Put a Pin in It

Word from Wiese

10 January 2024

Oakridge, Oregon. That’s where I was baptized. How about you?

As the Epiphany season unfolds, this Sunday at church we move to the celebration of Jesus’ baptism . . . which leads to the celebration of our baptisms as well. As a fun feature, in the gathering space there will be a map of the United States. Everyone will be invited to take a push pin and insert it into the town where they were baptized. So, if you don’t already know where, do a little research by contacting family members who might remember. How many states do you think we’ll be able to mark in terms of when we were marked with the cross of Christ? 20? 30? More?

While you’re at it, see if you can “pin down” other details. For instance, I know I was baptized on Sunday, 30 April 1967 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Oakridge, Oregon. If I remember correctly, my sponsors were David Buuck and Sally Miller. How about you?

I’m told this upcoming Monday is “Blue Monday.” The third Monday in January is often referenced as the saddest day of the year. We’ve either struggled with or broken already New Year’s resolutions. Credit card bills bulging with Christmas present purchases have started to arrive. Weather can be dark and dreary. (How did you like the deluge from Monday night through Tuesday mid-afternoon? Did you see Noah’s Ark floating by?) For those struggling with SAD (seasonal affective disorder), this non-holiday of “Blue Monday” arrives without much surprise.

How awesome, therefore, Christians spiritually prepare for the saddest day of the year by reaffirming one of the happiest days of our lives. For in our baptisms, as we are washed in both water and God’s promises, there is so much to celebrate! We are made children of God and siblings of Jesus. We are connected mysteriously and sacramentally to the death and resurrection of Christ. So that just as Jesus died, we die. And just as Jesus rose, we will rise too. We are empowered with spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit. We are equipped to be dynamic contributors in God’s agenda of hope for the world and not just consumers. So come this Blue Monday, when you arise, take some water and make the sign of the cross on your forehead and declare loudly, “I am baptized into the new life of Christ!” Claim super news to transform a sad day.

As I wind down, let me close with two pictures. Last Sunday, Pastor Miriam spoke of the magi possibly riding on camels to follow the star to find Jesus. In the Holy Land, all of us had a blast taking our turns for a mini-camel ride, not to mention a quick kiss. Secondly, what a joy it was for our pilgrim band to re-affirm our baptisms (one is only baptized once in life) in the very Jordan River where Jesus was baptized. This Sunday, even though we won’t walk to the Jordan, Jesus nevertheless will find us afresh! For we are powerfully and always connected to him through baptismal waters and promises. Indeed, in the Great Commission, in which Jesus instructs the apostles to baptize people of all nations, he tells them to remind everyone that “he is with us always, even to the end of the age.”

Questions of preparation for Sunday:

Where were you baptized? In what city/state will you put your pin this Sunday at church? What other details do you know about your baptism?
If God loves everyone anyway, then why is it important to be baptized at all? How would you answer this question if it was asked of you?
If you haven’t been baptized, would you like to talk to one of the pastors about what it’s all about?

In Christ’s hope,

Pastor Fritz

Let us pray.

Merciful God, thanks the sacrament of baptism, modeled and commanded by Christ. We celebrate that you claim, mark, and empower us. That you let the world know, in the spirit of Jesus, you love us and are proud of us. Uphold us in the gifts and promises of baptism, and unite the hearts of all whom you have brought to new birth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28.19-20