And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’            Mark 1 : 10

Bible reading : Mark 1 : 4 - 11

Thought of the week

Jesus’ Baptism is virtually at the beginning of Mark’s Gospel. We hear of the ministry of John the Baptist, and then immediately the affirmation of Jesus by the Father in the presence of the Holy Spirit. It is a rare moment where the Trinity is revealed, and marks the beginning of all that Jesus came to do as our Saviour, teacher and Lord.

Whilst the lockdown is taking effect, and January is often slow anyway, we have this reminder that the Kingdom of Jesus is unstoppable. That the Lord’s work is growing. That our prayers are always vital, and that though the days are short and cold, the fire of the Holy Spirit burns brightly in the hearts of the Lord’s people.

As we pray for the challenges of this time, especially for our NHS, schools and Care Homes, we have this affirmation of who Jesus is, and all He has come to do and is doing in changing people’s lives and calling us back to Him in hope and love.

We are even baptised ourselves in Jesus’ name, and we live in the world as His people. Now more than ever we are called to pray in His name, and proclaim Jesus the Good News. In this difficult time Jesus is bringing His hope, joy and freedom.

Rev Paul

Prayer for this week

Eternal Father

who at the baptism of Jesus

revealed Him to be your Son,

anointing him with the Holy Spirit:

grant to us, who are born again

by water and the Spirit,

that we may be faithful to our calling

as your adopted children;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

Amen