In understanding true poverty, practicing total detachment, lacking pride and demonstrating only obedience, John epitomized the call of Jesus Christ for his followers to take up their cross and follow him, before the true meaning of his words were even understood. While Jesus himself described John the Baptist as a burning and shining lamp, John understood he was born only to direct us to the light of the Savoir. Expressing heartfelt gratitude for the sacrifice, suffering and dedication to God shown by John the Baptist, all Christians today can bask in the light of Jesus.