The eight-line heading at the top of today's worship blog suggests that this is a not-to-be-missed Sunday! The baptism of Jesus builds on the story of the incarnation begun in the account of the nativity. Jesus, Emmanuel, "God-with-us," claims his place in the midst of the crowd of humanity gathered on the banks of the Jordan River to enter the waters of baptism. As he emerges from the waters, God's Spirit claims him as "my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased," with both a voice from heaven and the descent of a dove, the symbol of hope and new life that greeted Noah with the same spirit-sign after forty days of death-dealing flood.
The dove and the voice from heaven conferred God's seal and identity to the "Beloved Son." John the Baptist, who had already recognized the holy nature of his cousin, knew that his life would never be the same. His mission, as stated in John's gospel, was to "bear witness to the light." John would soon encounter the deadly, dangerous clash of the way of God's righteousness with the way of the world.
In the waters of baptism, we, too receive a new identity as beloved sons and daughters of God, with a new name, "Christian." We, like John, face the choice between God's righteousness and the way of the world. We, like John, are called to witness to the light of Christ in the world. The renewal of Baptism offers an opportunity for Christians not just to remember, but also to reclaim our baptismal vows.
The dove, not only a symbol of the Holy Spirit's role in our new life in Christ through baptism, also symbolizes peace. At this Sunday's celebration, doves of peace will be offered as you come forward and our Peace clergy apply the baptismal waters to remind you of your baptism and place in Christ's church. Celebrating the sacrament of baptism, a signal of new life and a promise of God-with-us, sends us into the new life God has planned for the next twenty-five years of ministry and mission as Peace United Methodist Church.
Come to welcome Pastor Bob, enjoy the fellowship and food with old and new friends, and reclaim the identity we share as God's beloved children.
Celebrate Peace!
Pastor LeeAnn
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