Anna’s baptism

When I first heard the Bible’s story of Anna the prophetess, I was moved to tears.

A life of faithfulness, devoted to worship, proclaiming the name of Jesus.

I imagine reading the verses to my daughter one day, telling her, “This is the story of Anna, whose life of faith pointed to the faithful One.

“There was also a prophet, Anna…She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” Luke 2:36-38

The Sunday before Thanksgiving, we laid claim to God’s promises for Anna by having her baptized. Not that she is faithful, but that He is faithful. Acknowledging that while we are weak, and broken, and tired, He beckons us to come and rest in Him. Publicly proclaiming that we are trusting in the Lord for Anna’s salvation, and for our own.

Jesus is at work, and we are thankful.

Do you acknowledge your child’s need of the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, & the renewing grace of the Holy Spirit? Yes.

Do you claim God’s covenant promises on her behalf, & do you look in faith to the Lord Jesus Christ for her salvation, as you do your own? Yes.

Do you now unreservedly dedicate your child to God, & promise, in humble reliance upon divine grace, that you will endeavor to set before her a godly example, that you will pray with & for her, that you will teach her the doctrines of our holy religion, & that you will strive, by all the means of God’s appointment, to bring her up in the nurture & admonition of the Lord? Yes.

After the service, we celebrated Anna’s and Tom’s birthdays with family. It was a low-key event with football on the TV, blackberry pie, paper plates, and cousins running laps in the living room.

This is the mindset I’m praying for in this season of gratitude as we head into Advent, Jesus is at work and we are thankful.