Today is the Sunday that we celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord. (Read Matthew 3: 13-17)
In recalling Jesus’ baptism, we are reminded that through this act of love, Jesus has made all the waters of the earth blessed, for, as Holy God, He certainly did not need to be baptized but did this so the glory of God could be revealed. Jesus is revealed as the beloved Son of God. In this way, we share in the baptism of Jesus when we are baptized into the family of God at our own baptism.
To Lutherans, Holy Baptism is a sacrament and a rite of being made holy, or sanctified. The only other sacrament to Lutherans is Holy Communion, by which we are made holy by taking Jesus into our bodies in the form of bread and wine. Each week we remember our baptism while we make our public confession at the beginning of each service. (Did you notice that we begin worship in the back of our sanctuary, near the baptismal font?) We remember how in baptism we are washed clean of our sins and made a new child of God. In our baptism, we are called to be a light to the world, to tell others about our baptism into the family of God and invite them to join us in the joy of being a child of God.
In Holy Baptism we are given identity and purpose. In Holy Communion we are given the support and sustenance to fulfill our purpose. In Holy Baptism we are birthed into the family of God and anointed with the Holy Spirit. In Holy Communion we are forgiven, given life everlasting, and then sent out to “baptize all nations” carrying the Light of Christ out into the darkest places of our world.
Amen!
To Lutherans, Holy Baptism is a sacrament and a rite of being made holy, or sanctified. The only other sacrament to Lutherans is Holy Communion, by which we are made holy by taking Jesus into our bodies in the form of bread and wine. Each week we remember our baptism while we make our public confession at the beginning of each service. (Did you notice that we begin worship in the back of our sanctuary, near the baptismal font?) We remember how in baptism we are washed clean of our sins and made a new child of God. In our baptism, we are called to be a light to the world, to tell others about our baptism into the family of God and invite them to join us in the joy of being a child of God.
In Holy Baptism we are given identity and purpose. In Holy Communion we are given the support and sustenance to fulfill our purpose. In Holy Baptism we are birthed into the family of God and anointed with the Holy Spirit. In Holy Communion we are forgiven, given life everlasting, and then sent out to “baptize all nations” carrying the Light of Christ out into the darkest places of our world.
Amen!
No comments:
Post a Comment