What2Say2Day? I'm beginning to prepare for this Sunday's Youth Talks (aka Sunday School) and am taking a look at baptism as it pertains to the Christian faith. Some of you may know tomorrow is the Epiphany, the day Christians celebrate the coming of the Magi to proclaim Jesus is born for the entire world. It also signifies the end of Christmastime (sad, but not really because Christmas is everyday...remember?)
The Sunday following Epiphany is known as the Baptism of Christ Sunday. The story we're using comes from Mark 1:4-11 where Jesus comes across John the Baptizer and gets dunked in the Jordan River (the passage does a far better job at telling the story). Then, as Jesus is being lifted out of the water we here God's voice as it proclaims, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.".
The focus of our Youth Talks will be whether or not we remember our baptism. And, if we were baptized as a baby, do we know the promises made for us when we were baptized. Chances are if you were baptized as a baby you won't know what these are or remember a thing. Yet, I see parents everyday in church trying their best to live out the words they pledged before God and the Church universal. I personally applaud these parents for the great sacrifices they make on behalf of their children - Thank you!
So, what exactly are those promises made on your behalf? That's your assignment for today. Talk to your parents, grandparents, an elder, a cousin, anyone who may have been there that day and ask them. Or, if you've been to a baptism recently recall the words and promises made. Then, ask yourself this question: Am I now prepared to live out these promises on my own?
I think you are, with the help of God.
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