Theme of the Day: Anointing Uncovered – What Eyes See Differs from What God Decrees
Our sight tends to be the sense we trust most. We say we will believe something when we see it. That presents a problem when it comes to the work of God. So often what our eye sees differs from what God decrees. This is true of the life of Jesus. In the eyes of the world, he was nothing special. This is also true in the life of the Christian. To the world, the believer does not look more blessed than the unbeliever. In fact, the believer may appear to have more hardships as the devil and his allies attempt to destroy him. So, to assure his children, God connects his grace, power, and blessing to something we can see—a visible sign: the anointing of baptism.
Luke 3:15-17,21-23
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Titus 3:4-7
Psalm 2
299 – All Who Believe and Are Baptized
89 – To Jordan’s River Came Our Lord
736 – All Christians Who Have Been Baptized
294 – Baptized into Your Name Most Holy
737 – God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It
Prayer of the Day: Father in heaven, at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan, you proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit. Keep us who are baptized into Christ faithful in our calling as your children, and make us heirs with him of everlasting life; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased. Alleluia.