New Birth and New Beginning

THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL: Mark 1:4-11 (MESSAGE)

John the Baptizer appeared in the wild, preaching a baptism of life-change that leads to forgiveness of sins. People thronged to him from Judea and Jerusalem and, as they confessed their sins, were baptized by him in the Jordan River into a changed life. John wore a camel-hair habit, tied at the waist with a leather belt. He ate locusts and wild field honey.

As he preached he said, "The real action comes next: The star in this drama, to whom I'm a mere stagehand, will change your life. I'm baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. His baptism—a holy baptism by the Holy Spirit—will change you from the inside out."

At this time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. The moment he came out of the water, he saw the sky split open and God's Spirit, looking like a dove, come down on him. Along with the Spirit, a voice: "You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life."

What a remarkable affirmation!  Not only does John remind people of the real action to come when Jesus’ arrives and his ministry begins, but the Spirit confirms his vocation and relationship of love and blessing at Jesus’ baptism. 

How many of our lives are enhanced by simple words of affirmation?  You know, those times when someone pays us a complement or acknowledges the work we have done?  Most of us shine when we experience this kind of praise and recognition. What if that affirmation, that blessing, was from God?  How would we experience such blessing?  Would we be able to accept it?  Would we shyly (or not so shyly) duck and run from it?  What does it means to live as a beloved child of God?

As we remember Christ’s baptism and God’s blessing at the beginning of this New Year, let’s reflect on what it feels like in our lives to know that we are loved and blessed and how the joy of that understanding reflects on how we choose to live and how we choose to bless and love each other.

Please join us this Sunday, January 8 at 10:00am in Christ Church for a service dedicated to love, and blessing, new birth and new beginnings.  Together we will celebrate the Baptism of our Lord and the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry in the world. Please bring your friends and your family and enjoy the newness found at Christ Church.