This week we celebrate the baptism of Jesus, a sign that God has claimed him as his own. At the same time, we remember our own baptisms and that God, the creator of the whole universe, has claimed us and calls us daughters and sons. In our baptism we heard God’s call to live among God’s people, engage with word and sacrament, proclaim the good news of God, to serve all people, and to strive for justice and peace. We remember this calling today and look to the example of Jesus as we set out on a new year of ministry.
Readings
Genesis 1:1-5
God creates light
Psalm 29
The voice of the Lord is upon the waters
Acts 19:1-7
Baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus
Mark 1:4-11
Revelation of Christ as God’s servant
Worship Music
Today’s music takes on the themes of water, its life-giving properties, and our relationship with God through our baptism. Baptized and Set Free, our Hymn of the Day, has us proclaim all the beneficial results of being baptized into Jesus’ death and resurrection. We are washed. Sin has power no more. We are fed and nourished. We are provided for by the Spirit as we journey. We proclaim to each other in this song that we journey toward our true home with God and that in the meantime we are set free to love and care for all.
Reflection Questions
Remember your baptism, we say. How can this remembrance call you to action? What watery places in your life work to set you free to love your neighbor?
Jesus baptism is said to be the kick-off to his ministry. Having celebrated Jesus’ coming at Christmas, we similarly begin a new year of ministry. What are your hopes for your ministry this year? How will you use this new year, this new start, to begin a life of service to your neighbor?
