The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

Sunday, January 11
The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

Down in a lowly manger the humble Christ was born, and God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn. Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills, and ev’rywhere.

What will we bring with us from this Advent and Christmas season into 2026? One of the gifts of this season is that it reminds us of the centrality of joy—a disposition that has consistently colored the music we’ve prayed with over the past weeks. Joy certainly drives this song, but even the hymns that express our longing and watching and waiting for a savior point us toward the expectant joy of God’s people.

Joy is the mark of a Christian by virtue of our Baptism, which patterns our existence on Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection. The coming of our Savior, and the divine life he shares with us, makes us God’s own beloved children and offers us unending hope. What a wonderous gift that deserves to be shouted and shared over the hills and everywhere!

Prayer for Morning
Jesus, our beginning and end, through our baptism, you open to us the mystery of new life. Help me empty myself in love as you did, that I may find joy in following you. Emmanuel, bring me abundant life.

Ponder Today
How has this Christmas season shaped me, and what do I want to carry with me into ordinary time?

Prayer for Evening
Jesus, our beginning and end, you come to share every part of being human, and you destroyed the power of sin and death. Grant that I may find joy in following you to new life. Emmanuel, bring me abundant joy.