Baptism of the Lord

Year C:  January 10, 2016

First Reading: Isaiah 43:1-7

My Beautiful Child by Lisa Desimini

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: Author Anne Lamott is often quoted as saying the two best prayers she knows are “help me, help me, help me” and “thank you, thank you, thank you!” This passage from Isaiah is one to remember when we are in the midst of the “help mes” and My Beautiful Child fills a similar space for the “thank yous.” Desimini’s story is an expression of love from a parent for their child, highlighting the joy of simple moments shared with one another. When pairing this text and story together, we are invited to consider how God is with us in every moment of our lives. This day and every day, may we remember that we belong to a God who calls us by name, claims us, and loves us.

Second Reading: Acts 8:14-17

Let’s Go, Hugo! by Angela Dominguez

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment:  While this is a very brief passage, it holds a powerful message of love, care, and support. Peter and John give their presence, prayers, and touch to this community of new believers, helping them as they await and receive the Holy Spirit. Hugo is a bird that requires the love and support of other birds to help him overcome his fears and discover he can fly. As you discuss this text and story, wonder together with the children of your church about who helps them live more fully into the people God has created them to be.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

My Name Is Not Isabella by Jennifer Fosberry

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment:  “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” In his commentary on this passage, Rev. Roy Harrisville emphasizes that these words confirm Jesus’ identity. (http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=500) Likewise, our identity as God’s beloved children is confirmed in our own baptism, and every time we participate in the baptism of another within our community. Isabella takes on many identities of historical women before finally claiming her own as “the sweetest, kindest, smartest, bravest, fastest, toughest, greatest girl that ever was.” Using this test and story, invite the children of your church to say their names, share words that describe them, and claim themselves as beloved children of God.

Noell Rathbun Cook is the Lectionary Links writer this week. She serves as Minister of Children and Youth Discipleship at Grace Baptist Church, Richmond, VA.

Lectionary Links: Sunday, January 10, 2016 by Storypath is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.