Beautiful is such a common word that we use it each time we see something that refreshes the eyes. But I am using it here in the context of something that goes beyond what my eyes see--but what my heart and soul feel.
Baptism.
It is a most beautiful event because it is a public celebration of a person's spiritual transformation and new life in Christ. It holds deep symbolic meaning and provides an opportunity for me and the community of believers (the church to which I belong) to witness and support the person’s public declaration of faith.
On our church’s 50th anniversary celebration, two young men were baptized during the worship service. One of them, Ygo, happens to be the elder son of the couple in whose wedding I was a witness (ninang). I have likewise been a witness to how this kid grew up into a fine young man who decided to openly declare his faith to a church brimming with witnesses.
While Christ was his personal decision, baptism is a public, outward expression of that inner commitment to Jesus Christ. The act of immersion in water symbolizes the death and burial of one's old, sinful life, and rising out of the water represents resurrection to a brand-new life with Christ. (I included an image of the dove as symbol of the Holy Spirit, representing its descent upon Jesus during His baptism and its presence in every baptized Christian.)
The other young man, Ryan, is basically a new member of our church, but his walk with Jesus was quick, as though he ran all the way to the place where we see our own faith journey and God’s grace.
This shared experience, as we continue to celebrate with thanksgiving our 50 years guided by our faithful God, strengthens our bonds.
Following the Savior's example, this obedience is . . . beyond tears of joy and words.
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