The Baptism of Christ
Welcome to our written service this Sunday, the Baptism of Christ. On this Sunday we continue to celebrate the extended feast of Epiphany. Epiphany means ‘revelation’. It is the feast on which Jesus is revealed as the One who he truly is. Today we celebrate the baptism of Jesus:
The Baptism of Jesus
Now when all the people were baptised, and when Jesus also had been baptised and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’
The Collect
Eternal Father,
who at the baptism of Jesus
revealed him to be your Son,
anointing him with the Holy Spirit:
grant to us, who are born again by water and the Spirit,
that we may be faithful to our calling as your adopted children;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Opening Hymn
The Readings
The Anthem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWyCOSzy_yo
The Intercessions
and he clothed us in a garment which can never perish.Let us prayer to our Redeemer who humbled himself to receive baptism at the hands of John.Christ, servant of the Father and pleasing to him send forth your Spirit among us.Lord in your mercy
hear our prayer.You were anointed with the Holy Spirit to be our Saviour, lead all people to believe in you and so come to eternal life.Lord in your mercy
hear our prayer.
You are God’s light to the nations, open the eyes of all to the baptismal waters of the new covenant.
Lord in your mercy
hear our prayer.
With baptism you have opened the door of repentance, make us living ministers of your gospel of new life.
Lord in your mercy
hear our prayer.
You humbled yourself to receive baptism from your servant, help us to share in your saving mission and give ourselves for others.
Lord in your mercy
hear our prayer.
You are the hope of all people, receive the faithful departed into your heavenly kingdom.
Lord in your mercy
hear our prayer.
Merciful Father
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Final Hymn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BC09DwwcSqA
Closing Prayer
Lord of all time and eternity,
you opened the heavens and revealed yourself as Father
in the baptism of Jesus your beloved Son:
by the power of your Spirit
complete the heavenly work of our rebirth
through the waters of the new creation;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Blessing
The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.
Amen.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ. Amen.
