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Today's Devotional

Christ, when for us You were baptized,

God’s Spirit on You came,

As peaceful as a dove and yet

As urgent as a flame.

God called You “My beloved Son,”

The suffering servant true,

Sent You the kingdom to proclaim,

God’s holy will to do.

Straightway and steadfast until death

You then obeyed God’s call

Freely as Son of Man to serve

And give Your life for all.

Baptize us with Your Spirit, Lord,

Your cross on us be signed,

That, likewise in God’s service,

we May perfect freedom find.

About the author and the source

The author of today’s devotional, Francis Bland Tucker (1895–1984) was a priest in the Episcopal Church. From 1925 to 1945, he was rector of historic St. John’s Church, Georgetown, Washington, D.C. For another twenty-two years he led an Episcopal church in Savannah, Georgia. While serving on the Joint Commission on Church Music of the Episcopal Church, he became a hymnwriter. This is sung the first Sunday after Epiphany in honor of the baptism of our Lord.