The Baptism of Christ 2026

We celebrate the epiphany of the child Jesus and his baptism by John as an adult in the river Jordan, thirty years later. Both his appearance to the Magi, the Wise Men from the east (traditionally called kings), and his baptism, are epiphanies, that is manifestations. In the first he is shown to be the Saviour not only of the Jews but of the Gentiles; at the Jordan he is shown to be the Christ, the Saviour promised by God. His baptism is the first public manifestation (epiphany) of who God really is: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God in three persons.

The Baptism of Christ

Eternal Father,

who at the baptism of Jesus

revealed him to be your Son,

anointing him with the Holy Spirit:

grant to us, who are born again by water and the Spirit,

that we may be faithful to our calling as your adopted children;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Amen