It’s been raining a lot recently! One of our local news stations reported that Louisville hit a new daily, monthly, and annual rain record this week. That’s a lot of rain! Now, I’m okay with a good rain. There’s something somewhat cathartic in a soaking downpour. However, there’s also something deeply frustrating of day after day of steady sprinkles. It gets into your psyche and, when it’s cold out, it sits in your bones (at least it does mine). 
I realize I’m a guy who just plain needs sun light. I blame my home state on that need of mine. I love the warmth and the brilliant brightness that the sun showers down. So, this morning, it will not surprise you, that when I got in my car and headed out of my neighborhood that the sun light that was greeting the day made me downright giddy. I put on my sunglasses and, though I was cold, I felt a warmth hit me. That’s a great feeling, don’t you think?
I sat down in my office this morning and as I reflected on that great “Sun feeling”, I hit play on my iTunes list and a very exciting overture started playing with all kinds of Christmas themes. It was further energizing and exciting to hear and experience. Later today, I get the joy of talking with some parents about the baptism of their children, and that’s really making me soar.
Baptism is such an amazing act when you think about it. Regardless of what camp you come from in the theology of Baptism, ultimately we all believe that it’s about God’s act of grace in our lives and our connection to the body that Christ came to redeem. Baptism for us Methodist is a sacred realization of the inclusion that we have in the community – we never have to worry about being alone because we are loved by this beautiful God and are connected to other believers. Every baptism that I preside over or witness is a personal reminder that I’m a part and that I have a responsibility to the community. As each person gets wet, I’m reminded of my own baptism – of my own inclusion and of my own opportunity to be there for other members of the body!
We each have those opportunities. We are here for future generations so that this world will be different – it will look a little more like His “kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.” Baptism is that reminder that we all are a part and because of that we can experience a deep Hope. It sure doesn’t mean we won’t face rough patches. It doesn’t mean that we won’t feel really down because life has a way of being cruel and harsh. It does mean that we have a constant reminder that we are never alone and that we don’t have to face the crud alone.
I’ve been preparing for our annual Blue Christmas Worship service this week and came across a quote that grabbed my attention – “God became human in order that humans might participate in God.” This is the assurance of Baptism and the beauty of Advent. We have a God who entered the story, was born into poverty and raised away from his home. When he began his ministry he sought out John the Baptist and started the family and this community through Baptism. He was the first of what would be many to follow into the participation of God. During this Advent Season, I truly pray that we’ll all be reminded of our inclusion into God’s big huge family. I pray that you and I will be able to find the pure joy of being a participant in this beautiful life giving God. I pray that you’ll feel the warmth of the son’s assurance that no matter what you face – you never are alone!
