One of my most favorite things to do as a pastor is celebrating the sacraments. We always celebrate the Lord's Supper every Sunday, but this Sunday we were able to celebrate both the eucharist and baptism. I love baptisms. They are so rich with meaning.
I baptized two little boys this past Sunday.
I've been asked on occasion by people why Presbyterians baptize infants and little kids when they have no idea what's happening to them.
The reason why Presbyterians and many other Christians baptize children and infants is because there is no better demonstration of the love of God than in baptism. The thing that makes baptism, baptism and not just getting wet is because of God. It's because God is present that the ordinary tap water is transformed into the waters of baptism. It's because God's present that the act of baptism becomes the seal which marks us as his own.
I've been asked on occasion by people why Presbyterians baptize infants and little kids when they have no idea what's happening to them.
The reason why Presbyterians and many other Christians baptize children and infants is because there is no better demonstration of the love of God than in baptism. The thing that makes baptism, baptism and not just getting wet is because of God. It's because God is present that the ordinary tap water is transformed into the waters of baptism. It's because God's present that the act of baptism becomes the seal which marks us as his own.
I use a baptismal liturgy from the Church of Scotland. It perfectly illustrates the meaning of baptism. It goes like this:
For you Jesus Christ came into the world:
For you He lived and showed God’s love;
For you, He suffered the darkness of Calvary
And cried at the last, “It is finished”;
For you He triumphed over death and rose in newness of life;
For you He ascended to reign at God’s right hand.
All this He did for you, though you do not know it yet.
And so the promise of God is fulfilled: “We love because God first loved us.”
While I was reading this liturgy, this little boy with his big blue eyes was listening to the entire thing nodding his head. He made me feel like he understood everything I was telling him.
Whether he understood the words or not, the fact is that God loves him. God loves him enough to die on the cross and to rise again for him. And not only for the two little boys, but for all who receive Jesus as Lord and Savior.
That's the beauty of baptism. It's all about God. All that we can do is to respond to the love of God already demonstrated for us in Jesus Christ.
That's right my friends. God loves you!
Have a blessed day!
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