In the Beginning

When a new movie is released, are you one of those people who line up for the midnight show on the opening weekend? If you received an invitation to a preview night at a new restaurant, would you feel special? Have you ever “preordered” a book so that it would be in your house the same day it went on the shelves at the bookstore?

There is something fascinating—even exciting—about being a part of the beginning of something new. I have to admit that one of the reasons I decided to run the Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon was because it was the “inaugural” race. If it had already been going on, I might have made a different choice. Being able to say I was there when it all started is something that can never be taken away from me (and I was in Johnson Square for the public announcement that Savannah would be hosting the race. . . and months later at Fleet Feet for the unveiling of the course).

If you are one of those people who like to be there at the start of something new, then that is one thing you share in common with God. All four gospel writers agree that Jesus’ public ministry began with his baptism by John. Even more significantly, they all note that when Jesus was baptized God spoke and the Holy Spirit showed up.

If that sounds familiar, perhaps it is because you remember hearing the Genesis story about the creation of the heavens and the earth. As the story opens, nothing much is going on. It is chaos and darkness. But the Holy Spirit is there and God speaks and, well, as they say, “the rest is history.”

It is a history that is marked by the continuing presence of the Holy Spirit. It is a history that reveals God’s continuing conversation with the people he created. Through the Spirit’s presence and with God’s gentle voice, it is a history that is full of new beginnings and limitless possibilities. Furthermore, it is the history of every believer.

It is no accident that Jesus told his disciples to baptize those who believed in him. Baptism is a sign that God is present as a person begins their life as a member of the community of faith. Whether we see it or not, we affirm that each person receives the Holy Spirit even as the water is applied.

God wants to be a part of all of your new beginnings. As you continue to move into this new year, open your heart to him. Invite God to speak into your life. Listen for God’s voice. Recognize the Spirit’s presence. Prepare for great blessings.