Church Family Moment for Sunday, January 12, 2025

By Director of Spiritual Formation Rebecca Guzman

1. Today is the Baptism of the Lord Sunday. After Jesus’ baptism, his public ministry begins. It’s as if once God’s claim on his life has been established, he can begin to live into who he really is. Although we are not Jesus, the same is true for us. Once we understand that through Jesus, God has claimed us, we can fully live into that claim. Matthew Paul Turner’s book, When God Made You, beautifully illustrates this point. As you listen to the story, consider what claim God has for your life.
2. Our Gospel passage for today is in a stained glass window in the sanctuary. Can you find it?! Take some time to practice visio divina with it. This is a form of meditation using an image. You can find more information here, including all of the steps. The purpose of visio divina is to let God speak to you through an image.
3. Take a look at the PC(USA) Seal below. Do you see the symbols of the Holy Spirit (the dove and the fire) from today’s Gospel passage? What other symbols do you see? There is also a pulpit, a Bible, a cross, a robe, a cup, a fish, and a triangle (representing the trinity). See if you can find them all!
4. Journal, considering the following:
   1. Describe the Gospel passage.
   2. What does the voice from heaven say? What does that mean?
   3. How was Jesus baptized? How is this similar to and different from the way we are baptized?