Read John 3:1-15. It was a pleasantly cool evening. Jesus was resting from His weary work on the flat roof of a home-a porch or patio of those times. Light footsteps were heard slipping up the outside stairs. Jesus wondered if He was hearing the wind. But no, a well-dressed man turned the corner and came near. He was obviously a leading citizen of the community. “Rabbi, I was wondering if we might have a talk about religion. I’ve become quite interested in some of these new ideas you’ve been talking about.” Jesus must have shocked Nicodemus to the bottom of his sandals. “Nicodemus, there’s only one thing you have to do. And that’s to start all over again in life. You need a new birth, a birth from above.” Nicodemus sputtered and fumbled for words. “But how can this be?” And Jesus went on to explain that by the working God-the-Spirit in the water of Baptism new life could be created…eternal life. But a person must not look to his own abilities to capture this new life. New life, rebirth, is a free gift from above, a gift which comes through Christ. Nicodemus wanted to be a spectator, but Jesus called him to become caught up with the life of God. Answer these questions: 1. What does the Lord teach us about our condition, about everyone born of human parents?
2. What does He say will happen by the work of the Spirit and the use of water?
3. A difficult question: in what way is the working of the wind like the work of the Spirit in Baptism?
4. To what event in His own life does Jesus refer in verse 14?
5. How is new life made possible?
Read the following letter entitled “Baptism is Not a Private Affair.” It is written by Rev. David Brown, President of the Iowa District of the American Lutheran Church. I have heard in a circuitous way lately, after preaching in a congregation, that some people have reacted by saying: “Why does he stress baptism so much?” That troubles me greatly. I, first of all, do not think I stress it all that much. It also says that baptism is relatively unimportant in their thinking about the faith. I would contend that what separates us from other Christians who do not subscribe to infant baptism is a far greater difference than just that doctrine. It has to do with our basic understanding of grace. Perhaps baptism is minimized in the thinking of many because it is practiced in a less than satisfactory manner. It is not magic. It is the act of a community of faith. Therefore, it should be offered to those families who will take seriously the enjoinder of “faithfully bring them to the service of God’s house, and teach them... (and) place in their hands the Holy Scriptures and provide for their instruction in the Christian faith, that . . .they may lead godly lives until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Lutheran Book of Worship, p. 121) Baptism is not a private affair. It, therefore, should under all circumstances be an act in the midst of the community. It should never be done in a home or after a worship service. That would be a deprivation of the whole community of faith. This is said with the perfect knowledge that if such a practice is insisted upon, there will be powerful resistance. Inactive members just do not like to stand up in front of the entire congregation to acknowledge that regular worship is unimportant to them. No matter, Baptism is not magic. It is the act of a community of faith. It is the most powerful demonstration of the naked grace of God available to us. Under most circumstances, a baby should not be baptized because the parents are home visiting the grandparents. I like grandparents-I am one. Yet that often becomes an excuse for avoiding the inactivity of the parents in their own community. There is no excuse for a pastor down the road to baptize a child that was refused for good reason in that child’s own congregation. That pastor should be under church discipline. Baptism is not magic. Baptism is an act of a community of faith. Baptism should be an occasion for teaching. What an ideal time to come to the home and explain to the parents (and sponsors, if possible) the meaning of this decisive act. So, what if this is the sixth child? Parents that care for the Christian nurture of their young never resent hearing the Good News that God is now about to adopt another member into the fellowship of the Christian Church. Baptism is not magic, done for the sake of giving the child a name. It is the act of a community that begins with the immediate community of the nuclear family. Sponsors must be chosen with care. If they are not responsible Christians, what would be the point? This is not a christening. This is not an act whereby family members or friends are to be given a left-handed honor. It may be the most significant request one makes of another human being. (Some Danish traditions have the entire congregation serve as sponsors for the child, and that is very good practice, but in this day of heightened mobility, perhaps a bit impractical.) What request made of you has been more awesome that of a life-long concern for another human being and that person’s relationship with Jesus Christ? That means a life-long commitment to pray for that person, remember baptismal anniversaries, and continually be in touch to witness to one’s spiritual concern for that person. The responsible sponsor does not consider baptism magic. The caring sponsor represents the entire community of faith as a special liaison to the baptized person. Baptism is God breaking into human life with His grace. It deserves all the care it can receive.
Answer these questions: 1. What popular understanding of Baptism is the author attacking when he says, “Baptism is not magic?”
2. What are the “wrong circumstances” for Baptism?
3. What is the “community of faith” the author refers to, and what does it have to do with Baptism?
Read the two enclosed papers, Baptismal Sponsors and Anniversary of Baptism. Write a letter to your child that he/she will open at the time of confirmation. Explain why you believe Baptism is important, and why you wanted him/her baptized. Share the story of your own growth in the Christian faith.
Thank you!
When you bring your child to Holy Baptism, you will be asked to fulfill these obligations: In Christian love you have presented ____________________________________ for Holy Baptism. You should, therefore, faithfully bring him/her to the services of God’s house, and teach him/her the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments. As ____________________________________ grows in years, you should provide for his/her instruction in the Christian faith, that, living in the covenant of his/her Baptism and in communion with the Church, he/she may lead a godly life until the day of Jesus Christ. What is the point of all this? The point is that there is always a strong connection between Baptism and faith. On the one hand, Baptism is the time when God will give his gift of the Holy Spirit and he will begin to create and awaken faith in this little person whom he calls his child. On the other hand, this sacrament is always to be received in faith…that is, that you who answer for the child on this special day must do so in faith. You need to be aware of God’s action in your own life so that you will be ready to help your child understand God’s action in his/her life. As parents, you are accepting a great responsibility as you bring your child to Baptism. In the early Christian church, because of the persecution that made life so uncertain, parents would often ask “sponsors” to share this responsibility for the Christian growth of the child should anything happen to the parents. It is a tradition which has continued within the church…a good tradition. Today, the threat of persecution is in most instances slight, but sponsors or “god-parents” still offer faithful support, and if the need should arise, can still assume responsibility for the child’s Christian upbringing. As you choose the “sponsors”, think about their responsibilities. Are they Christians? Do they exhibit the faith which you want your child to grow into? Are they willing to assume the responsibility of sharing in your child’s Christian growth? The “sponsor” is an important person in the life of your child…choose carefully…do not be tempted to choose certain people, whether friends or family, just because it is expected. As you ask someone to be a “sponsor”, they might well ask what you expect of them. Ask them to remember your child in their prayers. As them to remember your child on special days, especially each year on his/her baptismal day…perhaps a card, a Baptismal candle to be lit on each anniversary, the framing of the Baptismal certificate, the making of a special banner. You as parents may seek to invite “sponsors” to be present at other important times… Bible Sunday, First Communion, and Confirmation. But most of all, the “sponsors fulfill responsibility as they live out their Christian faith. It is true: children learn from what you do, not necessarily what you say. Baptism and the presence of God in your child’s life will take on special meaning if they see that very presence as an important part of the lives around them…in you as parents and “sponsors”.
Anniversary of a Baptism is intended for use in the home and may be led by a parent or sponsor.
A baptismal hymn may be sung.
The sign of the cross may be made by all in remembrance of their Baptism as they say: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
As the baptismal candle is lighted, the leader may say: Jesus Christ is the Light of the world, the light no darkness can overcome. -ORLet your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
One or more lessons may be read by members of the family: A READING FROM EPHESIANS: In Christ you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, which is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. (Eph. 1:13-14) A READING FROM SECOND CORINTHIANS: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come. (2 Cor. 5:17) A READING FROM ST. MATTHEW: Some people brought children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and to pray for them, but the disciples scolded the people. Jesus said, “Let the children come to me and do not stop them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” He placed his hands on them and then went away. (Matt. 19:13-15)
Those present may discuss the meaning of Baptism for daily life. The service of Holy Baptism or Luther’s Small Catechism may serve as the basis for such discussion. The leader may introduce this conversation with these words: In Baptism, God brings us into his family and calls us his own. By Baptism, God gives us the gifts of faith, love, life, forgiveness, and strength, and asks us to respond in faithfulness to him and in service to others. In answer to the question, “What does Baptism mean for daily living” The Small Catechism responds: “It means that our sinful self, with all its evil deeds and desires, should be disowned through daily repentance; and that day after day a new self should arise to live with God in righteousness and purity forever.”
Prayers follow: Leader: Let us pray. Gracious Lord, we thank you for the new life you have given us through Holy Baptism. Especially, we ask you to bless ______________________ on the anniversary of his/her Baptism. Continue to strengthen ________________________ with the Holy Spirit, and increase in him/her your gifts of grace: the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, and Spirit of joy in your presence: through Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen. Those present may be invited to offer petitions and thanksgivings; conclude with The Lord’s Prayer. The blessing is said. Leader: The Lord Almighty bless us, and direct our days and our deeds in his peace. All: Amen. Reprinted from Occasional Services, copyright 1982, by permission. Inquiries concerning rights and reproductions not herein authorized should be directed to one of the publishers.
