“Remember your baptism and be thankful.”
Confirmation or Reaffirmation of Faith Baptismal Covenant I The United Methodist Hymnal
I had always been on the other side of the font. As a pastor, I had always been the one receiving the sometimes squirmy, sometimes sleepy bundle of joy in my arms… the one asking those questions about sin and freedom and grace… the one praying that baptismal prayer about the ark and the rainbow and the parted sea and the water of a womb… always been the one to sprinkle water and say “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” I had always been on that side of the font.
But eight years ago to the day — May 13, 2012 — I was suddenly the one bringing my sleepy bundle of joy to the front of the church… the one answering those questions about sin and freedom and grace… the one listening to that baptismal prayer about the ark and the rainbow and the parted sea and the water of a womb… the one watching as the pastor took my son in his arms, sprinkled water on his forehead, and said “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
Eight years ago today. How is that possible?
Eight years ago today. How will we celebrate?
We’re accustomed to celebrating birthdays, of course… complete with streamers and piñatas and cake. But we’re not so accustomed to celebrating our baptism days, our bapti-versaries. Yet when we remember our baptisms, when we remember what our baptisms mean, there is so much to celebrate!
When we remember our baptisms, we celebrate the fact that God has offered us a new lease on life.
When we remember our baptisms, we celebrate the fact that God’s grace is at work in us.
When we remember our baptisms, we celebrate the fact that God has claimed us as God’s very own and proclaimed: You! You are mine!
That’s worth celebrating… with streamers and piñataminds and cake, even, if you feel up to it.
So remember your baptisms, friends. Remember your baptisms, even if you don’t know your bapti-versary date. (If you were baptized at Wesley, reach out — we may be able to help you find the date!) Remember your baptisms, even if you can’t recall the actual moment. Remember your baptisms by remembering everything they signify. Remember your baptisms, and be thankful, and celebrate. God has offered you new life. God has put grace to work in you. God has claimed you as God’s very own.
That’s worth celebrating, now more than ever.
Remember, friends:
Our God is bigger than coronavirus.
Our vision is bigger than coronavirus, too.
We are people blessing people.
We are Wesley Church.
Blessings,
Pastor Candy
Want to know more?
- Learn about our church and its ministries: https://wesleychurch.com/
- Make a gift to support our mission: https://wesleychurch.com/giving-2/
- View our recent messages: https://wesleychurch.com/sermon-message-on-video/
- View previous devotionals: https://wesleychurch.com/pastor-candys-devotionals-2/
