The Baptism of Our Lord ~ by Ronnie Archer

THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD

Today, we are invited to celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord. Jesus Christ is a SON. This is the first time that God recognized before everyone that Jesus Christ is THE SON.

Some might wonder why did Jesus have to be baptized? Baptism is the extension of our family life. By our baptism, we are adopted as children of God. When a person is adopted, he/she receives the same benefits, and is equal to any child that is physically born into a family. They have the same rights.

Jesus Christ came down to us to serve; not to be served. Often we cannot recognize GOD because we are looking for Him in "high places." We should look for Him in simplicity.

Jesus' final desire was to have His people go out and baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. We are to go and fulfill this desire of Jesus Christ.

All of the other Sacraments have a condition; that is, Baptism is required BEFORE they can be received. Since Baptism is the first Sacrament, it is the only Sacrament that gives us this gift. We are called to share this gift of Baptism, because through HIS Baptism, Jesus opened heaven for us.

We can rejoice in this day because God granted us the gift to be the children of God.