Matthew 3:13-17 (KJV) “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
As I sat in the church service this morning, reflecting on how Christ was baptized by John the Baptist, I remember what my parents said about me when I was baptized by Rev. Konkel. It was such a special day with family members and members of my father’s congregation present, but somehow, I was more enamored with Pastor Konkel’s cross flashing before my eyes than I was in using my beautiful singing, “Ah,” sound. I grabbed the cross and hung onto it for dear life. When it was time for him to make the sign of the cross on my forehead, I began singing and didn’t stop until he said, “A-men.” My daddy lifted me up so that all could see me, first to the cross hanging by the altar and then to everyone in the church.
I know I was too small to know what was really happening, but I do know that I really became a child of the Father on that day. I have worn a cross around my neck ever since, and Christ has carried me through my life, in the good and the bad times. The baptismal water sealed me with the Holy Spirit and cleansed me of my sins with Christ’s blood. By His death and resurrection, I am freed and forgiven. I am marked with the sign of the cross, and nothing will ever drive me off the road to my Eternal Home. I faithfully, thankfully, and joyfully sing my beautiful, “Ah,” to Christ our King. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, I have maintained my faith, and I walk with my eyes looking towards my Eternal home.
Anna Hartt
