The daily drowning of ourselves reminds us of the new life that comes through the waters of Holy Baptism. We get to be partakers in the sacred mystery that is dying, being buried, then resurrected. Sent forth to be servants in humble gratitude, equals in the mission of God. The Roman rite is okay for us non-Catholics to use, because we are ecumenically a catholic (universal) church, a communion of saints. It goes like this:

          The God of power and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has freed us from sin and brought us to new life through water and the Holy Spirit. He now anoints us with the chrism of salvation so that, united with his people, we may remain forever members of Christ, our Priest, Prophet and King.

Paul tells us in I Corinthians that we who are ungodly sinners are justified and made something through baptism into the community of Christ. With a new year upon us, new life can come through resolutions, especially if you actually keep them. New life comes in our prophetic hopes and dreams for our congregations. New life comes most of all by dunking, going underwater, immersing ourselves in the old Adam or Eve, then emerging washed and made new. Our feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness are overcome by the steadfast, unconditional love God the Father, and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit. I can’t wait for 2026 to be an epiphany of gifts to be shared!

Pastor Art