Joshua’s Baptism

Boy, I’m really behind! I’m going to attempt to catch up in a few days, so that I have special events like this one documented in my boys’ lives.

Over Thanksgiving weekend my family (mom, dad, sister and grandmother) came into town, and we took the opportunity to have Joshua baptized that Sunday. It was special to have so many important people in Joshua’s life there as he was welcomed into God’s family.

Joshua, Mama, Daddy, and his sponsor, my good friend Cheryl

Our whole crew… minus Colton? Not sure where that little rascal got to!

I’m not sure I’ve ever written about the baptismal gown our boys have worn. It was made by my great grandmother (who I never knew) for my grandmother, her first child. It is meticulously sewn by hand, with beautiful embroidery, and has lasted almost 100 years, and has been worn by my grandmother, her six children, her thirteen grandchildren, and many of her great grandchildren, my boys included. Such a special piece of history.

A few of the things I put out on the food table at the little reception we had at our house. The tree in the background is has the thumbprints of all of those who came to visit him in his first days and weeks. We added the prints of a few of my family members who couldn’t come then, and now it hangs in his room.

Cheryl, who’s an amazing paper crafter, made Josh this beautiful candle holder with his verse on the back. We’ll light it every year on his baptismal birthday as we remember the waters of his baptism.

For a blast from the past, you can read about Charlie’s baptism here, and Jack’s here.

Child of God

There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.

Luke 21: 25-28

This was the gospel text last Sunday, which happened to be the first Sunday in Advent, my favorite season of the church year, and was also the date of Charlie's baptism. The word redemption was one that rang though my head (it helps that it was printed largely on the front of the bulletin :-) all through the service.

Redemption... the deliverance from sin in which we are given eternal life. It seemed fitting to me that on a day when we read about the ultimate redemption of our sinful beings, Mike and I, and our siblings as sponsors, had the opportunity to profess our faith, renounce the forces of evil, and accept on Charlie's behalf the promises that God makes to us through His covenant.

I can't help but think back to this time last year, as we mourned the loss of our baby through miscarriage, and to those first couple of days  when Charlie was very sick in the NICU. And again, in my mind the word redemption rings strong. I'm not a theologian, far from it, so please forgive what is probably not perfect theology. However, to me, Charlie's baptism is perfectly summed up with the word redemption. God's unfailing love shown as our family was entrusted with a sweet baby just weeks after losing one, a product of the fallen world in which we live. God's mercy shown as a healthy Charlie was carried down the aisle and held in front of the congregation at the font, two months after an earthly mistake almost cost him his life. In those days, I considered briefly in my mind calling our pastor to have him baptized in the NICU, so to be able to stand with my son, surrounded by family and our congregation, as we made those promises was an amazing feeling (we'll skip the part where Jack was trying to gouge my eyes out and screaming :-). That's not to say that God would be any less good if we hadn't been given Charlie, or if he had gone to heaven just after birth, but the way that God brought restoration through these events gives me a tangible understanding of his redemption. And for these things I am, of course, so thankful.

"Charles Jeffery, Child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.”

Last weekend was Jack's baptism celebration. It was great to get to share it with so many of our family and friends. My parents and grandmother, Momsie, were all able to fly in from Florida and Georgia. On Saturday night we had many of our family and friends over for an open house. Then, on Sunday, we met and celebrated Jack's becoming a member of God's family. Here are a few pictures from the big day. I'm just in love with the one of him sleeping- what an angel!