[0:00] In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth, and the earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
[0:15] Then God said, Let there be light, and there was light. In the name of the Father and of the Son of the Holy Ghost. Amen. As we just heard, on the first day of creation, God created the heavens and the earth.
[0:37] However, it is important to note that both were not yet finished. That is to say that both the heavens and the earth lacked structure, and they both lacked order.
[0:54] For again, in Genesis chapter 1, verse 2, we read that the earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep.
[1:05] And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Which now brings us to today, and the holy baptism which we all just witnessed.
[1:17] In 2 Corinthians chapter 5, the Apostle Paul writes, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
[1:28] And Sean, today you are a new creation. For the same Spirit who hovered over the waters at the beginning of creation, is the same Spirit who today descends upon you, Sean, in the waters of holy baptism.
[1:50] And it is good. And Sean, you are good. Today your sins are forgiven.
[2:03] Today you have been washed clean in the blood of the Lamb. And in Christ Jesus, you are a new creation. You are and always will be a baptized child of God.
[2:20] But, but, just like the heavens and the earth on the first day of creation were not yet finished, God's work in you, Sean, is far from over.
[2:38] Just as it is far from over for me or for any of the baptized on this side of glory. It is kind of like, it is kind of like how in six days I plan to be married to Miss Lisa Baxford.
[2:55] But if on the day after our wedding I think, Phew, I am glad that is over with. Now I can just go on and live my life however I want without a single thought being given for my wife.
[3:09] Then Lisa and I are in trouble. Because that's not how God intended for marriage to work. And neither is that what God intended for holy baptism.
[3:23] No, Sean. Instead, every day you and all the baptized are to grow in grace. To grow closer and closer to God.
[3:37] Are to become less and less selfish. And more and more like Christ. And just like marriage. That is not always an easy road to travel.
[3:53] For it means that now you might have to do some things that you really don't want to do. And you may have to make some sacrifices that you selfishly really don't want to make.
[4:06] But it is good. Because God is good. And through holy baptism and the sacramental life of his church.
[4:22] God has taken us all. And is reshaping us again and again and again. Over and over and over into the perfect image of his sinless and selfless son.
[4:38] Jesus Christ. For today is the first day of the new creation. For today God says, let there be light.
[4:51] Behold, you, Sean, as well as all of the baptized. Are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket.
[5:05] But on a lamp stand. And it gives light to all who are in the house. So let your light shine before men. That they may see your good works.
[5:17] And glorify your father in heaven. For this is who we were created and recreated. Who we were baptized to be.
[5:31] And that is not a bunch of death bound sinners. But a holy body of heaven bound saints in Christ Jesus our Lord. So may we.
[5:44] And all the baptized. Always, always strive. To live. And to continue. To walk as children. Of the light.
[5:56] In the name of the Father. And of the Son. And of the Holy Ghost. Amen.