John 1: Witness of the Light

17 Dec 2017 - The first two weeks of Advent prepare us for the coming of the Messiah; this week focuses on the ministry of John the Baptist. Rev. Aaron Eime tells us that worship is multi-sensory and illustrates this by use of an icon showing the Baptism of Jesus by John, being the prophet sent by God. John came to testify to the Light. Natural light does not distinguish between the good and evil, but in creation God separated light from darkness. Light guarded the Israelites in Egypt and moved with them in the desert wilderness. Natural light is there for us to contemplate for example the lights of shabbat and Chanukah. Jesus reveals Himself in the reading of Isaiah 61 in the synagogue and in effect says this is the type of messiah I am! I am coming with good news for the poor.

Readings: Isaiah 61: 1-11, Psalm 126, John 1: 6-8 & 19-28