January 2005 by E. Louise Williams
(Click here for downloadable artwork)

Baptismal Reflections
Matthew 3:13–17

And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” —Matthew 3:17

When you gather around the baptismal font, you might be able to see God’s amazing grace reflected in the water.

Whether or not you can remember your own baptism, it is reflected there in the water. In that moment God was touching you, loving, calling you by your own name, marking you with the cross of Christ, and sealing by the Holy Spirit a promise that will not be broken. The same God who spoke at Jesus’ baptism, speaks also to you: “You are my son. You are my daughter. My beloved. I am so very pleased with you.”

Reflected in the baptismal water are also the faces of all the other people who have been washed in that water. These are people who by Baptism are joined with you in the body of Christ. They are the people who welcome you and nurture you in the faith. They are the people who are your companions on the journey. They are share bread and wine with you at the communion table. They speak words of encouragement and challenge to you. They are the people who help you and who receive the gift of your aid. They join with you in the work of your congregation. They are the people who sometimes rub you the wrong way. They are people who are sometimes hard to be with, hard to love. The baptismal water can remind you that all are marked with the cross of Christ and live in the forgiveness of sins—each a beloved daughter or son of God.

In the baptismal water you might see a reflection of the Spirit of God who comes to inspire, encourage, and call. The Spirit calls you and everyone who ever was or will be washed with those baptismal waters to a life of ministry, a life of service in the name of Christ. With Baptism come both the invitation and the power to shine with the light of Christ and to join in bearing God’s creative and redeeming word to all the world.

For reflection and discussion: How does Baptism shape the way you view yourself, each other and the work that you share in your congregation?

Prayer: Gracious God, help us to see ourselves and each other as your baptized, beloved children, and inspire us anew for the ministry you call us to do in Jesus’ name. Amen