The Baptism of Jesus

 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, "The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." 

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." Mark 1:4-11

Today we celebrate the baptism of Jesus. And in doing so we remember our own baptism, we recall that we too are adopted into God's family. The words from heaven, are for us too. As a parent looks with love on their child, so too does God look on us with love without end, love without measure. We stand again in the water with Christ, we dive deep down and rise up in a new life. We are given a community that stretches back through time, a cloud of witnesses and a communion of saints. This family stands with us, reminding us of how deeply we are loved.

Today I ask God to help me see again with the eyes of love. May we all be those who remind everyone we encounter of God's love for them and how they are embedded in the family of God. They are never alone and held closely to the heart of God.




Collect
Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.