Our sweet baby Claire was baptized yesterday. Knowing that some friends/readers don't believe in infant baptism—I myself was raised Disciples of Christ and baptized on my own volition at age eight—Matt and I have both written posts in the past about why we believe in infant baptism for our children. I think it's funny how
Matt's post is based on early church history and theologians, and
my reasons for baptizing babies are rooted in my own experience and reasoning about faith formation. If you know us, it kind of makes sense!
Anyway, our celebration of this blessed event was beautiful, as we promised to help Claire learn about God and be like Jesus. Claire was very smiley and talkative yesterday, so angelic and delightful. She wore the heirloom gown Matt's mom made for him in 1980, which his brother wore also, and then Kate in 2009.
I nursed her through most of worship, and then the baptism service (and renewal of baptism for everyone, since it was Baptism of the Lord Sunday) came at the end. Dr. Doug Meeks, our professor at Vanderbilt Divinity School, came as guest preacher and to do the honors. Dr. Meeks' main message came from
Isaiah 43:1,
"Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name;
you are mine."
The choir sang "God Claims You," from
The Faith We Sing songbook. It's like a lullabye and just so beautiful! You plug the child's name into the refrain:
"Claire Moriah, God claims you; God helps you, protects you, and loves you too."
After church, we had a little reception at our house. I LOVE to decorate for parties, and did this event in green and pink with flowers, ornaments hanging from the light fixture (70% off at an after-Christmas sale; I thought the pink and green baubles we a nice combo of winter sparkle and springy baby-style), and butterflies (green, sparkly, and an appropriate symbol of rebirth!)
Kate had a great time too, playing with BFF Becca.
God bless you, Claire Moriah!
The End :0)
(Here are some pics from
Kate's baptism, if you're interested :0)
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