“When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:21-22
While most often stars and wise men come to mind during Epiphany, the baptism of Jesus is an important event celebrated in the Eastern Orthodox church during Epiphany. So water, baptism, and new beginnings are also wrapped into this season. In this quiet season following the hubbub of the Christmas holidays, might feel a bit like a plunge into the dark cold waters of winter.
What might Jesus have felt as he sank beneath the water in the Jordan river? Did time wind down at that moment? Did he anticipate the journey into the wilderness that would follow God’s blessing?
Life is such a mixture of happiness and despair. It is strange and wondrous to me how the most beautiful things can grow out of the hardest times. Of course, that is part of the story of this season – a star shining in the darkness. God, incarnate, under the water and breaking the surface to feel the light and love of a divine blessing.
God, as we sink into winter and darkness, help us hold onto hope and light. In the present moment, may we anticipate the creativity and warmth You are birthing during Epiphany.
**If you have the Epiphany Comfort Kit, use your field notes book to capture your thoughts and reflections on the journal questions.
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