The Diocese of Gaylord celebrated the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, held on Jan. 9 this year, during which time the church remembers the example Jesus Christ set through receiving water baptism at the hand of his cousin, John the Baptist.

The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, also known as the Theophany, marks the end of the Christmas season, according to Catholic Culture. 

“Today is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Let us say a prayer of thanksgiving today for the Lord who humbled Himself to welcome the Holy Spirit into humanity through the waters of baptism. ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased,’” Diocese of Gaylord posted on its Facebook page.

According to Bible Gateway, the Gospel of Matthew describes the event when Jesus presented himself to St. John the Baptizer, who was in the Jordan River baptizing those who wished to be cleansed of their sins. During this pivotal moment in the start of Jesus’ earthly ministry, the Holy Spirit descended from Heaven in the form of a dove and the voice of God the Father spoke. 

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?' Jesus replied, 'Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.' Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased,'” Matthew 3: 3-17.