Week of November 6, 2000
Rosemary S.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit"
     Matthew 28:19

The little white card distributed at a meeting by Lutheran Brotherhood reads:

When you wash your face
remember your Baptism.
(Martin Luther)

This seems to be a wonderful way to begin and end each day, and keeps you mindful of your basic identity -- a child of God.

Holy baptism is administered with water in the name of the triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Baptism into the name of the triune God involves teaching the doctrine and meaning of the Trinity. The baptized are welcomed into the Body of Christ, the community which lives from "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit".

Today, there are slightly more than 5 million baptized members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Lutherans are usually baptized when very young and don't retain memories of the event. We do, however, remember the baptisms of our own children and children of the congregation. Therefore, we need to take seriously the promises made for the infant by the sponsors, or by those witnessing a baptism. "To bring the child to worship in God's house, and teach them the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments." As they get older, we are instructed to see that they have a copy of the Bible and read (or to be read to) from it regularly, provide for the instruction in the Christian faith, "so that they may lead godly lives." This is quite a commitment, and probably not followed through in most cases. How many children even know who their Godparents are, and how many Godparents follow up on the promises they made? Congregations are encouraged to appoint a member of the congregation as sponsor. This person serve as a mentor to the growing child and encourage participation in Sunday School, church activities, and eventually, Confirmation, which is now commonly called "Affirmation of Baptism".

Older children and adults who have never been baptized are to be given instruction in the faith prior to the ceremony. This instruction does not end at baptism, but requires life-long learning, to continue to emphasize the ministry and mission of the community. Baptisms are traditionally performed at the beginning of a regular worship service, at a font in the midst of the congregation, by having water poured generously on the head of the candidate. Some congregations who are renovating or building choose to incorporate a font with flowing water or even a pool large enough to allow for immersion. The location of the font within the church building should express the idea of entrance into the community of faith, and should allow ample space for people to gather around. Such occasions as the Vigil of Easter, the Day of Pentecost, All Saints' Day, and the Baptism of Our Lord are sometimes chosen for the celebra! tion of Holy Baptism. Giving lighted candles to the parents and marking the sign of the cross on the child's head with oil have become part of many ceremonies, but it is the water and the word that make this event one of the two Sacraments in the Lutheran church.

In Luther's small catechism, he reminds us: "Baptism is not water only, but it is water used together with God's Word and by his command", (Matthew 28:19). It is not water that does these things, but God's Word with the water and our trust in his Word. Water by itself is only water, but with the Word of God, it is a life-giving water which by grace gives the new birth though the Holy Spirit; by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, which God poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that we might be justified by God's grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life. This is most certainly true."

Further, Luther writes: "Baptism means that our sinful self, with all its evil deeds and desires, should be drowned through daily repentance; and that day after day a new self should arise to live with God in righteousness and purity forever."

Baptism is not just an occasion to dress up the baby and have a party, nor is it simply a "naming ceremony". Baptism is a solemn sacrament. It is the presentation of this new life to God, and the acceptance by God of this new soul into the priesthood of all believers.

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doing and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend my self, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.

Contributed by Rosemary S.
Published Monday November 6, 2000
Week 50 of Liturgical Year B