Renewing our Baptism: Renewing our Faith, Renewing our Passion
“John went ... calling for people to be baptized to show that they were changing their hearts and lives and wanted God to forgive their sins.”
Advent marks the beginning of the new Christian year. Last week, Rebecca preached from Luke 21 where Jesus says, "Take care that your hearts aren't dulled by drinking parties, drunkenness and the anxieties of day-to-day life" (Luke 21:34). 2024 has been a year and like you, I am ready to turn a page. So, in a twist from our rhythm and the liturgical calendar, we will hold a renewal of baptism this Sunday, Dec. 8 at both services.
The timing is perfect. I will be preaching on the text above (Luke 3:3) where John comes with a passion to find and baptize people who have a passion to turn away from their sin and instead walk with God. For those baptized by John, it was a new beginning of their lives – lives intended by God to be lived anew with Christ. Renewing our baptism with Christ gives us opportunity to give to God the sin that has clung too tightly this past year and receive again the faithful joy – the faithful passion – of our salvation, JUST in time for this blessed Christmas season.
During this Sunday’s service, you will have opportunity to touch the waters of baptism, touch your forehead or palm, and then clasp your hands in prayer at the kneeling rail. Stay as long as you want to find the forgiveness you need and that God is ready to grant. Your pastors will be available to you for prayer then or after the service, whichever is helpful to you. This Sunday receive from God the passion – the joy of your salvation again – just as those disciples did by way of John the Baptist in the Jordan River.
There is a lot of preparation we all do for Christmas, but I can think of none more important than being on our knees this Sunday in worship. I hope you will make every effort to attend; it will be memorable.
Grace and much peace,
