Resources For The Baptism Of Our Lord Sunday

The first Sunday after Epiphany is the celebration of the baptism of Jesus. This article provides an introduction to worship on this day and some resources for worship planning.

The baptism of Jesus was a major event celebrated in the worship of the early church. The early Fathers saw this even as significant in the saving action of Christ. Here the divine Sonship of Christ is first announced: "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased" (Matt. 3:17). Furthermore, the ascent of the Spirit on Jesus was seen then and now as the anointing of Jesus for public ministry. And the baptism by John was evidence of the substitutionary character of that ministry, suggesting that Jesus was baptized for those for whom he would die. These themes are all captured in the appointed lessons for the day. Perhaps it is time for the Western church to make more of the Epiphany service as follow-up to the experience of Incarnation and a beginning to our own personal experience of the Christ who not only has been born within, but is the one who must be declared to others. In one sense Epiphany is evangelism Sunday. (1) Make this day a baptism day. Baptisms on this day are highly appropriate. Emphasize the meaning of baptism. Create a special "Baptism of the Lord" banner. Also, make this a day for the renewal of baptismal vows (see volume 6, chapter 20). (2) Use special resources in worship. Use the Taizé litany below in the Entrance; tell the Gospel reading as a story; develop special prayers and blessings that relate to the themes of Christ's baptism and of our baptism into Christ (see resources below). An Entrance Rite for the Baptism of the Lord Sunday A festive Entrance rite emphasizes the special nature of this day and helps people to make connections between the baptism of the Lord and their own baptism. Adapt the material below to local usage. The minister, choir, others, and the banner carrier gather at the back of the church. The service begins with the litany of the baptism of our Lord said from the back of the church and proceeds in the fashion normal to your community. THE LITANY OF "THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD" O Christ, by your epiphany, light has shone on us to assure us of the fullness of salvation: grant your light to all whom we shall encounter today: Kyrie eleison. (Lord, have mercy.) O Christ, you humbled yourself and received baptism at your servant's hands, showing us the way of humility: grant us to serve humbly all the days of our life: Kyrie eleison. O Christ, by your baptism you washed away every impurity, making us children of the Father: grant the grace of adoption as God's children to all who are searching for him: Kyrie eleison. O Christ, by your baptism you sanctified the creation and opened the way of repentance and new life to all who are baptized: make us instruments of your gospel in the world: Kyrie eleison. O Christ, by your baptism you revealed the Trinity, your Father calling you his beloved Son, through the Spirit descending upon you: renew a spirit of true worship in the royal priesthood of all the baptized. Kyrie eleison. O Christ, made manifest as the true light of God: gladden our hearts on the joyful morning of your glory, call us by our name on the great Day of your coming, and give us grace to offer unending praise with all the hosts of heaven to the Father in whom all things find their ending, now and ever. Amen. (from Praise God: Common Prayer at Taizé) Entrance Hymn Traditional: "The Sinless One to Jordan Came"; "When Jesus Went to Jordan's Stream" Contemporary: "Majesty"; "All Hail King Jesus" Greeting and Call to Worship Minister: Beloved Son upon whom the Spirit came People: Come and be present to us in our worship The Gloria in Excelsis Deo, or some other song of praise such as "Thou Art Worthy" or "Be Exalted, O God" or a cluster of praise songs that extol Christ. THE OPENING PRAYER Lord Jesus Christ, You humbled yourself and became baptized for us sinful people and God declared you to be his beloved Son. May those of us who have been baptized into you live in our baptism by rejoicing in you and caring for others; we pray in your name, for you dwell with the Father and the Holy Spirit and live as one God forever, world without end. Amen. The Interrogatory Creed for Baptism Sunday In the early church the creed at baptism was recited in the form of question and response, known as the interrogatory creed. Today this practice has been restored. Use this form of the creed on Baptism Sunday. Celebrant: Do you believe in God the Father? People: I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. Celebrant: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? People: I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. Celebrant: Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit? People: I believe in the Holy Spirit the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. A Benediction for Baptism Sunday The benediction below draws on the theme of baptism Sunday. Adapt and use according to local custom. May God the Father, who sent His Spirit upon His Son, bless you with the presence of His Spirit. May Jesus who received the Spirit and manifested the Father abide in you and make you a manifestation of His life, And may the Spirit who came upon Christ in the fullness of power empower you to live a life of faith. To the glory of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.