SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, January 11, 2026

Dear Friends in Jesus –

I looked to the lectionary and found the Baptism – Jesus' baptism. Though didn’t we just do that? Well, no, but it may feel that way because of the power of Jesus’ entry into public life and into our humanity – wading into the muddy water with others who too had come to John the Baptizer to repent and be cleansed.

He who was without sin? Yep. With all the folks from all over Judea who had come to experience the power of the prophet John, and had no idea they were shoulder to shoulder with the One for whom they had prayed and yearned.

If they had known who was queueing with them to step into the muddy water, would they have believed and rejoiced or would they have wondered or scoffed, who is this? No trappings, entourage, or army. Which is the point! And which is why there is such power, such promise, such hope for us, the beloved – because the incarnate God had come to reveal Godself, God’s care, the intensity of God’s love.

This Sunday the story starts. Not a moment too soon nor a moment too late.

In anticipation,

We will be remembering the Baptism of Jesus this Sunday morning. Everybody is invited to be a part of a reaffirmation of our baptism to close the sermon. It will be a unique opportunity to gather as a faithful community of Jesus’s followers.