Today, we celebrate creation and re-creation as we consider the waters of baptism and the waters of the Spirit that refresh and renew us, body, mind, spirit, and relationships. Process theology has much to say about creation as relational and emerging. God is constantly creating and is bringing forth new life throughout our cells and souls, and every aspect of the universe, human and non-human. Divine creativity encourages creativity and agency, supportive of our own growth and the well-being of our environment.

The Genesis creation story affirms God’s constant creativity. Although it appears that creation begins with the ordering of chaos, I suspect God’s creativity is always at work, without beginning or end. Creation is good, blessing is original, and loving light is inherent in our lives and the world. Sin, which many falsely describe as “original,” is, in fact, derivative, the result of turning from the divine vision toward destructive ways of life. God creates in and through the waters of life. God’s word and wisdom vibrate bringing evolving order to the universe. Divine wisdom is just as present in water molecules as in human souls. All is good in its emergence form divine artistry.

Psalm 29 describes divine glory. God’s glory and energetic power move through all creation. In awakening to divine glory, we experience the world in terms of what Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel describes as “radical amazement.” Amazement and appreciation are the most fitting responses to the works of divine creativity. While beauty may be tragic at times, in the words of Alfred North Whitehead, all things are created in glory. In the spirit of the First Americans of the Southwest USA, we can proclaim, “with glory all around me, I walk; all things begin in glory, all things end in glory; all things share in divine glory.”

Acts 19 describes the glory-filled baptism of God’s Holy Spirit. God’s Spirit awakens the Corinthians to new tongues and prophetic language. Mysticism is inherent in a spirit-filled universe. God moves through the sighs too deep for words and at times these spiritual insights may burst forth in ecstatic hymns and super-sensory awareness. This is not supernatural, but a heightening of consciousness and a deeper sense of the causal relationships of life. The world is filled with magic and mystery and possibilities beyond our wildest dreams. God’s lures are more than we can ask or imagine.

The baptism of Jesus describes another mystical experience. When Jesus comes up from the water, the Holy Spirit descends upon him, filling him with power and purpose. He receives an infusion of divine energy and guidance. He receives a word of loving affirmation, “you are my beloved child.” Jesus’ baptism invites him to embrace his vocation as God’s messenger, teacher, and healer. Jesus’ vocation is unique to him, and sets him apart as God’s healer and savior. Yet, Jesus’ vocational consciousness awakens us to our own unique vocations to be God’s companions in healing the world.

This affirmation is God’s word to all of God’s children, whether or not they are baptized. Grace comes to all of us. There is no division between chosen and lost; all are chosen through God’s life-giving love and energy. Today’s readings call us to affirm “I am loved.” Indeed, we are lovedbecause we are God’s children, not in spite of who we are or what we’ve done. Our baptismal affirmation applies to every person. All lives matter, our life matters; all are beloved. This has obvious interpersonal and political implications. Those whom God loves must be treated with grace and affirmation, and given full opportunity to realize their divine potential.

Rejoice in the waters of life. Let each morning’s shower be baptismal and refreshing. Let each day’s refreshments give us new life and birth us into God’s new creation.

Bruce Epperly is Pastor and Teacher at South Congregational Church, United Church of Christ,

Centerville, MA, on Cape Cod. He also serves as a professor in the D.Min. program at Wesley Theological Seminary. He is the author of 34 books, including Process Theology: Embracing Adventure with God and Finding God in Suffering: A Journey with Job. He may be reached for conversation and engagements at drbruceepperly@aol.com.