This is the outline of the sermon delivered in Japanese by Rev. Musubi Tabuchi to the congregations of Ashiya Christian Church and Unfinished Community on Sunday, January 12, 2025, and draws from Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
In the Christian tradition, we have something called a “church calendar” which, truth be told, we don’t really pay very much attention to. Of course, the seasons of Christmas and Easter come from this calendar - which you may know - but there are many more seasons, holidays, and events throughout the church calendar. And while this calendar is based on the history and traditions of the church, it doesn’t actually come from the Bible itself. However, it is important for us to be aware of this calendar and, especially on important days throughout the year, to think about it from time to time.
Today is the when we commemorate the day in which Jesus himself was baptized, by John (who is for this reason called “John the Baptist,” to distinguish himself from all the other Johns.) Baptism is a ceremony of ritual purification in which John takes Jesus and submerges him in water, symbolizing his death to the past, and his new life in the future. John himself is very much aware that he is one of the least of those in Christ’s service, but in this act of Baptism the very essence of Jesus - that is, the Son of God - is momentarily, powerfully revealed
In the words of Paul, “…Christ Jesus, who, though he existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, assuming human likeness.” The one, true God became truly human, and there He showed us just what it means to be human, what is required of us; to serve our neighbors as servants. What we learn in Christmas is that Jesus, the Son of God, came to us as simply human, in order to serve us, and to love us. And in these humble moments of service, is God’s essence truly revealed.
Let us pray;
God, as we begin the new year, let us take our first steps forward in gratitude for the fact that you have come to us. In the name of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen
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