Today we recall an 'old' event in history, the Baptism of Our Lord. God's Word teaches us that it is also a 'current' event producing a new creation and new life for each person who is baptized into Jesus Christ. In the beginning God was pleased with his new creation—light (Genesis 1:4); at Jesus' baptism the Father was pleased with Jesus, his Son (Mark 1:11); and at our baptism into Christ, we are pleasing to God and therefore are able to "walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4).
Get Ready for the End
On the First Sunday in Advent, we begin a journey not simply to the manger but the familiar journey that takes us to the manger, the cross, and the empty tomb. It is not merely a remembrance of what took place so long ago but also preparation for what is to come—our Lord's return in glory to lay claim to his Church for all eternity. Encouraged by the Spirit, we devote ourselves to faithfully keeping what God has made known to us and showing forth our living faith in words and acts of repentance and holy living. But each Advent is a reminder that we are one step further from Bethlehem and one year closer to our Lord's coming again.
During this service, we also celebrated the baptism of Jaxon Paterson, which you will hear referenced in this podcast.