John 1:6-8; 15-34  John the Baptist "came for a witness"  to "bear witness".. he was born for this purpose.. to be a witness and to testify about "the light".. Jesus.  John fulfilled his calling when he cried out, "This is He of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has a higher rank that I, for He existed before me.'" (v15) 

John had been questioned by the Jews.. for they wanted to know who he was. Was he the Messiah? Was he a prophet? Was he Elijah?  John did  not consider himself anything but , ".. a voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord,'"  He was only sure of this one thing.. that he was supposed to be preaching repentance and baptizing.. because the Messiah was coming. 

When John saw Jesus at first he did not recognize Him.. "And I did not recognize Him but in order that He might be manifested to Israel, I came baptizing in water."  It was when he baptized Jesus and saw the Holy Spirit descend on Him and remain on Him.. that John knew that Jesus was the Messiah. " And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God."  John had been told what to look for so that when he saw it.. he would know.  He could then say with confidence, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"

Father, You have called us to be witnesses and to bear witness.. just like John the Baptist.  You have created us to be filled with His light and His life.. to recognize the truth of Who Jesus really is and to proclaim this truth to a world that is still in darkness.. Jesus, the Light of the World, came to take away the sin of the world.  Hallelujah! What a Savior!  When we are asked "Who are you?"  may our answer be.. we are the voice of ones crying in the wilderness of this world.. "We are children of God, through Jesus Christ, the Lamb.. the Son of the Most High God.. who came to seek and to save the lost.. to enlighten men and women that we might see." Thank You for such love and grace poured out on us.. be glorified and honored and exalted in every nation and in all the earth. In Jesus' name. Amen.