Today we come to the end of the Christmas season with a scene that is both beautiful and surprising: Jesus standing in line with sinners, stepping into the waters of the Jordan to be baptised by John. John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. It was meant for those who knew their need of forgiveness and change. And yet Jesus, the sinless one, insists on entering those waters. In that moment, Jesus shows us something essential about God. He is not distant or aloof. He does not stand above us pointing out our failures. Instead, he steps down into our reality, into the messiness of human life, into the waters that symbolise our sin, our brokenness, and our longing for renewal.  As Jesus comes up from the water, the heavens open. The Spirit descends like a dove, and the voice of the Father is heard: “This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him.” Before Jesus performs any miracle, before he preaches a single sermon, before he heals or teaches, the Father declares his love. Jesus’ identity is not rooted in what he does, but in who he is: the beloved Son. That is a powerful message for us. So often we measure our worth by our achievements, our failures, or the expectations of others. But at our baptism, those same words were spoken over each one of us, even if we did not hear them: You are my beloved; my favour rests on you. Baptism is not just a ritual from the past; it is the foundation of our identity as sons and daughters of God. The Baptism of the Lord also reminds us that baptism is a beginning, not an ending. For Jesus, it marks the start of his public mission. From the Jordan, he will be led into the desert, and then out into the world to proclaim the Kingdom of God. In the same way, our baptism sends us out. We are called to live what we have received: to bring Christ’s compassion, justice, forgiveness, and hope into our families, our workplaces, and our communities. Finally, the image of Jesus in the Jordan invites us to ask ourselves a gentle question: are we willing, like him, to step into the lives of others with humility and love? Are we willing to stand with those who struggle, to listen rather than judge, to serve rather than seek status? As we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord today, may we remember our own baptism with gratitude. May we hear again the voice of the Father speaking over us words of love. And may we, strengthened by the Spirit, follow Christ from the waters into the world, living as beloved children of God.