Sermon given by Rev Barb Lemmel and Rev Mitch Hay on January 12, 2025

Gospel -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22The people were filled with anticipation, wondering in their hearts whether John might be the Messiah. John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is mightier than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

"A winnowing-fork is in his hand to clear the threshing-floor and to gather the wheat into the granary; but the chaff will be burnt in unquenchable fire." Using exhortations like this, John proclaimed the Good News to the people.

Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus also came to be baptized. And while Jesus was praying, the skies opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on the Anointed One in visible form, like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Own, my Beloved; on you my favor rests."