For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. (John 3:16-17)
In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. (1 John 4:9)
And when Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him; and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16-17)
Fr Alexander Schmemann comments on this joyful Feast of God’s love for His creation:
On the feast of Theophany, the Church proclaims publicly that the world in which we live is the world of God, created by God and moving toward God. It also proclaims that God has responded to all man’s infidelities and falls by the appearance in the world of his Son, who sanctified life and brought it back to God. And in proclaiming this, it rejoices and gives thanks. And this joy, this thanksgiving, which is stronger than blasphemy and hatred, is shown to be a victory, eternally overcoming the world. (A Voice For Our Time: Radio Liberty Talks, Volume 2, Kindle Loc 4971-4974)
The LORD has made known his victory, he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations. He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. (Psalm 98:2-3)
When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)
Fraternized 