Why do we have a Baptismal Font?
We have a Baptismal Font because Baptism is a vital gift from God to us. We are called to baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. God grants the blessings of Jesus’ death and resurrection to those who receive Baptism. We are a congregation who live in the covenant God made with us in the blessings of Baptism.
What does the Baptismal Font mean to our worship?
The Font is the place where Baptism takes place in our worship. It also serves as a reminder of the covenant of grace God made with us in our Baptism. As the hymn “Built on the Rock” (Lutheran Service Book No. 645) says, “Here stands the font before our eyes, telling how God has received us.” We live in the promises God made with us in our Baptism, and have those promises renewed daily. As we enter worship, we do so on the basis of the fact that we are God’s children by grace through faith, given in the blessings of Baptism.
What does the Bible say about Baptism?
Scripture teaches that we are baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus (Romans 6:3-4). In Baptism we receive forgiveness (Acts 22:16), salvation (1 Peter 3:21), imparted by the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). In Baptism we are “born from above” by the Holy Spirit (John 3:3-6).
Suggestions
Show your children their Baptism certificates, candles, banners, or any other gifts they received at their baptism. Tell them that these, along with the font at church, are reminders of the blessings of Baptism God gave them. You may also want to sing the following hymns from the Lutheran Service Book; 590, 592, 593, 594, 596, 645.
Object Lesson
Show your family water. Remind them of the water in the Baptismal font. Tell them that both are simply water. Show them a Bible and tell them that when water is connected to God’s Word of promise in Baptism, God grants wondrous blessings of forgiveness, salvation, and faith.
Prayer
Your forgiveness, full and free, now and to eternity, are wrapped up in this supply of Your Baptism’s lullaby. Amen.