This weekend closes out the Christmas season. We remember the baptism of Jesus today, the event that launches Jesus on his mission of salvation. His baptism gives us another insight into the meaning of Christmas, although now he is no longer an infant.
'Like us in all things but sin' is the phrase used by St. Paul to describe Jesus' full acceptance of our human condition. John the Baptist hesitated before this humble willingness because he recognized Jesus as the Lamb of God. Perhaps he heard the words of our gospel today, confirming both the identity of Jesus as the beloved son as well as His mission to save us.
When you leave Church, or the next time you come in, approach the font and make a mindful sign of the cross, reflecting on today's feast. Doing this will make the Christmas message a permanent fixture of our spiritual life.