O come, let us adore him - Day 5

Baptism

Followers of Jesus Christ try diligently to do as He did.  They strive to follow his perfect example. Faith in Jesus Christ and repentance prepare us for the ordinances of baptism and confirmation.  Because he came to earth and submitted his will to his Father's will, we too can return to live with our Heavenly Father again through the ordinances of the gospel!

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to speak at the baptism of my little granddaughter Ellie on the topic of baptism.  In preparing for the talk, I reviewed and learned again why baptism is so important for those who truly desire to follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ.  We have to show our faith by following his perfect example by being baptized as he was.

Ellie is an inquisitive little girl who asks a lot of questions.  She has been well taught by her parents and her primary leaders through the years, so the message was more of a review for her and a reminder to me and the many people who came to attend her baptism about the importance of this saving ordinance.  I organized my message to address the basic questions in the mind of this little girl because inquisitive minds want to know!

Who should be baptized?
     All those who desire to be followers of Christ - those who come to a knowledge of their redeemer, all those who seek eternal life, Matthew 3:13-17, Acts 2:37-39
What happens at a baptism?
     A person enters into the water, is completely immersed under the water, a set prayer is offered through one holding the power of the priesthood, the person is confirmed and given the gift of the Holy Ghost.
What is a baptismal covenant?
     A binding and solemn agreement between God and man, keeping covenants brings blessing in this life and exaltation in the life to come,
When can a person be baptized?
     Age of accountability which is 8 years old, younger children don't need baptism, they are redeemed through the mercy of Jesus Christ, Moroni 8:4-24, D&C 68:27
Where are people baptized?
     Usually in a baptismal font, but sometimes in a body of water where the person can be completely immersed following the example of Jesus
Why is baptism necessary?
     Baptism shows our willingness to follow the Savior, we become members of his church and his disciples or followers, we take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, we strive to keep his commandments and serve Him to the end, we renew this covenant each week when we partake of the sacrament worthily and by so doing we promise to always remember his sacrifice, to renew our promises and to receive his Spirit to always be with us, we take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, we repent when we make mistakes and try and do better, Luke 22:15-20

This darling family sealed together
 for time and all eternity

The family group who love this little girl

Her monogramed blanket to always
remind her about the comforting and
 warm influence of the Holy Ghost

So proud of this little angel girl

So very, very grateful that her daddy
could baptize and confirm her a member
of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints.