Sunday December 6th, 2015 2nd Sunday of Advent Luke 3:1-6
?a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. (verse 3)
Recently we participated in the baptism of our newest grandchild. It was a new experience for us because our other grandchildren were baptized by my pastor spouse at our home church. Since he has now retired, our daughter chose to have this baptism at the church she and her family attend, a different denomination in a different city. My husband was graciously invited to do the actual baptism.
We were thrilled that our grandson was baptized by his grandfather but it was strange to be “visitors” at a family baptism. As we prepared for our grandson’s baptism, I was reminded that baptism is an important preparation for life in Christ and an important part of our Advent worship.
Baptism is the bestowal of God’s forgiveness through the special cleansing that is new and unique for each person. The special cleansing of baptism prepares us for a lifetime of receiving God’s love and forgiveness. As we prepare for the birth of Jesus, the one who atoned for all of our sins, we are reminded that just as baptism prepares us for our lives, it also prepared Jesus for his life of teaching, loving, pain and suffering.
Thank you for the wonderful gift of baptism and for this time of remembering. Amen. — KIGN
Contributed by Baptism is preparation
Recently we participated in the baptism of our newest grandchild. It was a new experience for us because our other grandchildren were baptized by my pastor spouse at our home church. Since he has now retired, our daughter chose to have this baptism at the church she and her family attend, a different denomination in a different city. My husband was graciously invited to do the actual baptism.
We were thrilled that our grandson was baptized by his grandfather but it was strange to be "visitors" at a family baptism. As we prepared for our grandson's baptism, I was reminded that baptism is an important preparation for life in Christ and an important part of our Advent worship.
Baptism is the bestowal of God's forgiveness through the special cleansing that is new and unique for each person. The special cleansing of baptism prepares us for a lifetime of receiving God's love and forgiveness. As we prepare for the birth of Jesus, the one who atoned for all of our sins, we are reminded that just as baptism prepares us for our lives, it also prepared Jesus for his life of teaching, loving, pain and suffering.
