Dear Baptized Ones,

   We have the benefit of witnessing the baptism of Ellie Street on Sunday, Dec. 18th. Daniel and Greta recognize that Ellie is the wonderful answer to prayer from God that they had (and we had) anticipated for so long. They desire that she would grow up knowing this God that lovingly fashioned her as a covenant gift in His perfect but mysterious timing. They also want her to recognize her dependence on Him for eternal life by faith alone through grace alone in Christ alone as signified in her baptism. With great anticipation, Daniel and Greta look forward to the day when Ellie confesses Jesus the Christ as her Savior whom she will have been taught about by her parents and the Church!
   Witnessing a baptism during the Advent season should spark anticipation within us as well. We should look forward to the return of Christ with great joy. Joni Erickson Tada beautifully captures this anticipation in A Christmas Longing:

On this side of eternity, Christmas is still a promise. Yes, the Savior has come, and with him peace on earth, but the story is not finished. Yes, there is peace in our hearts, but we long for peace in the world. Every Christmas is still a “turning of the page” until Jesus returns. Every December 25 marks another year that draws us closer to the fulfillment of the ages, that draws us closer to…home. When we realize that Jesus is the answer to our deepest longing, even Christmas longings, each Advent brings us closer to his glorious return to earth. When we see him as he is, King of kings and Lord of lords, that will be “Christmas” indeed!

   Take time this week to consider how your baptism points forward to an even greater reality in the resurrection. Anticipate with joy the last Advent when Jesus will come to make all things new and dwell with His people because of the fulfilled promises in His first Advent. Improve upon your baptism by recognizing that it is a past event with significant implications for the present and the future. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to walk in resurrected newness of life now for God’s glory as you anticipate the return of Christ.

In Christ,
Cameron