There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.  John 1:6

In a corner of my bedroom, where I can see him when waking or resting, is a Helzberg Diamonds Teddy Bear.  On his sweater are the words “You Are Loved”. Over his shoulder is a messenger bag. This messenger is bringing me good news that someone loves me.

He reminds me of another messenger, 200 years ago. His name was John the Baptist.

“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a messenger to bear witness of the Light that all might believe.”  (John 1:6.7)

John was not the Light, He was not the Messiah, the Saviour of the world. He was the messenger. When asked John told them he was “the voice crying in the wilderness to make straight the way of the Lord” (John 1:23).

John went before Jesus and prepared others for Christ’s appearance. He told the people of God becoming man and how much God loves us.

He was the messenger.  My bear reminds me  that I am loved, not by the diamond company, but by God. And this particular messenger just happens to be a teddy bear.