Baptism
Baptism marks the beginning of a journey with God which continues for
the rest of our lives, the first step in response to God’s love. For all
involved, particularly the candidates but also parents, godparents and
sponsors, it is a joyful moment when we rejoice in what God has done for
us in Christ, making serious promises and declaring the faith. The wider
community of the local church and friends welcome the new Christian,
promising support and prayer for the future. Hearing and doing these
things provides an opportunity to remember our own baptism and reflect
on the progress made on that journey, which is now to be shared with
this new member of the Church.
The service paints many vivid pictures of what happens on the Christian
way. There is the sign of the cross, the badge of faith in the Christian
journey, which reminds us of Christ’s death for us. Our ‘drowning’ in
the water of baptism, where we believe we die to sin and are raised to
new life, unites us to Christ’s dying and rising, a picture that can be
brought home vividly by the way the baptism is administered. Water is
also a sign of new life, as we are born again by water and the Spirit,
as Jesus was at his baptism. And as a sign of that new life, there may
be a lighted candle, a picture of the light of Christ conquering the
darkness of evil. Everyone who is baptized walks in that light for the
rest of their lives.
As you pray for the candidates, picture them with yourself and the whole
Church throughout the ages, journeying into the fullness of God’s love.
Jesus said, ‘I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.’
John 10.10
For more information about Baptisms try the
Church of England Website.
