Christmas I- Galatians 4: 1-7

On the First Sunday after Christmas, the Epistle from Galatians 4:1-7 might be considered St. Paul's Christmas Gospel because it refers briefly to the circumstances and meaning of Christ's Birth. In the fullness of time or at the appropriate time, God sent His Son into the world so that we might be adopted as spiritual children of God. The Incarnation has many rich meanings and associations. It has cosmic dimensions, and it has real human drama with earthy details. Yet, from the perspective of faith, Paul focuses on the personal application to our lives. The eternal Word, God the Son. took on human flesh in order to redeem human beings from their bondage to sin and death, Jesus Christ becomes one of us so that we might be freed to become sons and daughters of the heavenly Father. This message truly brings us good tidings of great joy.

Epiphany II- the Baptism of our Lord- Mark 1:1-11

The Books of Common Prayer from 1549 through 1662 follow the usage of Sarum and do not have a Sunday Gospel on Christ's Baptism during the Epiphany season. The 1928 American BCP re-introduced the reading from Mark 1:1-11 to observe this important event. By coming to John to be baptized, Jesus fulfilled all righteousness. Although sinless, our incarnate Lord expressed His solidarity with sinful human beings who all need cleansing. Jesus also received a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit on His human nature as He began His public ministry. And the heavenly voice acknowledged Him as the Son of God. This moment is a unique manifestation or epiphany of the divine glory in Christ. It also points ahead to His whole public ministry and work for human salvation. 

Because of Christ's uniqueness, there are certainly historical and theological differences between His Baptism by John and later Christian Baptism commanded by the risen lord in Matthew 28:19. Yet, in part, the Baptism of Jesus is also a model for us. He underwent Baptism to point to the human need for the washing of regeneration. He was pure, but we need to be cleansed. He was already in unity with the Spirit while we need to be born anew by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. He was the Son of God by nature, but we need to be adopted as children of God. Baptism also points us to our ministries. Being baptized into Christ makes us members of Christ's Body and calls us to continue Christ's ministry in this world.