Sermon: Jan 08, 2023
Readings: Isaiah 42:1-9 / Matthew 3:13-17
Jesus’ baptism isn’t about Jesus and God sharing a private, spiritually sacred moment. Jesus’ baptism is an Epiphany, a revealing to the world about Jesus' identity of being God’s beloved Son, a new covenant who has come to be a light to the world. When we are baptized, we are also called in all righteousness as we unite with Christ through water and the Holy Spirit, entering a new covenant with God. We are transformed spiritually, emotionally, and personally, becoming a new creation in Christ as we are gathered into the vast family of God. But just as important, we become a public witness to God’s redeeming love. Through our baptism, we become a witness to the world of the manifestation of God’s love and grace as we are joined with God’s chosen one, Jesus Christ, and become part of the continuing Epiphany story, part of the continual revealing of God’s love in the world. In baptism, we are united with Christ, sharing in some of the ministries to which he was called. When we are baptized, and when we renew our baptismal covenant, each of us are asked to affirm that with God's help, we will continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to proclaim by word and example the good news of God in Christ, we are to seek and serve Christ in all persons, and to strive for justice and peace while respecting the dignity all people. These are the ministries demonstrated by Christ, taught by the apostles, and required of us in our baptismal covenant. This is how we are called to live as children of God, continuing the Epiphany story and intentionally building upon God’s kingdom on earth by bringing the gospel to life for those who may not recognize the Epiphany or manifestation of God’s love. A love that can manifest and be revealed in many different ways – in ways we may not expect or in ways that don’t seem logical, like in a manger. But it is a love that is always there as God graciously, mysteriously, and compassionately enters into human lives so that all of God’s creation, that wonderful blend of humanity, may be drawn together in the single tapestry of God’s family, experiencing the Epiphany of Jesus Christ.
