This last Sunday in our 9am service we were privileged to celebrate the baptism of little Bryce – one of the most cheerful babies I’ve met in a while :) It’s a significant moment for the child and family, but also a reminder to all of us that we are loved as that baby is – with no strings or conditions attached. In some Christian traditions baptism is held back until the person is able to make that choice for themselves. I appreciate and respect that perspective, but I think that our role is only part of the story.
Our journey with God begins long before we are even aware that there is a God – Wesley describes this hidden action of God in our lives as *prevenient grace*. Later, our eyes are opened to the point where we can make a choice for ourselves, but by this stage we are a bit like small children waking up halfway through a long car journey – God has already carried us so far! So there is a sense that whether baptism takes place at the beginning as babies, or later as adults, it represents the entire journey in the company of God. Wherever you find yourself in that journey, may you know today that you are unconditionally loved as a child of God.
Our journey with God begins long before we are even aware that there is a God – Wesley describes this hidden action of God in our lives as *prevenient grace*. Later, our eyes are opened to the point where we can make a choice for ourselves, but by this stage we are a bit like small children waking up halfway through a long car journey – God has already carried us so far! So there is a sense that whether baptism takes place at the beginning as babies, or later as adults, it represents the entire journey in the company of God. Wherever you find yourself in that journey, may you know today that you are unconditionally loved as a child of God.