Baptism is a deeply profound and spiritual moment in the life of a Christian. I was baptized as a young child, about 10 or 11 years old. I truly believed as a child that Christ died for my sins, was my Savior, and was resurrected. And, as an adult, I still believe it. My child-like faith was centered on God’s love and grace for me. Some people have asked me if I regret getting baptized at a young age. Every time, my answer is the same: “No, not at all. God was present in my childhood, even before I knew it, and my baptism was a confirmation of my faith in Christ.” I took my baptism seriously as a child. It was a moment in time where I was welcomed as a member of the Body of Christ.
However, as seen in this video, sometimes there can be some light moments as well:
My friend and fellow pastor, Elizabeth Evans-Hagan allowed me to share this baptism video. Turn your volume up, watch, and listen.
The guy just wasn’t ready! The truth is, this last video was a “practice” baptism. Read Elizabeth’s blog post about it.
In our Gospel scripture for this Sunday, we read of John the Baptist calling people to baptism. John called people to repent and to be baptized. One of these baptisms was Jesus’ baptism. Several other people were baptized along with Christ, but when Jesus was baptized something special happened. The heavens open and the Holy spirit descended upon Christ like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my Son, the Beloved, with you I am well pleased.”
This event of Christ’s baptism was a signal for believers. This is the way that we are made whole… pure in God’s Kingdom. Metaphysically, we do not know what “happens” at our baptism. Although, we know what happens spiritually: baptism is an outward symbol of an inward spiritual reality. We are symbolically washed our sin and welcomed into God’s salvation.
Have you been baptized? Do you remember your baptism? What did it feel like? What does baptism mean to you?
This Sunday, if you are in Ballston Spa, I invite you to come and join with me in journeying through Christ’s baptism event. You just might be surprised what happens… you might be called into the water! Just don’t jump in cannon ball style. 🙂
Baptism of our Lord C
Isaiah 43:1-7
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
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