When we baptize, remember that something very important is happening. A child is being reborn. As Jesus told Nicodemus, "unless we are born again, we cannot enter the Kingdom Of God." In this sacrament, the baptized becomes God's child and obtains forgiveness for all sins. The child is raised from his or her natural human condition to the dignity of an adopted child of God. The child becomes a new creation through water and the Holy Spirit. Hence, they are called, and are indeed, a child of God!
The Bible clearly teaches us about the power of baptism. Baptism is called the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). It works forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). As water is used for bodily cleansing, so baptism washes away sins (Acts 22:16). Christ instituted baptism as a means of making disciples (Matthew 28:18-20), entering into the Kingdom of God (John 3:5-6), and of salvation (Mark 16:15-16 and I Peter 3:21).
The words spoken during baptism ("I Baptize You In The Name Of The Father, And Of The Son, And Of The Holy Spirit") indicate that our Lord is accepting the forgiven sinner into God's communion. Thus, baptism constitutes the establishment of a covenant which is similar to the covenant God made with the Children of Israel in which God declared, "From this time forth you are my child and I am your God."
The use of sponsors is not commanded by Scripture. However, it is a good church custom which has many benefits. In addition to serving as witnesses, the sponsors will assume responsibility, as godparents, for the Christian education of the baptized. They will also remember the child in their prayers.
This special candle, lighted just for today, obtains its light from the Christ candle. The baptismal candle symbolizes the promise that the parents and sponsors make on this day that they will do everything possible, with the help of God, to keep the Light in this child's heart going. Through holy baptism, the baptized has been enlightened by Christ. The parents and godparents both make such a promise today in front of God and the Church. We pray that when the Lord comes, we and the child will be able to meet God with all the saints in the heavenly Kingdom.
The rose has been placed on the altar by the congregation of Faith Lutheran Church. Like the baptismal candle, it also is symbolic. In the Old Testament, we read that the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose (Isaiah 35:1). Today, the desert blooms with new life through holy baptism. The rose symbolizes the kingdom of God, love, victory, and rejoicing. It reminds us that the baptized is welcomed into the kingdom of God, because of the great love of Jesus Christ. Because of such victory, can we do anything but rejoice?
"Thus it appears what a great, excellent thing baptism is, which delivers us from the jaws of the devil and makes us God's own, suppresses and takes away sin, and then daily strengthens the new person; and it is and remains ever efficacious until we pass from this estate of misery to eternal glory."
Martin Luther's Large Catechism
Baptism is not a momentary act. It is a life-long relationship to be celebrated and affirmed. You may wish to establish the tradition of a baptismal anniversary for your child. Here are some things you might plan to do:
Keep the baptismal certificate displayed in the child's room so that the date will become as familiar as their birthday.
Invite the sponsors and family members for an anniversary dinner.
If photographs were taken at the baptism, these might become the subject of conversation. Who was the pastor? Where was the baptism? Who was there? In such conversations, your child will learn to know more about her baptism. Perhaps photographs from each succeeding celebration might be added to the album.
Relight the baptismal candle at each celebration of the anniversary.
The child might be taken to the font and shown where she was baptized.
It would be as appropriate to give your child a gift on her baptismal birthday as on the accustomed birthday.
Updated 04/20/2008