Scripture Focus: Isaiah 43:1-7; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
We begin a new year with expectation. We think about what has happened in our past and we hope for change. We wonder what will unfold before us. The people in the reading from Luke had the same feelings. What unfolded before them is God's love in the person of Jesus.Jesus' identity is revealed through John's prophetic words and then by a voice from heaven. He comes with power to judge (fire). It sounds threatening, and yet we discover that his judgment is filled with mercy and love. It is that judgment that shapes us and gives us identity.
In our baptism that judgment is made known. Like Jesus, we are assured that we are known fully, treasured deeply, loved completely. We are identified with Christ in baptism. God comes to us and says to us, "You are my child, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
