Behold the Waters
“Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.”
I have found that storytelling through my art allows me to reflect on life’s mysteries. These moments of grace inspire me to share a vision of a world filled with hope and love. — John August Swanson
John August Swanson’s River Baptism bursts with vibrant life, a kaleidoscope of color and movement that portrays a communal celebration of faith and transformation. While not a direct depiction of Jesus’ baptism, Swanson’s piece invites us to consider the broader implications of baptism as an entry into the community of faith. The waters of the Jordan in Luke’s Gospel expand into a river that carries countless lives into God’s covenantal promise.
The scene in River Baptism is one of joy and exuberance. Figures in the foreground wade into the water, hands outstretched to receive God’s grace. Above, the light of heaven streams down, recalling the moment in our Gospel story when “the Holy Spirit descended upon [Jesus] in bodily form like a dove.” Swanson’s intricate patterns and bold colors remind us of the Spirit’s transformative work in all who come to the waters of baptism. Just as Isaiah speaks of the Servant who will bring justice to the nations, so Swanson’s work envisions a community marked by restoration and hope.
Swanson's art invites us to reflect on our own baptismal identity. As the Spirit descended upon Jesus, marking Him as the beloved Son, so too are we marked as beloved children of God. Swanson’s communal river invites us to consider how our baptism connects us to one another in the body of Christ, united by the Spirit and called to live out the justice and mercy of God’s kingdom.
“I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.”
— Psalm 89:1
First Sunday of Epiphany
Texts for this Week
Prayer
Eternal Father, at the baptism of Jesus you revealed him to be your Son, and your Holy Spirit descended upon him like a dove: Grant that we, who are born again by water and the Spirit, may be faithful as your adopted children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Scriptures
Isaiah 42:1–9
Psalm 89:1–29
Acts 10:34–38
Luke 3:15–22
A Song of Light: Morten Lauridsen’s O Nata Lux
Few musical works capture the mystery and beauty of divine revelation like Morten Lauridsen’s O Nata Lux. This luminous choral masterpiece sets the ancient Latin hymn text to shimmering harmonies that evoke the light of Christ—the light that dawns upon the world in His incarnation and is revealed fully at His baptism.
Lauridsen’s setting is both simple and profound. The opening lines, “O nata lux de lumine, Jesu redemptor saeculi” (“O Light born of Light, Jesus, Redeemer of the world”), are sung in ethereal tones, as if rising directly from the depths of prayer. The piece unfolds with a radiant clarity, inviting listeners to dwell in the mystery of Christ’s presence among us. In our Gospel lesson, as Jesus is baptized and the heavens open, we are reminded of the eternal Light breaking into our world, the Spirit descending as a dove, and the voice of the Father declaring, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
O Nata Lux draws us into the peace and wonder of God’s redemptive work. It is a fitting meditation for this season, as we reflect on the baptismal light that shines in our lives and calls us to reflect that light to the world. As we remember the Baptism of Our Lord, let us give thanks for the waters that renew and the Spirit that empowers. Let us embrace our call as God’s beloved children, marked by grace and sent to share His light with all.
