Theophany - Work of Spirit

Most think of Theophany as that day we bless the waters and then have the priest come to bless our homes. But, it is much more important than this. It is the initiation of one of the important mysteries of the Church. On this day God established for our salvation the sacrament of Baptism which is how all who call themselves Christian are freed to walk the path to union with God. Those who have been baptized live in the hope of a life in close relationship with God, freed of all sins through the grace of the Holy Spirit.

St. Gregory of Nyssa tells us the following about this sacred event,

Today He is baptized by John that He might cleanse him who was defiled, that He might bring the Spirit from above, and exalted man to heaven, that he who had fallen might be raised up and he who had cast him down might be put to shame... And this gift it is not the water that bestows... But the command of God, and the visitation of the Spirit that comes sacramentally to set us free. But water serves to express the cleansing.

Reference: A Sermon for the Theophany, St Gregory of Nyssa