Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

This morning we celebrate the baptism of Everett Rose.  And in doing so, we remember our own baptisms – one of the most important acts of the church and one of only two sacraments celebrated in the Protestant Church. 

The act of baptism is one that reminds us of that we are children of God, beloved by our creator, and that we are part of a larger family…, the people of God. 

What has always struck me about baptism is that many people take it as a entirely private matter.  No, it is NOT a private affair, because, first of all, it is the biggest celebration of the community of faith and, second, it is a serious commitment to the life and ministry of the Church.

Over the years of my parish ministry, many people approached to me and told me that they wanted their children to be baptized. I tried to explain what baptism is all about and suggested to have a baptismal class with me.  These classes are offered, of course, for the candidates and their parents to have an opportunity to learn and seriously think about their baptism.  These are also for me to find out if they are ready to make a serious commitment to the Christian life.  Unfortunately, many of them wanted the baptism without making any commitment. In many cases, their motivation is like having an insurance policy: what happens if something terrible happens to their child or grand-child and they are not baptized?  This should not be the motive. 

I am very happy to know that the Rose family is not like them.  As baptized Christians, both Jamie and Aaron fully understand the meaning of baptism.  

The Baptismal covenant is God’s word to us, proclaiming our adopting by grace, and our word to God, promising our response of faith and love.  Those within the covenant constitute the community we call the Church.  By Holy Baptism we are incorporated into the church, which is the body of Christ, and made on in Christ. 

Because the Rose family understands this, they want to raise their children in faith by joining our church in the fall – with possibly a couple of other families.  Yes, we will have another big celebration in the fall. And I am looking forward to it.

My point is this: the Rose family is ready for baptism and full commitment to Christian life.  Now, as a faith community, are we ready?  As I said earlier, baptism is not a private matter; it is a communal event.  That is why we ask the following questions to the sponsors and congregation during the baptismal covenant.  “Will you who sponsor these candidates support and encourage them in their Christian life?”  “Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life and include these persons now before you in your care?”

What I hope that we always remember about baptism is that it is an act shared by the community and that the promises made by the congregation are as serious and as important as the vows made by Jamie and Aaron today.   

Before I conclude my sermon, let me make just one more point: Baptism is not just the isolated event of community.  It is a process.  It is a journey.  We canremember our baptism because it is not just that thing that happened perhaps before we could form memories, but it is the grace that continues to this day and beyond.  Baptism is the birth of a life of growth.  Baptism pledges us to the process and practice of faith throughout life. 

In baptism we find the fullness of the Christian life and hope, the fullness of God’s acts in the past and promises in the future.  It is the journeyof life, the ongoing blessing and promise and the ongoing CALL to ministry to all of us, not just the ordained clergy. 

When Jesus was baptized, 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.”

When we baptize Everett in a moment, may God open the door of heaven and pour down heavenly blessings upon him and his family and our church.

My brothers and sisters in Christ, remember your baptism.  Unify your spirit, your heart, your mind and God’s amazing strength.  Serve the Lord, serve our church and serve this world. Live as witnesses to the resurrection. And continue to grow on this journey. Amen. 

Let us pray:

O God, we praise you for calling us to faith and for gathering us into the church, the body of Christ.  We thank you for your people gathered in our church and rejoice that you have increased our community of faith. 

Together may we live in the Spirit, building one another up in love, sharing in the life and worship of the church, and serving the world for the sake of Jesus Christ.   Amen.