Celebrate Birthdays and Baptisms

Celebrate Birthdays and Baptisms Today, on the last day of the Christmas season not only do we celebrate the birth day of Christ but also His baptism. Although Jesus was perfect, He was baptized by John, giving us, at the start of His public ministry a holy model to follow. Jesus was cleansed of His sins and The Holy Spirit descended upon Him making Him known to the world to be the Son and light of God. We too, at our baptism, are cleansed of original sin, The Holy Spirit descends upon us, and gives us holy light and entry into God’s Heavenly Family and Kingdom. Without baptism we have no rights to this beautiful and perfect inheritance. Without celebrating our baptism and without the simple subtle reminders of this blessed gift, we may lose sight of our divine light. When we lack focus or lose sight of good we may weaken what was once virtuous, strong and visible giving way to darkness, indifference, sinfulness, drunkenness, and a life without divine light. Throughout our lives we are encouraged to receive holy sacraments. Baptism soon after birth, first holy communion at the age of reason, confirmation at the onset of adulthood, and marriage when we have committed to a union of love and honor between a man and woman on earth for as long as God wills it. Jesus Christ lived His life following the will of God. We too are asked to live in the same way. Not to live in the way of this world, but rather live our lives in a spiritual and selfless way. Celebrating annually and recalling regularly our baptism allows us to more fully live spiritually loving one another, more readily forgive trespasses, more willingly offer assistance to those in need, and more eagerly place our faith and hope in our daily deeds, thoughts and prayers. God gave us the great gift of life at conception and birth. God has also given us the gift of our light, The Holy Spirit, and entrance into His Holy Family at baptism. Celebrate birthdays and baptisms. They are both a gift from God. Mark your calendar to remember and celebrate your gift of baptism. Every time you make the sign of the cross and mark your forehead with holy water remember your baptism and that you have the gift of the power and love of The Holy Trinity living in you. Baptism is a gift and a choice a person makes for one’s self and one’s child. May there not be an adult or child left out of God’s Holy Family or His Kingdom. Choose to share your light with all those you encounter and encourage those who do not yet know Christ. Do these things and more In the name of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. Amen. I have marked my calendar and I will celebrate! Will you be celebrating your special day too?