Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form, as a dove, and a voice came from heaven, “Thou art my beloved Son; with thee I am well pleased.” Luke 3:21-22
Today, on the day we remember Jesus’ baptism, the household of God welcomed many new family members through the sacrament of baptism. It is a day of solemn joy as we remember our own vows, and promise to do everything in our power to support the newly baptized in their life in Christ. Afterwards we give thanks to God for forgiveness of sins and the new life of grace. Finally, we ask God to bestow a most precious gift:
Give them an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works.
Amen. And may it be so for all of us.
To see and hear historic American music and photographs of baptisms, explore Dust to Digital’s Take Me to the Water: Immersion Baptism in Vintage Music and Photographs.
