John 1:1-9 (NRSV)
Read John 1:1-9 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Verse 2He was in the beginning with God. Verse 3All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being Verse 4in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.
Verse 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. Verse 6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. Verse 7He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. Verse 8He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. Verse 9The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
Devotion
John, sent by God, came to witness to the true light of the world, which gives light to every sister and brother. John, called the Baptizer, baptized with a baptism of repentance and was true to his calling to prepare the way for the Christ. We, who have been baptized with water and the Word, are also called to testify to the light of the world, the same light that gives us water teeming with life—not microscopic life, but life that is to be visible to all the world, as the true light shines through us, illuminating us that others may follow.
Prayer
God of power and might, may your light shine through us, that we may be a beacon wherever there is darkness and despair. Amen.