And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” -Mark 1:11
In today’s Gospel reading we encounter the story of Jesus’ baptism. For the Gospel writer Mark, this is the beginning, where things get really exciting. The Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus, the heavens are ripped open, declarations are made, and Jesus gets ready to begin his ministry on earth.
Sunday’s Worship Music
The Traditional worship services feature the hymn This is the Spirit’s Entry Now (ELW 448). Just as the spirit descends upon Jesus in his baptism, so God claims us as his children in our own baptisms. Through water and the word we are reborn as children of the Lord, dying to ourselves and rising to follow God in Christ Jesus. In what ways does God reclaim us each day and how can we live our lives in response to this grace?
The New Day Praise worship service will feature the familiar Baptized in Water. With the tune to Morning Has Broken these lyrics speak to our walk with God in Christ, and how through baptism we are claimed by a God who never lets go.
Preaching Theme
Beloved, Beautiful, and Believing!
For Your Home Devotions
- In Mark chapter 1 we hear the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry. What sort of beginnings have you experienced?
- Thinking about the calendar new year, how may God be doing a new thing with you?
- God the Father declares Jesus both his Son and the beloved. In the New Testament epistles, believers of Christ are called “beloved.” How do you personally see yourself being a beloved of God?
