Genesis 9:8-17
1 Peter 3:18-22
Mark 1:9-15
Psalm 25:1-9

“And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; my favor rests on you.’”

When I was growing up I do not remember my father saying that he loved me or that he was proud of me. My two brothers seemed to have taken up my father’s time and attention with Boy Scouts, camping, and sports. I felt empty and missing something, so I looked for a kind and loving father figure among my girlfriends’ dads. I found two dads that changed my lonely life and made me feel important, listened to me and shared their loving families with me. Later, when I met my future husband Dennis, I found a loving, warm and supportive partner and even, later, I found a loving God and church congregation.

The King James Version (1936) tells us that when Jesus was bursting from his baptismal water, a voice came from heaven saying, “Thou art my Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”

When we were baptized, God wrapped His loving arms around us and whispered in our ears that He loves us forever and that we will always be His child no matter what we do or how we feel. As Jonathan Davis said, “These are words that enter into your body and wrap themselves around your heart. To be Baptized is to hear the promise that God has claimed you. You belong. You are loved. You matter”.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for our Baptism which reminds us that we are loved by our Lord and Savior forever and ever. Amen

-Mary Ann Taylor