Sermon - 2018-12-30

How many of us have heard those famous words spoken from parents to children?  “Where have you been? Your father and I have been worried sick!” At one point or another, I am sure we have done something that caused our parents to worry for our own safety and the parents felt powerless.  However, what if I told you God had that experience for us? God looking down and wondering why the people do not listen to him. He had sent prophet, after prophet. People knew that God had been speaking to them but still the people would wander and do what they wanted to do.  God had encountered and observed the people being hurt over and over again. Not only that but the people had hurt God by turning their back on God.

This is a familiar story and one that many us feel that we are still living even today.  God speaks but either we do not listen or we do not even realize God is speaking. Yet the story does not end there.  For just last week, we celebrated an event that changed our lives, opened our eyes and hopefully even changed our lives found in the baby in a manger that many overlooked.  Today, we are united once again. Not for the celebration of Christmas but for the realization that Jesus is truly a gift given by God for a reason and purpose within our life.  

This day, we bear witness to the gift being bestowed upon an individual.  The Baptism is a calling of name and declaring that God loves YOU!! Just as you are and yes in the midst of this world.  God calls you by name to know that you are a precious Child of God. The Love of the Father is declared and given to you. Now you are children of God but what will change?  How shall we act and live differently?

The answer to this comes in our Second reading in Paul’s letter to the Colossians where we hear that we are “to be clothed in compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience…” and “to forgive one another as our Father in Heaven has forgiven us…” This calling and life can only be lived within a community of people to support one another and keep us focused on God’s Word.  For without that, we shall find ourselves wandering and lost.

Today may these words and calling sink deeper within you.  May it become alive like a rushing wind moving you to live your life for God’s Name and not your own.  Amen.