Emma's Baptism

When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened  and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21, 22 NIV)

My 4-month-old granddaughter, Emma, is being baptized this Sunday.  It makes me smile with a warm feeling in my heart just to type out those words.  I'm excited about the ceremony of it.  She will wear a pretty baptismal gown and her whole family is invited and we will go do lunch somewhere afterward.  But I am also thinking about the act of baptism itself and what it means FOR Emma and what it will come to mean TO Emma.

Most of you know that my theology leans decidely liberal, so I don't think baptism is "fire insurance."   I see a lot of merit in "believer baptism" and just love the symbolism in full immersion baptism.  Nothing says "you are cleansed"  better than that.  But there is something really wonderful about infant baptism.  It says in the clearest way possible that it is not of our own doing, but it is God's work alone.  After all, what can an infant do to help in their baptism?... they goo and gurgle or cry or spit up on the pastor.  But God still receives them and welcomes them.

When Jesus was baptized God said, "You are my son whom I love; with you I am well pleased."  I believe that each time a person is baptised, God says that again... with the word daughter when appropriate.  God is well pleased with each of us, even when we mess up.  He already knows we are going to, and he is there to help us learn and grow and get through it.

We need baptism.  We need that point of grace to look back to again and again... when we feel alone... when we've messed up... when the really scary things in life happen to us.  I don't have my baptismal candle (and don't know if I ever received one).  But if I did, I would get it out  and light it occasionally just to remind myself that God cares.... that GOD chose ME before I could ever choose him... and that I am his unique, miraculous creation.

I am so glad Emma will have that.

Father,
Thank you for this special "welcoming time" for Emma.  Fill her with your love and grace and with your Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Joys:  Baptisms of all kinds; Job offer for a friend and for Kevin; a very special wedding shower coming up