1 John 1:3
…that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.

In medieval times – long before the introduction of telephones, radio, the Internet, or even newspapers – when an announcement had to be made, human voices would have to make it. If the king issued a proclamation, a rider on horseback would go from town to town, reading the message aloud for all to hear.

When the apostle John began to understand the true nature of Jesus the Christ, as revealed to him by the Father, he also began to understand that he had a responsibility and obligation to proclaim that message to others. Perhaps he remembered the words of Jesus, who explained it this way: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14-16]

Once we are a made a new creation in Christ, we are compelled by love to share the true nature of Jesus. We might feel moments of confusion or fear as we tell the good news, but the Holy Spirit helps us when we are afraid. Perhaps this is why Paul wrote to Timothy and reminded him that “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” [2 Timothy 1:7]

Our fellowship is with one another, based on our common bond: Jesus Christ. We are all branches connected to the Vine that is Christ. He gives us access to the Father through his righteous life and sacrificial death, and so we have communion and fellowship with the Father and with Christ. Out of this fellowship with God, we proclaim how He has made it possible and all He has done for us through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.