The Sovereign Love of God

T he M anifestation of C hrist

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The Baptism of the Lord First Sunday after the Epiphany January 10 - 16, 2021 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. John the Baptizer appeared as the forerunner of Jesus, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus of Nazareth came to him to be baptized, and coming out of the water, the heavens were torn open, and the Spirit descended on him as a dove. A voice came from heaven, saying, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” This initiating moment at the beginning of Jesus’s ministry reveals the unique sonship he had with the Father; Jesus of Nazareth is the Spirit-anointed chosen one of God, his Servant and our Savior. THIS WEEK’S THEME Jesus of Nazareth, God’s Beloved Son, Mark 1.4-11

WEEK 7

Daily Devotional Guide

Preparing Our Hearts

Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation O God, who opens the entrance of the kingdom of heaven to those only who are born again of water and the Holy Spirit, increase evermore on your servants the gifts of your grace, that they who have been cleansed from all sins may not be defrauded of any promises; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

~ The Gelasian Sacramentary (Bright, p. 159)