This is the first Sunday after Epiphany. This is the Sunday where we celebrate new beginnings as Jesus, one without sin, gets baptized by John the Baptist. As we explore the scripture from Mark 1: 4-11, it may seem a little daunting. Everything is happening fast paced with John baptizing in the waters of Jordan, Jesus making his appearance and being baptized by John, and ending with the Heavens separating with not only God but the Holy Spirit making their appearance. As Reverend Lori mentioned last Sunday with Epiphany being God incarnate making an appearance through baby Jesus, the Holy Spirit completes the Epiphany with Jesus (3 in 1).
The Heavens opening up may seem like a scary event, but in all actuality it is an invitation to new beginnings. Just as the New Year brings an invitation to new resolutions with hopes of bettering and refining ourselves, baptism brings an invitation to recommit to the light and love of Jesus. We have entered the season of Epiphany. A time to reflect who Jesus is, what Jesus means in our lives, and how we are going to live it out in our daily lives. This Sunday we will explore this light and love of Jesus that happens within us and certainly outside of us. Hope you can join us at 9:00am. Siblings of Christ, let us go through this season and continue, every day, to remember our baptism. Go in peace, go out in love.
United in love,
Erich Schmitt
Youth Ministries Coordinator
Mark 1:4-11 (NRSV)
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.”
