Saturday, January 14, 2017

Remember your Baptism: I am God's Beloved.

Lord,
I can't remember my baptism.
I was only 3 months old.
Some would say that's too bad;
some might doubt whether it was a baptism at all.

I have witnessed many baptisms --
adults, youth, infants --
children of God of all ages.

The things that matter
are always the same:
the water -- a gift from your creation,
the words -- I baptize you in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
the washing -- You are forgiven and set free to love and to live,
the wonder -- "You are God's beloved; with you God is well pleased."
the welcome -- Child of God, Child of the Covenant, welcome into the family of faith,
the work -- sent to proclaim might acts of God who calls the world out of darkness into marvelous light!

Oh,
I am baptized alright!
Washed in the Waters.
Drowned in the Deep.
Claimed in the Covenant Waters
Flooded by the Fountain of Life.
Poured into by the power of the Spirit.
I am baptized!

In times of difficulty and hardship,
like the great reformer Martin Luther,
I find myself touching my forehead,
remembering,
and drawing great comfort in knowing:
"I am baptized!"
Thanks be to God!
Amen.

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