Happy New Year! How many made new year’s resolutions? How are we doing at keeping these? New year’s resolutions continue to be a popular idea because the change in the calendar offers a transition point. It is a new year, so, people think: why not try something new, let go of those things that are problematic, do something that might make a difference? Transition points can create possibilities for those willing to put in the work.
John baptised with water for the forgiveness of sins. It was a powerful, symbolic act that created space for people to experience a sense of transition. Think about the act of washing. To what extent have we watched the dirt flow off our hands and/or bodies as water poured over us? Have we had a time when a long day was healed by a soothing bath or shower? Have we intentionally sought out water – a river, pond, lake, or ocean, to find the peace and renewal we needed? Water can be a tool of transition, helping us move from one state to another.
Forgiveness is an invitation to let go of those things which distract and undermine our relationships with God, with each other, and with the world. This act of letting go can provide an opportunity to wash away that which has become a burden and feel a sense of renewal and possibility. Forgiveness, whether it is something we seek for ourselves or need from others, creates space through which we can move from a state where we are burdened by sin, to one where we are freed by love.
Thus, the Baptism of John offered as a transition point, a way to help people reflect on their lives, consider what to let go of, and open themselves to the possibilities of what might come next. The patterns we use for baptism today continue to be rooted in symbolism that reflects the Baptism of John. Our practice of Baptism also points beyond this transitional moment to what, or rather, who, came next because transitions are not only a one and done event.
We know that washing once does not mean we will never need to wash again. We know forgiveness is something that is needed regularly. We know there are new year’s resolutions that don’t make it past the first week of January. Transitions require ongoing reflection, ongoing work, ongoing commitment to the possibilities of change. The Baptism we celebrate now points to all of this because it embraces the One who came after John.
He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’
Baptism in the Anglican church continues to include the symbol of water, reminding us that, in God, we can be washed clean. Baptism also points to forgiveness and redemption as candidates and sponsors renounce Satan and the evil powers that corrupt, and then commit to turning to Jesus. Baptism includes resolutions in the Baptismal Covenant. While all of this points to the possibilities of transition into something, someone renewed. It is the Holy Spirit, the gift offered through Jesus, on whom we can rely on to support that transitional journey.
Our response to each petition in the Baptismal Covenant is “I will, with God’s help” because we recognise we can’t change alone. We recognise the ongoing need to be washed, to be forgiven, to have the strength to endure and persist in our commitments. This is what we gain through the gift of the Holy Spirit, the ongoing presence of God with us, offering us life, and challenging us as we navigate this world.
We continue to need the Holy Spirit because we don’t always get it right but can trust that God walks alongside us providing us, gifting us with all that we need to persist in becoming what and who God has created us to be.
So, Happy New Year. Happy Baptism whenever and however you celebrated it. May the Holy Spirit continue to strengthen us as we seek ongoing renewal in these transitional moments. This we pray as we sing: Here I am, Lord.