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“But John intervened: “I’m baptizing you here in the river. The main character in this drama, to whom I’m a mere stagehand [he’s speaking about Jesus], will ignite the kingdom life, a fire, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out.”

Luke 3:16 (according to the Message)

Friends,

Happy New Year!

I am struck this week with the above interpretation of our Gospel for Sunday from Luke, specifically where John the Baptist suggests that baptism in Jesus is going to “change you from the inside out.” Shocking words given that isn't much in our world that can make that kind of change. I say this given the fact that we have personal agency and any attempt for others to change us will likely be met with deep hostility.

So what do we do with this baptism that is going to change us from the inside out? What do we do with something that, apparently according to the interpretation of scripture suggests, we can’t avoid it once it happens. I think we embrace it.

This Sunday we have an opportunity to embrace our baptisms once again, as we gather to renew our promises together. This is known as a baptismal feast day, with other feasts of Baptism celebrated on Easter Sunday, Pentecost Sunday, All Saints Sunday, and Baptism of our Lord Sunday. We only baptize four times a year and here's why that's important.

I like to think of baptismal feast days as “Oasis moments” as “Baptismal Oasis” moments. These cardinal points in our year or “Baptismal Oasis” Sundays give us a place to come and reflect, rest, and recharge our batteries in the midst of our ministry together. These cardinal points are providentially right in the transition between really high energy ministry seasons. Season which may require some reassurance for us to believe that what God is asking of us is actually possible. A possibility of hope which this world needs to hear and feel this year.

Come Sunday ready to get wet. The rectors got his splash zone and the Holy Spirits got her abundance ready.

All are welcome- yes, even you!

Alex+