Psalm
2:7-11, 12c antiphon, Isa, 42:1a -Behold My servant, whom I uphold, My chosen,
in whom My soul delights. When the matador enters the ring, when your
favorite teams enters the court, there is a thunder of applause from the
adoring crowd. This is the Father’s response not only to His own Son Jesus but
also with you. By grace through faith you have been incorporated into God’s
family. At the celebration of the baptism of our Lord, we also remember our own
baptism. This is your new status as one of Christ’s redeemed.
The Epiphany season begins each church year with the Baptism of our Lord. At Christmas we celebrate the incarnation; God entering time and space to be our Savior. We see what it will take for Jesus to become the world’s Redeemer as He enters the Jordan river to be baptized by John. Jesus’ work will conclude with his death on the cross on Good Friday. Already He is planning your salvation as He becomes you substitute. He will live the perfect life for you. He will be tempted as you are. He will carry your sin so that in your baptism you may receive His perfection, obedience, and grace.
Anointed with the Spirit is the theme for this coming Sunday. Christmas is
officially over for the year and a new season is upon us. Epiphany literally
means “I see it!” or “Now I understand!” or “I’ve got it!” In Epiphany this infant whom we have
worshiped at the manger we now see as God’s chosen One. Hence the antiphon for
the Introit will be taken from Isaiah’s prophecy—Jesus is the Father’s chosen
one, the one in whom He delights. Jesus begins His public ministry at His
baptism. Now we see Him as He is. Now we understand what He will do. In the Old
Testament lesson (Isaiah 43:1-7) God’s
Servant is anointed with the Spirit to bring Justice.
In the Gospel lesson (Luke 3:15-22) Jesus is anointed with the Spirit as God’s Son at His
Baptism. Paul in the Epistle (Romans 6:1-11)
reminds his readers, that through our own incorporation into Christ we are to
be regarded as dead to sin and alive in Christ. The Hymn of the Day recounts
Christ’s own baptism and calls for us to live our lives anew to Him who has
redeemed us.
Collect for
Epiphany 1 –Father in heaven, at the Baptism of Jesus in the
Jordan River You proclaimed Him Your beloved Son and anointed Him with the Holy
Spirit. Make all who are baptized in His name faithful in their calling as Your
children and inheritors with Him of everlasting life; through the same Jesus
Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God,
now and forever. Amen[2]
[1] The Baptism of Jesus, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[2] Collect for Epiphany 1, Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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