Jesus’ Baptism, Our Baptism

The gift of a baptismal life

With Christmas just two weeks ago, gifts are often discussed. What did you get? What was your favorite one? And so on. We also talk about the gift of Christmas coming in the form a baby, pure and innocent, to redeem us and make us righteous with God.

But the gifts don’t end with Christmas. We are reminded today that baptism is a daily gift of renewal. A gift from above that daily drowns our sinful thoughts, words, and deeds. A daily gift of God coming to us with mercy and grace and we receive it with peace and confidence knowing that we are made righteous by Jesus’ righteousness.

There is no possible gift bigger or better than being made righteous with God.

Thanks be to God for coming to us daily, making us holy and righteous in His eyes!

Here is the full sermon text from Matthew 3:

The Baptism of Jesus

¹³ Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. ¹⁴ John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” ¹⁵ But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. ¹⁶ 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; ¹⁷ and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

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Announcements

Bible Study: Our midweek Bible study is on hiatus during Advent and will resume on January 11th.

Congregational Meeting will be held on January 15th immediately following the service to discuss the Lenten and Easter schedule.

Voters Meeting will be held on January 15th at 3:30 pm via Zoom. The agenda includes routine reports, nominations for Synodical officers, and voting delegates for the election of the Synodical President and First Vice President.

Donations: Even during the pandemic and with a decline in attendance, the expenses continue. If you wish to make a donation please mail them to the St. James post office box as that is a secure location. You may also donate online.