Baptismal meditation, Fourth Advent

Luke 2:6-7: And it came to pass that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Christmas is a particularly appropriate time to baptize an infant. As we saw in the sermon this morning, Christmas is all about the humility of God who became a baby for us. God the Son came from the Father, was conceived by the Spirit in the womb of Mary, went through a human birth, grew up, lived, and died a human death. That is the story of God the Son; He lived a human life, and took on a human biography which is the biography of Israel and of the whole human race. As we saw this morning, the Christmas story is the story of the humility of God, the God who is humble enough to become a baby for the sake of His people.

Baptizing a child at Christmas highlights in a particular way the fact that God the Son did all this for us. He took human nature to Himself bring us into fellowship with Him. As Athanasius said, the Word took on our nature so that our nature could become the Word of God in Him. He took flesh so that we might become the flesh of God. He assumed a human body so that we might become members of the body of Christ. He incorporated Himself with us so that we might be incorporated into Him. That is what this and every baptism is all about – incorporation into the Incarnate Son.

All children are helpless, and Evelyn has been particularly helpless during the few weeks of her life. But when you think of her helplessness and weakness, be reminded of the weakness of God, which is stronger than men. As you raise and nurture Evelyn through the years, remember that she was baptized at Christmas season. As you raise her, meditate on the humility of God who took flesh for us. As you watch her grow in wisdom and stature, remember that the Son of God went through the same process of growth and development. Every time you look at her, every time you discipline her, take her presence as a reminder of the gospel of Christmas, the good news of the humility of God.