“The will of God is not something you add to your life. It’s a course you choose.”

“Do you want to know what God’s will is for you? It is for you to become more and more like Christ. This is spiritual maturity, and if you make this your goal, it will change your life.” ― Billy Graham: (born November 7, 1918: is an American evangelical Christian evangelist)

Gospel Text: (JN 1:29-34)

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said,

"Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

He is the one of whom I said,

'A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me

because he existed before me.'

I did not know him,

but the reason why I came baptizing with water

was that he might be made known to Israel."

John testified further, saying,

"I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven

and remain upon him.

I did not know him,

but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me,

'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain,

he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.'

Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God."

The gospel reading for this Sunday recounts Jesus’ meeting with John the Baptist. It provides us with a lesson in heeding, and acting on, what God has said to us.  John the Baptist was told to look for a sign that the Son of God had come; “on whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will Baptize with the Holy Spirit.”  Jesus is that person. John the Baptist tells us, “I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”  God the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit has come to us and will remain forever.  Let us go into the new year singing the new song that God has given us, “Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.”