1-13-2019 “What Is This All About?”

Sunday, January 13, 2019 ~ Baptism of Christ

Sermon: “What Is This All About?”

Gospel Lesson: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

When the Rigoli’s chose today for the baptism of Cecelia, I wonder if they knew that it was the day on the liturgical calendar when we commemorate Jesus’ baptism. How serendipitous! Here we are: the first Sunday after Epiphany reading from Luke chapter three as we celebrate two baptisms. So, it looks as if the theme of the day was designed for us, not by us. Baptism it is!

This sacrament is universally recognized throughout Christianity, yet it means different things to different churches and denominations. Those who grew up Catholic believe it is the way that we are cleansed from the stain of Original Sin. Those raised in one of the many Baptist traditions see baptism as that which marks a profession of faith. Baptists believe that baptism should follow the individual’s profession of faith, which is why they do not baptize babies or young children. Babies and young children can’t make such a declaration. And still, there are other meanings to this sacrament.

In our tradition, we see baptism as the way in which a person becomes part of the Church Universal, the body of Christ. One can choose this himself/herself, or parents can ask that their infant or young children be baptized into the church. If an infant or child is baptized, as in the case of Cecelia, confirmation is the rite through which she will affirm (or confirm) the promises made on her behalf.

Baptism is an act of initiation. I shy from that word “initiation” a bit, because it makes me think of fraternities — of pledges crying out, “Thank you, sir, may I have another,” as their backsides get bludgeoned by the house paddle.

But it is an act of initiation — the way that we are initiated (or welcomed) into the Church Universal. I have used that term a couple times assuming that you know what it means, and maybe you do. The Church Universal is the amalgam of all Christian Churches. Whether you are Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, or Protestant — and, if you are Protestant, it doesn’t matter if you are Congregationalist, Baptist, Episcopalian, Methodist, Lutheran, or a member of any other denomination that traces its roots to the early sixteenth century Reformation — if you are a Christian, you are part of Christ’s Church. You become part of this circle when you are baptized. Cecelia is the newest member of Christ’s Church.

But this view, which we embrace, is in danger of being seen as a one-and-done act. It is anything but that!

Notice what we did during the baptismal liturgy. We made promises. Her parents (Rachel and Jameson) and her Godparents (Paul and Jaclyn) made promises to raise Cecelia in the Christian faith, but you made promises as well. Specifically, you promised to love, support, and care for this child as she grows in the Christian faith. But let’s unpack that a bit. What are we really saying here?

“Love, support, and care” are the core words of the theological concept of covenant: a covenant, as I’ve said numerous times, being a relationship of reciprocal love, support, and care. This is not something to take lightly. These are not empty words we repeat as part of an empty ritual. This sacrament lies at the heart of our identity as a church. On one hand, promising our love, support, and care to Cecelia means that she will always have a spiritual home here — a place where she can go to Sunday school, be confirmed, and, who knows, get married one day! On the other hand, it means something else. We will be the listening ear when she brings us her doubts. We will be the shoulder to cry on when her heart is broken. We will be the people who will give direction when she is faced with a difficult decision. Yes, her family is that base for her, but so are we, for today we have become part of her family. If you didn’t sign up for this, then this isn’t the church for you. We are a family. We rejoice with one another and we cry with one another. We hold one another in our deepest pains. We lift one another up in prayer. Out there, it may be us versus them, but here it is only us.

In his essay “A Brief Defense of Infant Baptism,” Kevin DeYoung answers the question as to why we baptize these little ones. He says,

We do not believe that there is anything magical about the water we apply to the child. The water does not wash away original sin or save the child…We baptize infants not out of superstition or tradition or because we like cute babies. We baptize infants because they are covenant children and should receive the sign of the covenant.[1]

DeYoung claims that baptizing infants is “a privilege.” What a way to reframe what we are doing at this font! This is not just some service we provide to people. It is a ministry they provide to us as well: an opportunity for us to reaffirm why we are here, which is to worship God and to make and nurture disciples for Jesus Christ. What better privilege can there be!

How can we reaffirm our mission as a church? How can we be more committed to growth: in terms of numerical growth as well as spiritual growth?

The answer to these questions is fairly simple. We need to listen and we need to act: listen closely and carefully to what God is calling us to do, and then act upon it. This relates to each one of us individually and to us as a collective body, as a faith community. (Nike was onto something in 1988 when they coined the slogan “Just do it!”)

The start of a New Year is the perfect time to make resolutions. People have been doing this time immemorial. As we stand around this font and celebrate Cecelia’s baptism and commemorate the baptism of Christ, may we be committed anew. May we make a resolution before God and one another this morning: to be even more dedicated to our Church and the cause of Christ.

The theme of our ongoing Capital Campaign is “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Based on Matthew 6:21, this passage is usually used in stewardship campaigns. That makes sense: if you love your church, you will invest in it. But treasure isn’t just monetary, and we are to be stewards of more than just our wealth. Our children are our greatest gift. If our hearts are in the right place, we will be sure to model Christian conviction — an unparalleled dedication to Christ — and will raise them to feel the same way. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. We can invest in our children by providing them a loving home and a good education. We can imbue them with sound morals. There’s a lot we can do. But, if we do not provide them with a church that nurtures their spirits, then we are not giving our hearts to our treasure.

After Jesus was baptized, the sky opened — and a voice from heaven said, “This is my son, the beloved, with who I am well pleased.” Jesus is God’s beloved. And so is Cecelia. And so are we. You are loved. And so nurture that which you love. Amen.

[1] Kevin DeYoung, “A Brief Defense of Infant Baptism,” taken from The Gospel Coalition (online), published March 12, 2015.