B: Baptism – God’s Gracious Seal of Belonging

^“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal. 3:27, ESV).

Advent calls us to prepare for God’s coming, and baptism stands as a profound gift of His presence. In the waters of baptism, God claims us as His own, marking us with a promise that never fades. This sacred act is more than a moment; it is God’s pledge to be with us always, uniting us to Christ’s death and resurrection. Through water and the Word, God’s grace pours over us, washing away sin and birthing new life.

In baptism, God’s presence is tangible, a divine embrace that says, “You are mine.” This gift is not contingent on our worthiness but flows from God’s boundless love. As we journey through Advent, baptism reminds us that God’s presence is not distant but intimate, sealed in us forever. Whether baptized as infants or adults, we carry this promise daily, enlivened to live as God’s beloved. The Advent season, with its hope and expectation, mirrors baptism’s truth: God comes to us, not because we are perfect, but because He is faithful. As we await the Savior’s birth, baptism assures us that God’s presence is already here, a living water that sustains us through every season of life.

Prayer – Gracious God, thank You for the gift of baptism, through which You call us by name and make us Your own. Help us to live each day in the light of this promise, confident that You are with us and for us. As we wait for the coming of Christ, strengthen our faith, renew our identity in You, and guide us to walk in the newness of life. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Your Servant in Christ,

Rev. Brian K. Thieme
Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church Columbia, Mo.
Missouri District