Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: January 3, 2025

Date: Christmas Weekday

Scripture Text: John 1:29-34

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said,

"Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

He is the one of whom I said,

'A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me

because he existed before me.'

I did not know him,

but the reason why I came baptizing with water

was that he might be made known to Israel."

John testified further, saying,

"I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky

and remain upon him.

I did not know him,

but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me,

'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain,

he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.'

Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today comes from the opening chapter of the Gospel of John and recounts John the Baptist’s testimony to his disciples concerning Jesus.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I tell others of Christ? Do I share with others what I have experienced in Christ?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, Son of the Father, we lift our minds and hearts to You this day during the Christmas season, we offer our thanksgiving for your gift of yourself to us as our brother and savior. Send your Spirit to strengthen our resolve to bear the Good News wherever we go, to bring You to others and others to You. Amen.