L) Our Lead Pastor, Dave Gruhn, opening the ceremony with a word from the Bible, while Executive Pastor Chris Lentz looks on. R) James giving his testimony.
Is there any better reason to celebrate a family occasion than the baptism of one of your children? When the child has made a profession of faith and agreed in obedience to publicly declare that decision, it’s time to rejoice!
Our church has an annual baptismal gathering at a lovely pond north of town. Daylilies festoon the banks, lily pads float lazily by, and if you’re wearing shorts you just might feel a fish nibble at your legs. Church family comes out with their lawn chairs and umbrellas and someone walks around with a cooler full of watermelon slices to help beat the heat.
Our son James was baptized Sunday. His written testimony stated that he has grown up in a home where Jesus is taught and loved. He said that he’s never had a “BAM!” experience of Christian revelation, but rather a consistently and diligently growing devotion to the Lord brought about by parents who made God a big deal in their family. My husband and I are quite pleased with his testimony.
I woke up Sunday morning celebrating the reason for the day. Here’s the twenty ways we celebrated throughout the day:
- We invited family to share in the glorious event.
- We all went to church together. I got teary-eyed during a drama about baptism.
- I told everyone at church, “James is getting baptized today!”
- I told my son I was very proud of him.
- We came home and James threw a Frisbee with his big brother and shot hoops with his Dad.
- We had a great meal of ham, potato salad (fries for James) and sweet corn on the cob.
- I went around smiling all day long.
- My husband, Bill, taught about baptism from the Bible.
- We presented James with a gift, a brand new Teen Study Bible to replace his (worn) Adventure Bible.
- I reminisced about certain days of his growing up.
- I hugged him and told him I loved him.
- I engaged in prayer speak all day long.
- I patted his shoulder.
- I patted his back.
- I patted his behind (he thinks he’s getting a little too old for that).
- I dabbed at tears.
- I tousled his hair.
- When we got back we had heaping bowls of fudge ripple and dulce de leche ice cream.
- I kept on smiling, well into the night.
- I told my son, again, how proud I was of him.
Our child’s baptism is a great reason to celebrate. Make it a special day of affirmation, praise of the Lord and remembrance of the occasion.How have you celebrated a baptism in your household?
L) He didn't even hold his nose!
R) Back home, basking in the glow of the Holy Spirit.
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