It Is Well with My Soul: The Sacred Roots Annual 2022-2023

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T he S eason after E piphany

Epiphany is known as the season of light because we remember the words of the prophet: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned” (Isa. 9.2, Isa. 2.5, John 1.5). • The Baptism of the Lord (the first Sunday after the Epiphany of the Lord ): This special day commemorates the baptism of the Lord. On it we reflect on and remember Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptizer at the beginning of his public ministry. Jesus’ true identity as Messiah and Lord was revealed by the Holy Spirit’s descent upon him in the form of a dove, and the Father’s testimony concerning him, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3.17). The event is described in Luke 2.22-40 where Mary and Joseph presented Jesus as their firstborn to God, as required by the Law. All firstborn males were required not only to be circumcised on the eighth day following their birth (Lev. 12.3), but also to be presented to God thirty-three days later, along with an offering for the mother’s purification after childbirth (Lev. 12.1-8; Exod. 13.2, 12). Upon bringing Jesus to the Temple, they met godly Simeon, who had been promised by the LORD that he would not die till he saw the Lord’s Messiah (Luke 2.26). Simeon’s prayer prophesied regarding the ministry of Jesus, who would become a light to the nations, and the glory of Israel (Luke 2.29-32). Anna, an elderly widow and prophetess, also acknowledged the baby Jesus’ up coming role in the salvation of Israel (Luke 2.36-38). • The Presentation of the Lord : The Presentation at the Temple is a feast celebrated forty days after Christmas.

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