Rochester, MN UCC - "Beloved" - Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

I have a stainless-steel staple gun that has the name GREENHAW etched into the side of it. It belonged to my Pop, my father’s father. I received it from my father, who assembled toolboxes for us from Pop’s old tools after his passing. It’s not an especially nice staple gun, but it’s important to me. It's a gift that my father gave me from his father- it speaks of the love my Pop had for my father, and that my father has for me.

 When he was baptized in the Jordan River, the Holy Spirit descended on him like a dove, and the voice of God said to Jesus, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” In Jesus humankind is anointed with the Holy Spirit, claimed as God’s children, and given God’s love and approval. This gift is not just for Jesus, it is for all whom he loves, all those who seek to share in his life. It is for us as well. Jesus gives to us this gift from his Father: a new life in which the Holy Spirit leads us ever further into God’s love and blessing.

 This Sunday in worship we will renew our baptismal vows and be sprinkled by the waters of baptism. This ritual is to remind us that we have been baptized into Jesus Christ. Baptism unites us to the new humanity in Jesus Christ; it makes us a part of the loving relationship shared between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. No matter what we’ve done, or who we’ve been, or how we’ve let ourselves or others down, we are loved for Christ’s sake. In baptism we are forgiven and we are washed with God’s love and approval. We are beloved children of God. God is well pleased with us. God has granted to us The Holy Spirit and opened a new life before us. May we cherish this truth of our baptism as the drops of water sprinkle upon us this Sunday morning, and may we make the most of our new life in Christ each day. 

 Rev. Andrew Greenhaw