Epiphany

Baptism of the Lord

Sunday, January 9, 2028

FIRST READING

Isaiah 43:1-7

Verse 1. But now, this is what the LORD says— He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine! Verse 2. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze. Verse 3. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your place. Verse 4. Because you are precious and honored in My sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you and nations in place of your life. Verse 5. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east and gather you from the west. Verse 6. I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back!’ Bring My sons from afar, and My daughters from the ends of the earth— Verse 7. everyone called by My name and created for My glory, whom I have indeed formed and made.”

PSALM

Psalm 29

Verse 1. A Psalm of David. Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Verse 2. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness.
Verse 3. The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders; the LORD is heard over many waters.
Verse 4. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic.
Verse 5. The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD shatters the cedars of Lebanon.
Verse 6. He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox.
Verse 7. The voice of the LORD strikes with flames of fire.
Verse 8. The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; the LORD shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh.
Verse 9. The voice of the LORD twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in His temple all cry, “Glory!”
Verse 10. The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever.
Verse 11. The LORD gives His people strength; the LORD blesses His people with peace.

SECOND READING

Acts 8:14-17

Verse 14. When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. Verse 15. On their arrival, they prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit. Verse 16. For the Holy Spirit had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Verse 17. Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

GOSPEL

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

Verse 15. The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John could be the Christ. Verse 16. John answered all of them: “I baptize you with water, but One more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Verse 17. His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” Verse 21. When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as He was praying, heaven was opened, Verse 22. and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in a bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”