At Advent, Jesus the Lord made Himself manifest in the midst of God’s creation for a specific purpose. So as we celebrate Advent year after year, our emphasis should be on the purpose for which the Son of God was made manifest. The Bible left us with no doubt pertaining to the purpose for His coming. We see the purpose stated in Bible passages like Luke 4: 18 – 19, John 10:10, 10, John 14:6. Furthermore, we see a very direct statement of purpose in 1 John 3:8, which says:
1 John 3: 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil, for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
One such work of the devil was documented in the book of John, chapter 9. The story was told there of a man who was afflicted with blindness. This man was born blind, and the disciples concluded that his condition could only be the consequence of sin. The only thing they wanted to find out was, who was the sinner out of the man or his parent. Our Lord, however, told them:
John 9:3… Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
Jesus Christ healed this man, destroying the works of the devil in his life. The man rejoiced; he was grateful. And even though he was not even yet a disciple, he went on to testify of Jesus to the Pharisees (John 9:11).
There are many ways that we can lift up Jesus during this season. The example of this man reinforces the fact that the most effective way is by personally witnessing to the Gospel and the power of Jesus Christ. Sharing the testimony of what Jesus Christ has done in our personal lives is the easiest, yet most effective way to lift up Jesus. There is no special training or qualification required to tell a story of what one has experienced. Moreover, no one can argue with you and convince you against what you personally experienced. The Pharisees tried to downplay the miracle and discredit Jesus the miracle worker, but the man who had been healed would not hear of it. No one could persuade him against what he had personally experienced. He told the Pharisees,
John 9:25…Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not; one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.
What has Jesus Christ done for you? It is time to talk about it. As we celebrate Advent, the Lord of Advent—Jesus Christ, should shine through our activities. The season of Advent (or Christmas) presents all of us with the opportunity to lift up Jesus, so that all who look to him can avoid destruction and receive eternal life (John 3:16). Go around this week and share your testimony. That is your Advent duty.
READ ALSO: The King has come!
