God’s witnessing manual

The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father’s only Son. (verse 14)

Read John 1:1–14

The Christmas story means different things to different people. This year I’ve been struck by one thing in particular: the Christmas story is a very effective manual for witnessing.

The gospel accounts tell a simple story. They show how the story was first shared with, and then spread by, simple people. Shepherds, told that the Saviour had been born, went and saw, then went and told. They praised God to anyone who would listen. In or near the Temple an old man and an old woman recognised the child for who and what he was and told people about him. Wise men from the east came to worship him.

And the story is told so simply. Even at the beginning of John’s gospel, which contains some profound theology, the core message is beautifully simple: ‘The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father’s only Son.’

The good news for those who have no church background is also beautifully simple. We who have been to the manger and have found things to be just as God said they would be are now sent to tell others. We are sent to sing God’s praises and to tell anyone who will listen about the wonderful God who loves, forgives and restores them too.

Father, thank you for bringing me your gospel in words I can understand and in the Word who understands me. Help me to share the good news in words that are equally simple. Amen.

by Robert Turnbull, in ‘Living Water for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2001)

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