Isaiah 55:1-11 or 1 John 5:1-9 / Mk 1:7-11
The Christmas season is not just about celebrating the birth of Christ. It is also to wait in hope and expectation for the second coming of the Lord Jesus.
We celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day. The birth of Christ is then announced to the whole world in the feast of the Epiphany, as symbolized by the wise men who came to adore the King of the Jews.
The mystery of the Incarnation at Christmas comes to its fullness with the Baptism of the Lord, the feast we are celebrating today.
And with the Baptism of the Lord, the mystery of salvation unfolds from the Incarnation to mission.
As we renew our baptism promises in the celebration of this feast, let us also pledge our obedience to God and commit ourselves to the justice of God.
Like Jesus, we too are empowered with the Holy Spirit. Let us go forth doing good and fight against sin and evil.