Ecce! Agnus Dei!

The next day [John the Baptist] saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29)

Baptism of our Lord

From a sermon by Martin Luther from January 6, 1534:

John indeed saw that the heavens were opened. That was a sign that our Lord God holds baptism dear—baptism that was sanctified by the Son of God himself in his own body. The heavens, previously closed, are now opened, becoming a clear gateway and window for us to see into heaven itself. There is no longer a dividing line between God and us, for he has descended into the [baptismal] water. Isn’t this a great revelation? That is why we call [this festival] Epiphany, because God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—has revealed himself with all his angels. The Holy Spirit comes like an innocent dove. Among all birds, the dove is known for its kind heart and lack of anger. Thus, the Holy Spirit presents itself in this friendly form. Here [too] there is no anger. The Son of God, who did not need [to be baptized], reveals himself to us not only as example but also as grace itself. The Father makes himself heard in the voice: “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” It would not be surprising if the heavens and the earth shook before this voice, the speaking of our Lord God himself. If our Lord God spoke, I would fall on my face. But, for all that, the voice comes with nothing but kindness, grace, and mercy, saying, “There you have it: One who has been baptized!” So, do you want to know who [our God] is? He does not come with a sword, or with the noisy clamor of Sinai; he comes with nothing but the images and appearance of friendship. The Son is an innocent man who does more than is required of him; the Holy Spirit comes in a friendly form; the Father has a friendly voice: “I am not sending you prophets or apostles or angels; instead you have my Son, with whom I am completely pleased.”

Read the full sermon here.

First Coming

First Coming

God did not wait till the world was ready,
till nations were at peace.
God came when the Heavens were unsteady,
and prisoners cried out for release.

God did not wait for the perfect time.
God came when the need was deep and great.
God dined with sinners in all their grime,
turned water into wine.

God did not wait till hearts were pure.
In joy God came to a tarnished world of sin and doubt.
To a world like ours, of anguished shame,
God came, and God’s light would not go out.

God came to a world which did not mesh,
to heal its tangles, shield its scorn.
In the mystery of the Word made Flesh
the Maker of the stars was born.

We cannot wait till the world is sane
to raise our songs with joyful praise,
for to share our grief, to touch our pain,
God came with Love: Rejoice! Rejoice!

- Madeleine L’Engle

Prayers for Kenya...

I received an email Sunday from our medical missionary friends in Kenya. They wrote asking for friends to pray for the people of Kenya in the violent aftermath of their recent election. I am including an excerpt from their email, but removing personal details (names and such) because if found by the wrong people, their lives could be made more difficult.

They write:

Please pray for the safety of the people here in Kenya this week. The presidential elections have not gone well, with polls ending three days ago. The race was close and the old president has declared himself the victor. Things are not at all clear here except that both sides are unhappy. Violence is erupting.

A Kenyan friend [...] called tonight asking for prayer for safety for his family in the slums. They called him to come rescue them as shanties in their neighborhood are torched. There is realistically nothing he can do tonight physically. He has no vehicle Attempting to go get them could very well be suicide. If you run into a mob and you are in a vehicle it is likely to be overturned and torched. A number of Kenyans have died. [Their friend] will try to go and rescue them tomorrow, God willing.

All of us here need prayers for cool heads and safety and peace. Please join us in these prayers, for the people of Kenya and for us.

In this season of Christmas, when the angels proclaim "Peace on earth," let us continue to pray that it may certainly be so.

Grace and Peace.
Pr. Brian