Embedded Files
. . . As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord . . . Joshua 25:15b
Epiphany 1 Yr A
Introduction
Introduction
Read this gospel and envision all the words: Jesus meeting John, wild John being submissive, both entering the water, John baptizing Jesus, and then . . . the heavens opened and the Spirit of God descended, lit on Jesus, and a voice says “This is . . . the Beloved . . ..” Many can point to elements that are similar to their own baptisms though many others were too young to “remember”. Even so, it’s hard to imagine a voice saying “This is the Beloved” when we were baptized, but it was there.
Baptism affirms that we are God’s beloved, his children. Being baptized, we accept the mantle as "God's beloved". To me, accepting that we are "God's beloved" means we acknowledge God in all we do. We learn how to speak without intentionally causing harm. And when we cause harm anyway, it means recognizing that we did and offering a heartfelt (meaningful) apology. We see God in every other creature and plant—test animals, endangered species, prickley lemon or rose bushes, Portuguese men of war, yes, even mosquitoes—that includes our fellow humans.
As an exercise, when you can be unobserved, look closely at others. That homeless person has the same fingers and toes as you. The clerk in the store has had a bad day today, too! Even the other drivers are in the same traffic as you. There can be no greater comfort or blessing. I am God’s beloved . . . and you are too! Show it to the world today! (and every day!)
Your thoughts are welcome.
Matthew 3:13-17
Matthew 3:13-17
Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
sermons4kids: “God is pleased with you when you become His child. It’s wonderful to hear God say, “You are my child. I love you. And I am pleased with you.””
Scripture: January 8, 2023—Isaiah 42:1-9 (image); Psalm 29 (image); Acts 10:34-43 (image); and Matthew 3:13-17 (image). A visual/audio journey.
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.
Reflection: In Romans 8:29 Paul wrote that God meant for Jesus to be “the firstborn within a large family.” What does that mean to you? What does your baptism have to do with it?
Excerpted from Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume 1 © 2013 Westminster John Knox Press
Practice: In what ways can you see that you are God’s beloved?
Ear Worm: “The Beloved of God” by David Haas (long intro); “O love, how deep, how broad, how high“, hymn; “Wade in the water“, traditional spiritual with dance presentation by Alvin Alley.
Eye Candy: “The Triptych of Jan Des Trompe” by Gerard David (the baptism is the middle component); “Baptism and the Dream City” by Jyoti Art Ashram; “Baptism of Christ” by Gustave Dore; "Flight into Egypt" by Giotto de Bondone. Baptism of Christ, Peter Koenig, https://www.pwkoenig.co.uk/Portfolio/baptism-of-christ
Brain Food: “Baptismal problems and promises” by David Lose; “Cousins” by Alyce McKenzie; “Come to the water” by David Sellery
Parables: “The Shipping News” (2001), ripening of a weak-willed man; “O brother, where art thou?” (2000), baptism in the river scene; “How to train your dragon“, (2010), how to fulfill your purpose.
From Sharon Blezard, So It is website:
. . . Baptism is the sacrament (or initiation rite) by which we are grafted into God’s family. Why not start by exploring your faith tradition’s baptismal practices, language, and promises? Whether you practice immersion, pouring, dipping, or sprinkling, the earthly element that “carries” the language of this sacrament is water. We are baptized in the name of the Triune God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In baptism we die to our sinful and selfish nature; our false self is drowned so that the beloved child of God we are created to be can rise. For Lutherans and folks of many other faith traditions, it is God’s action, not our own, that signs, seals, and delivers one from the power of death and by whom the gift of the Holy Spirit is given. Even for those who practice believer’s baptism, God is still the actor and author of this means of grace. . . .
For families: Study guide and activities (former guide), group activity; snacks, kid video
For children: See family guide/activities above (another activity), bulletin; craft
For middlers: See family guide/activities above (another activity); bulletin; craft
Coloring: Dreaming Joseph; Matthew 1
For youth: Let’s celebrate your baptism. Do you (or a family member) have pictures? Share these with your friends. How old were you when you were baptised? Remember that just as God proclaimed Jesus “the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased” you too are beloved children of God.
If you wish, share your thoughts (and pics).
Today is one of four occasions in the year designated by the Prayer Book as a baptismal day. (The other three are Easter, Pentecost, and All Saints Day.) Each of the four days has its particular theme, which enhances our understanding of one aspect of the primary Christian sacrament, Holy Baptism.
On this First Sunday after the Epiphany, we celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord. Jesus baptism was for all the Gospel writers and in the apostolic preaching of the Gospel, the event that initiated the redemptive ministry of the Messiah. It was in that event that Jesus was revealed as Messiah (Christ). God designated him as the beloved son and he was anointed by the Holy Spirit. We administer Holy Baptism today in the context of this theme.
In Holy Baptism, each Christian is adopted as the child of God. Each Christian becomes a “messianic” person, anointed by the Holy Spirit. We do not simply become passive recipients of the benefits of Christ; we are “christed ministry” or christened. We become sharers in his life and in his redemptive ministry.
Those baptized today and anointed with Chrism are received household of God. “They join with that household in confessing” “into the the faith of Christ crucified, priesthood”—proclaiming his resurrection and sharing in his eternal the priesthood that is enacted sacramentally in Eucharist and daily in lives of self. From giving love toward one another and toward the world.
From The Rite Light: Reflections on the Sunday Readings and Seasons of the Church Year. Copyright © 2007 by Michael W. Merriman. Church Publishing Incorporated, New York.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse