One of my favorite commercials used to be the Motel6 advertisements on the radio. As to why, is hard to say. Maybe it was the relatable reflections combined with their musical simplicity. Maybe it was the witty lines, delivered by the friendly voice of Tom Bodett tinged with the sound of southern hospitality. Who knows. Regardless, almost every one of the adverts ended with the memorable tag-line “We’ll leave the light on for you.” There is something incredibly reassuring to know that no matter the time or circumstances, the light is on!
In the Bible, the memorable voice was that of John the Baptist, who proclaimed the arrival of the long-awaited Light. When the priests and Levites asked him about his identity and purpose, John responded with the following words: “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said” (Jn 1:23). Interesting response, right? It is more than a humble confession, but a shifting of focus from the herald to the King of Glory. Furthermore, it is a challenge to John’s hearers to remove the barriers and the hindrances in the wilderness of their hearts and level them for Jesus’ entry. At the epicenter of the Baptist’s witness was a straightforward and lasting message: repent and believe (Matt 3:2; Jn 1:7;).
The appeal hasn’t changed for contemporary heralds of the Good News. We too are to proclaim the wonderful coming of Jesus. The message declared by John the Baptist and confirmed by Jesus Himself (Mk 1:15) is now ours to share. Jesus told his disciples that “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you” (Jn 20:21). We are witnesses to His power that changes the lives of those who are penitent and simply believe. The Light has come and is powerful to perfectly transform our dark hearts and bring new life.
Is this true of you? Has the Light entered in? If so, are you walking in the light? Is your light shining? As the little children’s song asks, “Hide it under a bushel?” Our clear and unequivocal answer must be a resounding, “No!” This Christmas, “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt 5:19).
John 1:6-8 (ESV) – “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.”