When You, O Lord, Were Baptized
When you, O Lord,
were baptized in the Jordan,
the worship of the Trinity
was made manifest.
For the voice
of the Father bore witness unto you,
calling you the beloved Son.
And the Spirit
in the form of a dove
confirmed his words as sure and steadfast.
O Christ,
our God- who has appeared and enlightened the world,
glory be to you.
Devotion
During this first week of 2024, we contemplated beginnings. We started in the beginning when God spoke over disorder to create light and order. The psalm’s meditation emphasized God’s sovereignty and restorative gifts of strength and peace. We recognized that we often begin on course, go astray, and then must recalculate to begin anew. Preludes, as with John the Baptist’s ministry, make preparations that foster successful beginnings. On Three Kings Day, we remembered the wise men’s life-changing epiphany and our call to proclaim the joy of knowing Christ. Today’s hymn, “When You, Oh Lord, Were Baptized,” refocuses us on our Lord’s baptism. It’s the epitome of our theme about beginnings. During the Son’s baptism, we’re introduced to our Triune God, who was fully present as Jesus began his ministry of proclaiming the good news to all people. This gospel news is the greatest beginning. Praise to God this new year!
Prayer
Glory to you, O Lord! From Creation’s beginning, you’ve restored, renewed, and prepared your children to receive you. Help us begin the year by joyfully proclaiming this good news. Amen.