Baptism and The Beginning

This Sunday is a special Sunday in Christian tradition; we celebrate the baptism of Jesus. And, we have an opportunity to re-dedicate ourselves, renew our baptismal vows. Also, if you have never been baptized, we ALWAYS welcome that gesture, anytime of year at Water's Edge.

This week's scriptures relate to baptism in distinct ways -- Rev. Molly will explain that more fully on Sunday -- but, join me in taking a look at the first scripture, Genesis. This brings us the very first words written in the Bible: "In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters."

See? Water is an integral part of our experience on earth... it has been since "the beginning."

- Our bodies are 60% water
- 70% of the fresh water on earth feeds our agriculture
- Oceans make up 71% of the earth's surface.
John the baptist spoke of water v. spirit baptism, and we often see images related to cleansing as well.

One of my favorite depictions of baptism comes from a rather unorthodox source, the movie "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" The haunting voice of Alison Krauss, along with choir voices in the background, and the abundance of the river... it gives me chills just thinking about it. As corny as the characters are in the movie, the look on the face of the one baptized is so real, so good, so- joy-filled (pops up at 2:06), I feel as though I'm standing on the river bank waiting too...

So, as we gather this Sunday, be ready to share those images that come to mind for you in baptism... of the spirit, the beautiful... the light from dark.