I have been privileged to take a number of baptisms in the last few weeks, and they are wonderful family occasions, all gathered together to witness the baptism of a small child; but sometimes there is an adult who wishes to be baptised too. We baptise the person, young or old, into the family of God using water as the symbol for Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
We know only too well from the recent drought, how important water is to sustain us, not only with its thirst-quenching qualities, but also to wash and clean the things we need to use in our everyday living. We rely so much on water for ourselves and for our animals, crops and the whole of creation. We are asked to use it sparingly as this wonderful resource does not come as an endless supply – what would we do without it? It has been important throughout generations, and there are a number of stories in the New Testament that illustrate its symbolism in the Christian faith – the wedding at Cana, Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well and of course the Baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan.
As I mentioned earlier, age is not a barrier to being baptised; I was baptised when I was in my twenties. If you would like your child/children to be baptised or maybe yourself or any member of your family, then I would be happy to chat about it with you. Jesus himself was baptised before he began his short ministry on earth, and he did that as an example to all of us – and we should follow his example as we try to live our lives.
May I wish you God’s love and peace
Revd Graham
