The Explanation

Far away, there was a big desert. Sandy, and dry, and quiet. In that desert lived a man. His name was John. John wore clothes of hard, scratchy camel hair. A leather belt around his tummy. He ate crunchy locusts, and sweet honey. Sticky honey, from wild bees.

John called out loud, over the sand. "Get ready!" he shouted. "Someone is coming!" Many people heard him. They walked, and walked, all the way to the desert. They stood by a river. The Jordan river, with cool, brown water. One by one, John pushed them gently under the water. Splash! Then up again. This was called baptizing. It meant, I am sorry. I want a new start.

But then some men came who did not look sorry at all. John looked at them. He was not soft with his words. "You are like snakes!" he said. Loud, and stern. "Do better! Show it!"

Then, one quiet day, John saw someone walking toward him. It was Jesus.

What Does This Mean?

John's mouth fell open. His hands began to shake. "No," John said. "You should baptize me. Not the other way around." But Jesus shook his head, gentle and calm. "Let it happen," Jesus said. "This is right." So John said yes. Slowly, he took Jesus into the water. Down Jesus went. Then up again, water dripping from his hair.

And right then, something happened. Something wonderful. The sky split open, like a curtain. Something came floating down, soft as feathers. It looked like a dove. It landed gently on Jesus.

The Common Thread

Then a voice spoke. Not John's voice. Not a person's voice at all. It came from heaven, deep and warm. "This is my Son," the voice said. "I love him. I am so pleased with him."

God was speaking. About Jesus. His very own Son. Long ago, God promised someone would come to help everyone. Now that someone was standing in the river, dripping wet, loved by his Father.

For You

Do you know what dripping wet feels like? Cold water, running down your arms? Jesus felt that too, right there in the river. And God was watching. God was glad. So glad, he told the whole sky.

God watches you too. When you play, when you sleep, when you eat your breakfast. He is glad about you.

Talk About It

What do you think the dove looked like, coming down from the sky? What do you think it felt like to hear God's voice?

Praying Together

Dear God, Thank you for Jesus. Thank you that you were glad about him. Thank you that you watch me too. Amen.