The Baptism of our Lord 2025

We warmly invite you to join us for our service on January 12, 2025, at 9 am as we celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord. This Sunday is an excellent opportunity to come together in worship, whether you are a long-time member, seeking a new church home, or exploring the Episcopal tradition for the first time. All are welcome, and we look forward to sharing this special time with you.

How to join us electronically

We still invite you to worship if you cannot join us live. We have a few ways for you to do so.

The Collect for the Baptism of Our Lord

Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Scripture Readings for the Baptism of our Lord 2025

Old Testament: Isaiah 43:1-7

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life. Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; I will say to the north, “Give them up,” and to the south, “Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth— everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

Psalm: Psalm 29

Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name; worship the Lord in holy splendor. The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over mighty waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox. The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire. The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the Lord causes the oaks to whirl, and strips the forest bare; and in his temple all say, “Glory!” The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as king forever. May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!

New Testament: Acts 8:14-17

Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Gospel: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” 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 like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

Overview of the Readings for the Baptism of Our Lord 2025

The readings for this Sunday center around the themes of identity, calling, and God’s powerful presence in our lives. Isaiah speaks of God’s redeeming love and promises to be with us through all trials, highlighting our preciousness in His sight. Psalm 29 celebrates the majestic and commanding voice of the Lord, demonstrating His sovereignty and strength.

In the New Testament reading from Acts, we see the importance of the Holy Spirit in the early Church and the apostles’ mission to ensure that all believers receive the Spirit’s power. Finally, the Gospel of Luke recounts Jesus’ baptism, emphasizing His divine sonship and the beginning of His public ministry. The descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus and the heavenly proclamation of His beloved status powerfully affirm His identity and mission.

Hymns for the Baptism of our Lord 2025

(We will add the hymns here once you provide them.)

Wrap up or the Baptism of our Lord 2025

We hope you will join us for this meaningful service, during which we will reflect on Jesus’ baptism and our baptismal promises. May this time of worship deepen your faith and bring you peace and joy.