Listen

About that time, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. While he was coming up out of the water, Jesus saw heaven splitting open and the Spirit, like a dove, coming down on him. And there was a voice from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I dearly love; in you I find happiness.”

Mark 1:9-11

Think

I asked my mom about the story of my baptism. I was a baby, sprinkled with water from the font at our church. It’s a pretty familiar story. I’ve witnessed so many baptisms by now. The sweet babies often take a big breath as the water surprises them.

Imagine Jesus going under, holding his breath, and then coming up from the water looking to heaven. Breathing it in. New life. Hearing God’s loving voice.

I was a baby. I was sprinkled. I don’t remember if I heard God’s voice, but I do know I breathed in God’s Spirit and received new life. I hear God now, often reminding me that I am loved and I am not alone.

Baptism is the beginning of the journey, but also an important step of preparation. Think of pushing through the water (face first) as the gateway to life in the Spirit. It sets our course and guides the direction we will go.

Angela Grover

Pray

Lord, thank you for your loving presence, for providing a way. Remind me often that you are traveling with me, guiding my steps and showing me your path. Help me to follow. Amen.

Go

You are my strength when I am weak,
You are the treasure that I seek;
You are my all in all.

Seeking You as a precious jewel,
Lord, to give up I’d be a fool;
You are my all in all.

from “You Are My All in All” by Dennis L. Jernigan (1990)