Our Sacred Roots: The Priesthood of All Believers

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T he S eason after E piphany

The Baptism of the Lord, First Sunday after the Epiphany January 9 - 15, 2022

WEEK 7

Epiphany commemorates the coming of the Magi, the wise men from the East who followed the star in search of the Christ child. This season emphasizes Christ’s mission to the Gentiles and his claim of salvation for the world.

THIS WEEK’S THEME You Are My Beloved Son, Luke 3.15-22

According to Luke, after Jesus was baptized he was praying. The heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove. A voice said from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” This anointing of our Lord with the Holy Spirit signals the start of his public ministry, and confirms that Jesus is God’s Son, by the Father’s own voice. Though Jesus never sinned, he identified with humanity by permitting himself to be baptized, and he launched his public ministry with anointing by the Spirit and approval from the Father.

Daily Devotional Guide Preparing Our Hearts

Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation Almighty God, you anointed Jesus at his baptismwith the Holy Spirit, and revealed him as your beloved Son; grant that we who are baptised into his name may give up our lives to your service, and be found worthy of our calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord who is alive with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.

~ New Zealand Prayer Book , The Baptism of the Lord, p. 561 (http://liturgy.co.nz/reflection/561.html).