Baptism of our Lord January 11, 2026

The season of Epiphany (literally to “shine upon”) begins January 6, the day of Epiphany which emphasizes the visit of the Magi to the Holy Family. The season of epiphany shines light upon Jesus’ teaching, healing and way of being in the world.

Matthew’s Gospel makes explicit who this Jesus is. The Gospel reading for this Sunday, Baptism of our Lord, contains words spoken from Heaven, “This is my Son, the Beloved”. This same voice from heaven repeats the words, “This is my Son, the Beloved” when Jesus is transfigured (Matthew 17:1-9) and we will hear those words read February 15, Transfiguration Sunday. Dr. Karoline Lewis from Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN recommends we repeat these words each Sunday during Epiphany and connect them to the day’s Gospel reading. Let’s follow Dr. Lewis’ recommendation and see how these words allow Jesus to shine upon us this season.

Prayer of the Day
O God our Father, at the baptism of Jesus you proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized into Christ faithful to their calling to be your daughters and sons, and empower us all with your Spirit, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17 13Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. 14John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.