose as witnesses of Jesus.