Peace is the Gift Given Through Baptism

This Sunday, when we celebrated Jesus’ Baptism, I was struck by the Holy Spirit descending like a dove upon Jesus. The dove connotes peace. As I think about what Baptism brings us, peace is the gift given uniquely to us as believers.

Our world could use a lot more peace, couldn’t it?

Because of Baptism, we can be peacefully confident that the Lord will be faithful, take care of us, hold us in the palm of His hand, and gently guide us to where we are supposed to go. We have nothing to fear or be anxious about.

Because of Baptism, we have God with us, peacefully reminding us that we are also the beloved children of God in whom He is well pleased, like Jesus. We don’t have to question who we are or if we are worthy because our identity is ultimately in Him. 

Because of Baptism, we can rest in God’s peace inwardly in our hearts when we are tired, agitated, confused, sick, or burdened by life. It’s always available to us for the moments we need it most.

Because of Baptism, we have the peace that comes from having a purpose – a mission centered in Christ. We are God’s servants entrusted with bringing about the kingdom with our gifts and talents. Our lives matter to God’s work in the world. 

Because of Baptism, we can share Christ’s peace with others. We can bring peace to conflict. We can share our inward peace that we experience in prayer. We can work towards peace in our workplaces, communities and world.

We are a people of peace because we are the Lord’s by Baptism, and because the Holy Spirit descends on us like a dove, just as it did for Jesus.