View from the Pew

"And You Too Shall Be Called...."

(Please read Luke 3:15-17,21-22, Matthew 1:22-23)

By now, most of us have packed away all signs of Christmas. The family creche has been gently and safely put away for yet another birth announcement in another year. Wreaths on the doors are the sole reminders of Christmas, 2009. Life is back to normal again. But wait! When we seem to fall back into sameness, God tears the heavens apart once again. Just as the heavens parted at the heavenly-host birth announcement, just as the angels could hardly wait to sing, so it was when God parted the heavens once more and declared, "You are my Son, the Beloved, with you I am well pleased. The miraculous news of Christmas is again declared! God IS with us!

Oh, how we do stumble and falter and question the "why's" of the baptism of Jesus. Don't worry about the "why's". Be immersed in God's Love! Open your hearts to hear the words that it brings to you. If you have never been told, allow me the joy of telling you now - YOU (yes, you) are beloved by God! What joy! What promise! God IS with us, being pushed forward by the crowds toward the river's bank, immersed in the same waters as all others yet rising to walk on a journey to the cross that will eventually whisper "beloved" to us as well.

Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee to the river Jordan. The hem of his robe was dusty and dirty from the journey. It was the same dust and dirt as was found on the others' robes. He came to stand among them, not apart from them. It is written that"the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem" went out to hear the words spoken by his cousin, John. "Repent", John shouted. "Repent!" The baptizings began. Jesus shuffled along with the pressing crowds. No HELLO, MY NAME IS tag set him apart from those who were waiting to step into the murky waters of the river Jordan on that day. He was one among hundreds. He entered the cool, muddy waters,wading out toward his cousin. Their eyes met. Perhaps, Jesus found that he had to lean closer and whisper with authority, "Baptize me". He was baptized as were the others. There was a peace and quietness under the water that would last for only a few seconds. A quietness that was interrupted by the muffled sounds of the throngs of people standing along the river's edge. Jesus surfaced again. The heavens ripped apart. The Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form "like a dove." And a voice from heaven proclaimed, "YOU are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."

And they shall call him "Immanuel, which means "God with us." THIS is the moment of clarity for us when the birth announcement and the affirmation at Jesus' baptism merge into one great truth. God IS with us.

This moment of affirmation for Jesus at his baptism was about the words of"belovedness" and the holy delight in him that tore the heavens apart with great force. The Holy Spirit settled upon Jesus with the gentleness of a dove and his ministry immediately took flight. This moment branded the name "Beloved" on his heart as he would soon find himself walking among those who shouted names of accusation at him. This very moment placed the name "beloved child" on his lips as he shared this new name with those he has come to walk among. Those then and us now. Just as Jesus was sent out at his baptism, so are we - sent out to tell others, "YOU are a beloved child of God. Nothing can separate you from God's love." Believe it! Reach out and claim your "beloved child" status! Remember your own baptism and keep it holy for it is the gift of the grace of God that is poured over you, dear beloved child that you are!

God of the torn heavens and of gentlenesses, of communal waters and of new names, you have washed us with the waters of your love and said, "It is good". You have renamed us, "beloved child". Knowing this precious truth flows over us like the waters of our baptism, making us gasp for air at the thoughts of such unimaginable Love. With the assurance of this name that we carry, and in your soaking love, give us hearts that want to share your love. Give us opportunities this day and every day to walk alongside others and say, "And you too shall be called beloved." Amen.

(c) 2010 anna murdock