Watching an infant baptism can be quite mesmerizing. At a glance, it might seem to be another “church ritual”. And depending on the tradition you grew up in, it might raise some theological questions. Just recently we participated in such a celebration as one family (someone who grew up at Westminster and said her ‘yes’ to Jesus here) presented her child for this covenant-making ceremony.
This experience can be deeply impactful for our community. There will be those who join this family in adult Bible study and volunteers and nursery workers who sing lullabies and whisper-sing “Jesus Loves Me”. Some of you even will tell the Story of Jesus through Scripture-infused song and projects at VBS, coach and mentor with basketball teammates, guide and challenge at youth retreats, build trusted relationships through Community Groups. Through it all, they will see Jesus.
There is a line from a baptismal rite from the French Reformed Church that gets me every time. After reciting the great deeds of heaven and mission of God to rescue mankind, the pastor says,
“…All of this was done for you, though you do not know any of this yet. But we will continue to tell you this good news until it becomes your own. And so the promise of the gospel is fulfilled: “We love because God first loved us.”
In these words, I am mindful that we enter a community experience like no other! We are storytellers and keepers of the hope found only in Jesus Christ. Every little child (and their family) who enters into this covenant shall be blessed by our watchful and tender care. Every young person will be encouraged and challenged to nurture this lifelong relationship with a Savior. Every adult – no matter how old or young – will bear the Name of Jesus and shine brightly in our community… all so that the next generation will discover life in Jesus Christ.
In doing so we are not participating in a “ritual”. Instead, we are enjoying God and making Him known.
Not Just a Corner 