Clergy Notes — Epiphany, January 12, 2025
Baptism is always a joyous celebration, because—like the birth of a new baby—it enriches the family of Christ and brings new hope. It is also an opportunity to renew our own baptismal covenant; to refresh our commitment as disciples, and to be reminded that we are joined together as Christ’s body.
The Baptism of Christ is also a time when we celebrate the wonder of the Incarnation in yet another way. As with the infant child the Magi travel great distances to behold, the adult Jesus appears to the human eye like any other regular person. It is only through God’s intervention that we in our limited capacity are able to see and hear the truth: that this is the Word made flesh; the beloved second person of the Trinity — Emmanuel, God with us.
As we celebrate both the Baptism of Christ and the baptism of two new members of the Body of Christ at St. James’, may we linger a little longer in the wonder and mystery of the Incarnation, and the encouragement that we belong to one another and to God.
“The world’s universal shipwreck has ceased.”
We are not abandoned; God is with us. All things are being made new.
Thanks be to God!