The baptism of our Lord January 11, 2004 - Preaching Helps

Currents in Theology and Mission, Dec, 2003

When Jesus meets us in the water, we overflow with promise ourselves. As God's beloved daughters and sons, we are also anointed for service. Like the people with John at the Jordan, we are filled with expectation. We question when Jesus will come. Embraced by God's promise and Jesus' presence, we trust that Jesus will.

Baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire, our lives are transformed as the old is burned away and new life is breathed into us. We are the ones in whom Jesus' work of forgiveness and repentance continues. Ours is the voice that proclaims the promise of the gospel, calling all people to the water, where God in Jesus promises to meet them. CAS