Epiphany Daybook +1: Baptized and Beloved
Look: This isn't a typical image I'd share for the day we remember Christ's baptism in the Jordan River, but it's the image that's captured my imagination for us this week. How often do we consider the pronouncement of belovedness that comes at Christ's baptism? How often do we consider our own? The story of Pearl Brown's extraordinary life and death (as recounted through her adoring father, Eric's, Instagram feed) seems to be summed up in her mother's gaze in the photo above. Can we imagine this same kind of love in our Heavenly Father's gaze toward Jesus and spilling over onto us?
Listen*: Baptized & Beloved playlist on Spotify
Read**: Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 29; Acts 10:34-43; Matthew 3:13-17
“And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him, and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Tuesday: Psalm 1, 2, 3; Genesis 2:4-25; Hebrews 1:1-14; John 1:1-18
Wednesday: Psalm 5, 6; Genesis 3:1-24; Hebrews 2:1-10; John 1:19-28
Thursday: Psalm 119:1-24; Genesis 4:1-16; Hebrews 2:11-18; John 1:29-42
Friday: Psalm 18; Genesis 4:17-26; Hebrews 3:1-11; John 1:43-51
Saturday: Psalm 16, 17; Genesis 6:1-8; Hebrews 3:12-19; John 2:1-12
Pray: Book of Common Prayer, Collect for the Baptism of Our Lord
Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
Do: Remember your baptism!
During Epiphany, we remember Jesus’ baptism and it’s a good season to renew our own baptism vows -- whether in your corporate worship service or in your family and personal prayer time. May I recommend this post from my son's baptism? It includes the Anglican baptism liturgy, but applicable for all followers of Christ.
You can find other activities for Epiphany at this post: 12+ Ways To Keep Celebrating With the Rest of the World (loads of links)
You might also enjoy:
Henri Nouwen's encouragement, You are Beloved
Who wants to remember baptism like the intrepid Eastern Europeans? Icy dip: Russians plunge into freezing waters on Epiphany, and Brave Muscovites plunge icy waters to celebrate Epiphany.
*Listen to my entire playlist on Spotify: Epiphany - Baptized & Beloved . Add it to your account by clicking ‘Follow.’
** Sunday Scripture readings are taken from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year A). Daily Scripture readings are taken from the Book of Common Prayer (Year 2).