11˝I baptize you with water f...

11"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. - P92

16As 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.

17And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." - P93

Many people come to the Jordan River to be baptized, but John the Baptist explains that his water baptism is for repentance. There is someone much greater and more powerful who will baptize them with the Holy Spirit and fire, empowering and equipping God’s people to serve His kingdom. - P94

Jesus will also execute judgment, separating faithful believers from the wicked and unrepentant. We are reminded that we are empowered to do God’s work, but we are not to be prideful about it. - P94

John the Baptist understood that his impressive ministry was not about his own recognition. Likewise, our ministry is about faithfully directing people to the Savior who both equips and judges His people. - P94

Jesus approaches John to be baptized even though He is sinless and has noneed for repentance. His humility in identifying with sinful humanity soshocks John that he initially tries to deter Him. However, Jesus explainsthat His baptism is part of God‘s will. A powerful moment follows, wherewe see the Triune God: the Holy Spirit descends like a dove, and the Fatherspeaks from heaven, affirming that Jesus is His beloved Son. This affirma-tion marks the beginning of Jesus‘ public ministry.  - P94

His example challengesus to embrace obedience even when it requires us to humble ourselves. Inserving God and His people, we should not be concerned with recognitionfrom others but find security in God‘s affirmation that we are His belovedchildren. - P94

Father, I want to follow Jesus’ example of humility and obedience. May I be sensitive to Your Spirit and secure in Your love, seeking Your approval above all else. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. - P94

1In those days John the Bapti...

1In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea

2and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."

3This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’" - P88

7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?

8Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.

9And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. - P89

John the Baptist is the prophesied messenger who prepares the way for people to receive Jesus. He preaches a clear message: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near" (v. 2). - P90

Repentance means turning away from sin and turning toward God. Hearing John’s message, people from the entire area of Judea confess their sins and are baptized in the Jordan River as a symbol of their cleansing and forgiveness. - P90

We see the importance of repentance in order to enter God’s kingdom. - P90

We cannot be true citizens of heaven if we indulge in sin. - P90

Not only are we to turn away from sin, but like John, we are also called to proclaim the gospel, pointing others to Jesus, our Savior and King. - P90

The Pharisees and Sadducees also come to the Jordan River, but John theBaptist says that they are like a bunch of snakes that are trying to run awayfrom the coming wrath. They try toclaiming Abraham as their forefather. However, John the Baptist sees thattitles and outward appearances than genu-they care more about reli. ‘Orefand security in following the Law andine repentance.  - P90

True repentance produces good fruit; people can see andexperience God‘s kingdom reflected in our words and actions. The fruit ofrepentance demonstrates that we are God‘s children and live in obedienceleads to a life that not only receives God‘sways.  - P90

 Repentance leads to a life that not only receives God‘s gracebut also radiates His character to the world. - P90

"You‘ll never find refreshing rest apart from a relationship with the Redeemer."
- Brian Bill - P90

In today‘s passage, John the Baptist tells the Pharisees and Sadducees to
"produce fruit in keeping with repentance" (v. 8). We see a similar messagein the letter of James: "Show me your faith without deeds, and I will showyou my faith by my deeds" (James 2:18). These words remain relevant forus today. It is true that we are saved and sanctified by God‘s grace, but itis important to consider whether our actions reflect the inward change inour hearts. This does not mean that we should compare our works with theworks of others to see whether we could be perceived as righteous. Instead,
we should be checking the state of our hearts to ensure that what we do isin line with the faith that we claim to profess.
- P91

Our deeds are a reflection of the state of our hearts. If our heart is in sub-mission to the Lord, then this will show in how we live. We cannot havetrue faith without actions that naturally reflect what we believe.  - P91

Our actionsare an outward expression of our faith. Therefore, as believers, we shouldcontinue to seek God daily, connecting our hearts with His. We shouldcare about what He cares about. As we do so, we will begin to mirror Hischaracter and produce good fruit that reflects the faith, goodness, and lovethat we have received from Him. - P91

Dear Lord, I am grateful for the grace You have shown me in forgiving my sins. I recommit to walking daily in repentance and obedience, turning away from sin and walking forward with You. In Your name I pray, amen. - P91

13When they had gone, an ange...

13When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him."

14So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt,

- P84

19After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt

20and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead." - P85

After the Magi depart, Joseph feceives a divine warning in a dream: Heroseeks to kill the child. In obedience, Joseph takes Mary and Jesus to Egypt,
where they remain until Herod‘s death. This mirrors Israel‘s story: rescuedin Egypt and later called out again by God. Herod‘s cruelty leads to themassacre of innocent children, but even in tragedy, God‘s sovereign planis not thwarted. Jesus was preserved because His mission was not yet complete.  - P86

Thispassage teaches us two vital truths: first, that we must be sensi-tive to the Holy Spirit‘s lead, even when it requires immediate and costlyobedience; second, no scheme of the enemy can derail God‘s purposes. Hiscanopy of protection ensures that His Word is fulfilled. - P86

After Herod‘s death, God directs Joseph to return to Israel. Yet, upon learn-ing that Herod‘s son rules in Judea, Joseph is again warned and guided tosettle in Nazareth. What seems like a practical adjustment is actually part ofGod‘s plan, fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would be called a Nazarene.  - P86

Our lives are not random; every twist and turn is woven into God‘sdivine tapestry. Even when the path looks uncertain, or circumstances forceunexpected changes, God is still in charge of our destiny.  - P86

What may appearas detours are often the very roads that align us with His promises. Therefore, we can walk in confidence, knowing that God is faithfully guidingeach step toward the fulfillment of His purposes. - P86

"For all the days ordained for me, the Lord will unfailingly give me what is best, untilhe brings me safely home."- Vaneetha Rendall Risner - P86

Sovereign God, thank You that Your purposes cannot be thwarted. Help me to walk in obedience to Your Spirit’s lead, even when You call me into unknown places. Protect me from fear and remind me daily that I live under Your covering. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. - P87

The Lord knew that Herod would intend to kill Jesus, and because of that,
Mary, Joseph, and Jesus would have to flee to Egypt to escape the king‘smurderous intentions. Following Herod‘s death, the Lord also knew thatMary, Joseph, and Jesus would return to Galilee and end up in Nazareth.
Herod‘s intentions could not and did not defeat God‘s authority, despiteHerod‘s best efforts. The same is true when it comes to our own intentionsand the intentions of others.
- P87

When we make decisions, we make them based on intentions we havein our hearts. Those intentions can be aligned with either the Lord‘s will,
our own will, or the will of others. However, when those of us who followGod make our decisions based on something that does not align with theLord‘s will, or others make decisions that affect us yet are not aligned withthe Lord‘s will, God still has the final say on what will occur.  - P87

Anything thatHe does not allow to happen will not happen. Herod intended to kill Jesusbut failed to do so because the Lord did not allow it. For those of us whofollow the Lord, this should come as a comfort because we have a God whois in power over everything and has authority over all.  - P87

Therefore, in everycircumstance, we need not worry. He is there with us, He knows what willhappen, and He knows what we need to face what He allows. - P87

1After Jesus was born in Beth...

1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem

2and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."

3When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.

- P80

9After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.

10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
- P81

King Herod responds to the news of Jesus’ birth with fear and insecurity rather than joy. Instead of recognizing the arrival of the promised Messiah, he sees the child as a rival to his throne. His desire is not to worship but to destroy. This is a picture of how the human heart resists God’s purposes when driven by pride, fear, or self-centeredness. - P82

While Herod represents hostility to God’s plan, the Magi, who also seek the child, come with hearts ready to worship. The same truth holds for us: When we walk in the flesh, we risk opposing God’s work and missing the blessings of God’s grace. But when we surrender to Him in humility, we find joy in Christ and participate in the work of the Holy Spirit. - P82

The visit of the Magi is a beautiful picture of the wideness of God‘s grace.
These men were foreigners and outsiders to Israel‘s covenant story, yet Godused a star to guide them to the promised Messiah. They came, boweddown, and worshiped Jesus as King, presenting gifts that acknowledgedHis royal and divine identity. In sharp contrast to Herod‘s hostility, theMagi demonstrate humility and joy in their encounter with Christ.  - P82

Theirobedience to God‘s warning shows that God both draws people to Himselfand protects His purposes. God‘s grace transcends boundaries of ethnicityand culture. Anyone anywhere can come to Jesus. We only need to havehearts that welcome and acknowledge His kingship. - P82

Lord, keep my heart from pride and fear that blind me to Your purposes and tempt me to resist You. Help me to walk in humility, acknowledging Your kingship so I may be ever ready to celebrate the work of Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. - P83

[오늘의 한문장] 새벽나라 SENA 2026.1 (영문판)

Joseph is a man of integrity caught in a confusingsituation. As a devout Jew, he desires to uphold theLaw, yet he also loves Mary and does not want toshame her publicly. His decision to divorce her qui-etly shows both compassion and righteousness. Godintervenes and reveals the truth about Mary‘s childand the role Joseph is to play in God‘s redemptiveplan. - P43

The angel gives two names for Mary‘s child:Jesus, meaning "the Lord saves" and Immanuel, "Godwith us." These names reveal the depth of God‘s loveand the completeness of His plan.  - P43

Jesus is the Saviorwho rescues humanity from sin and death. He is alsoImmanuel, the God who walks with His people intheir struggles, joys, and everyday lives. - P43