Children's Liturgy Guide

Baptism of the Lord

Year C · Christmas

God Calls Jesus His Beloved Son

Reading: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

Leader Prep

Don't worry about doing this perfectly. If the children hear one good idea about God, Jesus, prayer, kindness, forgiveness, or the Gospel, this time has been worthwhile.

Summary

Today we hear about Jesus being baptized in the river. When Jesus prayed, the sky opened, the Holy Spirit came down like a dove, and God the Father spoke from heaven saying Jesus was His beloved Son. This shows us how much God loves Jesus, and God loves each of us too.

Key Points

  • Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River
  • The Holy Spirit came down from heaven in the form of a dove
  • God the Father spoke from heaven calling Jesus His beloved Son
  • This moment shows us all three persons of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
  • God calls each of us His beloved children at our own baptism

Background

This reading presents the theophany at Jesus' baptism, one of the clearest manifestations of the Trinity in Scripture. The Father's voice, the Spirit descending as a dove, and the Son being baptized reveal the three divine Persons acting together. John the Baptist distinguishes his baptism of repentance from Jesus' future baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire. The phrase 'You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased' echoes Isaiah 42 (today's first reading) identifying Jesus as the Servant of the Lord. For children, emphasize the concrete, visible moment: heaven opening, the dove coming down, and the Father's loving voice. Set aside explanations of Trinitarian theology or the difference between John's baptism and Christian baptism. Focus on the beautiful truth that God called Jesus His beloved Son, and at our baptism, God calls us His beloved children too.

Session Flow

Opening Prayer

Invite the children to pray with you, then read the opening prayer below. If many don't know the sign of the cross, teach the whole group.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Dear God, thank You for loving Jesus and calling Him Your beloved Son. Help us to remember that You love each of us and call us Your children too. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Warm-up

Ask the warm-up question before the reading. There are no wrong answers; this is just to help the children connect today's reading to their own lives.

Has someone special ever said something really nice about you, like your mom or dad or grandparent telling you how much they love you?

Example: One time my grandma told me she was so proud of me and that I was her special granddaughter and she loved me so much.

Bridge to the reading: It feels so good when someone we love tells us how special we are. In today's reading, we will hear about a very special moment when God the Father spoke from heaven and told everyone how much He loves His Son, Jesus.

Read the Scripture

Read the day's selected passage aloud. The full Scripture text is not included here. Use a Children's Lectionary if your parish has one available. A children's Bible may also be helpful for younger children. Otherwise, read from a standard lectionary, Bible, or USCCB.org. Read slowly, with short pauses.

Reading Questions

Ask the questions conversationally. You do not need to use every question if time is short. The example answers are for leader preparation, not scripts or required answers.

  1. Where was Jesus when this special moment happened?

    Example: Jesus was at the river where John was baptizing people, and He had just been baptized in the water.

  2. What was Jesus doing when heaven opened up?

    Example: Jesus was praying after He came out of the water from being baptized by John.

  3. What came down from heaven and what did it look like?

    Example: The Holy Spirit came down from heaven and it looked like a dove flying down to Jesus.

  4. What did the voice from heaven say about Jesus?

    Example: The voice said that Jesus was God's beloved Son and that God was very pleased with Him.

Application Questions

Use these questions to help the children connect the reading to their own lives this week. Simple, concrete answers are best.

  1. How do you think Jesus felt when He heard His Father's voice from heaven saying He was loved?

    Example: I think Jesus felt really happy and warm inside, like when my dad hugs me and tells me he loves me.

  2. At your baptism, God called you His child too. What could you say to God to thank Him for loving you?

    Example: I could say thank you God for making me Your child and loving me so much every single day.

  3. This week, how could you tell someone in your family that they are special and loved?

    Example: I could make a card for my mom or give my little brother a hug and tell him I love him.

Recap

Today we heard about Jesus being baptized in the river. While Jesus was praying, heaven opened up, the Holy Spirit came down like a dove, and God the Father said, 'You are my beloved Son.' God loves Jesus so much, and at our baptism, God calls each of us His beloved child too.

Prayer of the Faithful

Before returning to the assembly, invite the children to share their own prayer intentions. Their prayers may be serious, simple, funny, or very specific. After each child's prayer, the group may respond: "Lord, hear our prayer." Lastly, include the suggested prayer below.

For all the babies and children who will be baptized this year, that they may always know they are beloved children of God, we pray to the Lord.

Mass Connection

If time allows, point out this connection just before returning to Mass. This helps children see that Children's Liturgy is still part of the Mass.

At the beginning of Mass, we make the Sign of the Cross and say 'In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.' This is the same three Persons we hear about in today's reading: the Father who speaks, the Son who is baptized, and the Holy Spirit who comes as a dove.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Loving Father, thank You for calling Jesus Your beloved Son and for calling us Your children at our baptism. Help us to always remember how much You love us and to share that love with others. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

ChildrensLiturgy.org

God Calls Jesus His Beloved Son

Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

Word Search

Optional activity: use the word search after the discussion if you have time, or send it home with the children. The words relate to today's Children's Liturgy Scripture passage.

Y M Z K L P O P O A D V G W M
Z T O B Y L F R I V E R P K R
J O H A A O L G Y R Y Y S Y G
I S Q P R A U C T S S N Z M Q
N L N T P I S M L L S T K H I
W O B I J X D N E Z V O I C E
Q F S S B C A U O V H V B Q G
Q V H M T I Y I Y S O E E J O
W S E F R X H N B Z R D L E N
J Y A R E T A W G H E S O S U
U T V I P R E H T A F P V U F
Y B E Y U V T H Y M Q I E S S
K W N P I X D M A N A R D K D
P C W I D R W P A Q M I P F V
L A R V G R G K K O R T L K N

Words to find

  • Jesus
  • baptism
  • dove
  • river
  • heaven
  • voice
  • beloved
  • Son
  • Spirit
  • Father
  • pray
  • water

ChildrensLiturgy.org