The Baptism of our Lord is celebrated this Sunday and is considered a Festival Day in the church marking the beginning of the season of Epiphany. The season of Epiphany began Wednesday, the 6th, on the 12th day of Christmas. We turn the corner to a new church season in this new year of 2021! Epiphany is not an everyday word in our lives but it means "the manifestation" or the deeds, acts, and miracles of Jesus.
The Gospel reading today will be from the Gospel of Mark in the first chapter describing the baptism of Jesus. This is one of only two times we have recorded Scripture where God is speaking. God "speaks" on two occasions: here at the beginning of the ministry of Jesus in Baptism and at the end of his ministry in the Transfiguration of our Lord just before Ash Wednesday/Lent.
Today, family of faith, God says the very same thing over you! In "Walking Wet" in our baptisms we hear God say to us "You are my son/daughter, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased!" We are claimed in our baptisms and become children of God, and we are dearly loved in Christ! God is well pleased with Jesus who lived, died and rose again for us! Jesus was the chosen one, the Lord, our Savior, who now calls us to be missionaries in our respective mission territories. This is true whether we meet in person or virtually, we are chosen to share the love and grace of God everywhere with everyone.
Rev. Nancy Nyland Sermon and Prayers
Children's Message
Dr. Cory Driver offers lectionary reflections.
