Among my four sons, we have had baptisms at three different churches. Such is the life of a pastor’s family. It gave me a chance to observe different baptism traditions and practices common in churches though, and I found it an interesting study. Two of our churches gave us banners with my sons’ names cut out in felt and glued to a felt shell. One church gave a thick white baptism candle with ages marked on the side in hopes that we, the parents, would burn it on our child’s baptism birthday each year. One church gave our family a colorful Bible story book and followed up with mailings each month with tips and resources for raising a young Christian. The pictures from the boys’ baptisms all look very different, but there is a lovely continuity among them all as well.
God’s Family
They were all called to be a part of the same spiritual family that day. They were given the same faith in the same Lord and received the same promise of forgiveness and resurrection. That’s what makes baptism such a gift. Years from now when temptations or troubles assail them they have a firm foundation to stand on. “But I am baptized!” they can say. Regardless of the banner they received or if they burned their baptism candle the correct amount or even if the pastor really meant the words he said, their identity as a child of God is a trustworthy reality.
Baptism Resource
Are your young students learning about baptism? Are you looking for an activity to supplement your lessons and give your students a creative outlet? This baptism craft and writing activity is perfect for you! It provides fill in the blank learning pages about baptism and a chance for your students to write about its significance in their own lives. They make wonderful hall or bulletin board decorations!
If you are looking for this ready-to-use resource for your students, check it out in my store.
Looking for related articles? Check out:
Do You See a Ghost or a God? – Teach by Faith
Books of the Bible Songs – Teach by Faith
10 Great Ways to Be Human – Teach by Faith
Looking for more related articles from other authors? Check out:
What Do Lutherans Believe About Baptism?
Martin Luther on the New Birth from Water and the Spirit in Baptism
