Was John the Baptist the light?
No. John the Baptist was not the light. Scripture states he came for a witness, to bear witness of the light, so that all men through him might believe. He was sent to testify of the light, but he himself was not that light; the true light is distinguished from John.
Les explains from John’s Gospel, chapter 1, that John the Baptist was a man sent from God. His role was to be a witness, to bear witness of the light, so that all men, not just a few, might believe through him. Les emphasizes verse 8: John was not that light, but was sent to bear witness of the light. Verse 9 then points to the true light. Thus John’s ministry testified of the light, but John himself was not the light.