Increase and Decrease

Today is the day that the church has often commemorated John the Baptist. The cousin of Jesus who announced the coming of the Messiah, the Lamb of God, is often most prominent for us during December and the season of Advent when we hear many lessons that include his witness about Jesus. John is the radical wilderness preacher who baptized many in the Jordan River. He wore camel's hair clothes and ate locosts and wild honey. He later lost his head for irritating and criticizing those in power. When he compared himself to Jesus, he said this: "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30) John knew that his ministry was to point to Jesus, who was the Lamb of God. He knew that his ministry had a greater purpose. For John, his preaching was not about himself, but it pointed to Jesus who was eagerly awaited by his people. May we live as John did, with ourselves decreasing so that Christ can be increased in us and in our lives.