Preparing the Way for Christmas

John 1: The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

30 This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ 31 I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.”

32 And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him.

33 I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’

34 And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”

John 1:23 He said: “I am ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of the L ORD,”’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

I. He realized who He was and who He was not

John 1: Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.”

21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”

22 Then they said to him, “Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?”

23 He said: “I am ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of the L ORD,”’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

Deut. 18:1 “The priests, the Levites—all the tribe of Levi—shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel; they shall eat the offerings of the L ORD made by fire, and His portion.

A.As Christians we are referred to as SHEEP

Psalm 23:1-4 1 The L ORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

B. As Christians we are refeered to as SALT

Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

C. As Christians we are referred to as LIGHT

Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

D. As Christians we are referred to as Children of God

Galatians 4:6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”

II. He realized what His role was – to prepare a way of the Lord

John 1:23 He said: “I am ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of the L ORD,”’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

III. He knew the true purpose of the Son of God – to take away the sin of the world

John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

John 1:34 And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”