The Epiphany of Our Lord
Traditionally, Epiphany is observed on January 6 as the celebration of the arrival of the Magi. Epiphany is also known as Three Kings Day or Theophany. Some sources indicate that Epiphany was observed as a holiday even before Christmas. Epiphany is derived from the Greek word “epiphaneia” which means manifestation or revelation. Epiphany commemorates several miraculous events—the virgin birth of Jesus, the visitation of the Three Wise Men, the baptism of Jesus, and the turning of water into wine. In each of these occasions, the identity of Jesus as the Son of God was revealed to varying groups of people.
The Baptism of the Lord is usually celebrated on the second Sunday of January. In some churches, baptism are traditionally scheduled on this Sunday. Following the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan, the voice of God is heard from heaven declaring ‘This is My Son, the Beloved” (Matthew 3:17).
The practice of baptizing babies did not begin until the second or third century. Initially, babies, like adults, were baptized (by full immersion) with all of their clothing removed. This was done, in part, to symbolize the removal of all worldly restrictions and rebirth into the life of Christ. Eventually, babies were no longer fully immersed, but they would be baptized while wearing swaddling. Swaddling was used not only to keep babies safe and warm, it was also used to restrict the baby’s movements.
The simple steps of cloth that comprises the swaddling gradually was replaced over the centuries by more and more elaborate fabrics. Eventually, special baptism gowns were worn by babies when they were baptized. Families would dress babies in the same gown for the baptisms of each of their children. The gown would be passed down through the generations. At Christ UMC in Plano the North Texas Conference, Ben and Brittany Manning baptized their daughter, Payden Rose, wearing the same baptismal gown that had been used for five generations. Payden was the sixth generation to use the gown that her family had purchased in 1867.
John Wesley observed the sacrament as a powerful means of grace for initiating believers into a covenant relationship with God. Baptism is an outward sign of an inward grace reflecting the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of each of us. Baptism is a holy event that celebrates the roles of the parents and the congregation in the life of the person being baptized. In the cases of infant baptisms, generations of families are joined by generations of the church and they pledge to surround the baby with a community of love to help nurture the child to the point of making a personal public profession of their faith.
Confirmation is a celebration and service of the church that usually occurs during the teenage years of each child. Some youth who are confirmed are baptized during the confirmation service. Most Methodist youth are baptized as infants and therefore they acknowledge their baptism. (We do not practice “re-baptism” in the Methodist church because baptism symbolizes the work of God which is perfect and does not need to be repeated.)
During infant baptisms, there can be several unpredictable moments that can range from embarrassing to dangerous. Some parents and ministers are completely unnerved by a crying baby during baptism. Other families tell embarrassing stories of babies’ flatulence during baptism that is sometimes picked up by the microphone. Ministers tell stories of being kicked by children with hard-soled shoes when they a picked up to be baptized!
As part of our ongoing series of Unforgettable Memories: Stories of Love, Laughter and Life, we will share some of the stories of baptism, conversion and revelation that are treasured by families. We are looking forward to seeing you Sunday in worship and we encourage each member to participate in class and at least one ministry of the church. Remember, the church is at its best when everyone finds their place to serve.
