Stir up the wills of your faithful people and open their ears is our cry this week. This week we hear more about John the Baptist and the baptisms he performs and we remember that in our baptism we have received a garment of joy. Having received this great gift, we celebrate in worship as a foretaste of God’s glory.
Readings
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Righteousness and praise flourish like a garden
Psalm 126
The Lord has done great things for us
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
Kept in faith until the coming of Christ
John 1:6-8, 19-28
A witness to the light
Worship Music
This week we get our second dose of John the Baptist this week. While last week we focused on John fulfilling the prophecy from Isaiah, this week we focus a little bit more on the baptism John offers as compared to the baptism offered by Jesus. We sing Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn along with On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry. These hymns, and others, help us remember the new lives we begin in the light of the baptism Jesus gives: “Then cleansed be every life from sin; make straight the way for God within, and let us all our hearts prepare for Christ to come and enter there.”
Reflection Questions
We often hear the call in church to “remember our baptisms.” While we may often think about the water and words of baptism, today’s readings encourage us to remember the Spirit who was present in our baptism and remains with us always. How do you feel that Spirit as you move through your life?
Where are you finding joy these days? How can choosing to be joyful have an affect on your daily life?
