Baptism Of The Lord
January 12th, 2008 · Posted in Christianity, Church History, The Church Year ·
Tomorrow is the Baptism Of The Lord Sunday — the first Sunday after Epiphany when many churches celebrate the Baptism of Jesus by John The Baptist.
All 4 Gospels have records of this event (Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22, John 1:29-34.) Many use this day as a time for remembering the importance of their baptism, and some churches have services where members can renew their baptism vows.
I have always liked the story told about Martin Luther. It is told of him that when he felt tempted, he would put his hand on his head and say: “I am baptized!” This — he said — would remind him of God’s love — and give him strength to resist temptation.
Baptism is indeed a reminder to us of God’s love for us — and the commitments we can make to God. Baptism Of The Lord Sunday is a good time to remember our commitments to God — and God’s love for us.
Here is a prayer from the Presbyterian tradition for Baptism Of The Lord Sunday:
Eternal God, at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan you proclaimed him your beloved Son, and anointed him with the Holy Spirit. Grant that all who are baptized into his name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
January 14th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
[...] have posted my sermon from yesterday on my sermon blog. It’s a Baptism of the Lord Day sermon based on Matthew 13:13-17 and entitled “Called To Please [...]