Gospel | Matthew 3:13-17 (with Jeff Sholar)

Opening Song:
Spirit of God by Dave Fournier and George Romanacce

Lyrics:
The blessing of the Father gift of grace and love
The promise of the Savior for power from above
Oh wondrous gift that's given
For confidence and mission
Holy Spirit You make all things new

Spirit of God breathe on me now
Source of life come revive my weary heart
Spirit of God shine on me now
Light of life come ignite my longing heart

Come and lift the dark clouds of doubt and unbelief
Shine upon my soul now for by Your rays I see
Clearer closer deeper the love of my Redeemer
Holy Spirit You make all things new

Where You breathe hope thrives
The dead return to life
And the dark must flee the breaking day
By Your light I see the glory of my King
Beholding Him I will be changed

Passage:
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him,[a] and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son,[b] with whom I am well pleased.”

Musical Reflection:
Prelude in C Major, BWV 846 by J.S. Bach

Reflection Notes:
Bach’s well-known prelude spins out a series of modulations, almost imperceptible at first. The new harmonies continually unfold in a way that intrigues but never shocks.

Prayer:
Eternal Father, at the baptism of Jesus you revealed him to be your Son, and your Holy Spirit descended upon him like a dove: Grant that we, who are born again by water and the Spirit, may be faithful as your adopted children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.