Whiter than Snow

It was almost 80 degrees here today. We have been outside all weekend, lovin' the spring-like weather. It is hard to believe that last Sunday the kids were so excited to see big white fluffy flakes falling from the sky. Last Sunday we had a light snow beginning around noon. By 2:00pm we had a blanket of snow on the ground. While we were excited, we were a little reserved because Barrett was to be baptized at the church that afternoon. We received an email that they would go on with the service. Barrett's grandparents called to say they would be here for the service but had decided to not stay so they could get out of town in case the weather got worse overnight. Barrett's nervous concern over the change in plans was quickly dissolved when I told him, "I bet Brock was helping Jesus with the snow maker and sent this happy sight just for you". He just smiled and looked as if he could see Brock doing just that. So, since this was the weather we were given for the day, we decided what better weather for a baptism service!?! For Psalm 51:7 says...."wash me and I will be whiter than snow." While Drew and the boys made chili, cornbread and brownies, I put away my planned center piece for the table. (We were having some friends and family back to our house for dinner afterwards.) I pulled out the snowball candle. I laid the snowflake cloth on the table. I typed up Psalm 51:7 on paper. I cut around the edges with those craft scissors to make it look like a snowball and placed it on each side of the candle. Needless to say, we embraced the snow.

Barrett accepted Christ in October 2007. He and Mason were alone in their room. He told Mason of his desire to invite Jesus into his heart. Mason led him in a prayer to ask Jesus to come into his heart. The timing of Barrett's decision was another gift from the Lord because when Brock died in January 2008, we were able to talk with Barrett as a Christian.

We follow Christ's example in baptism by immersion. "At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordon. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." Mark 1:9 The physical act of baptism represents what Christ did on the cross for us; hanging on the cross...being in the baptismal water, dying and being buried....going under the water, and rising to live again in Heaven....coming up out of the water walking in a newness of life. Even though Barrett had shared his decision with us and his family, he was ready to tell others that he was a follower of Christ. I pray he is always ready to tell others about Jesus. "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." 1 Peter 3:15

Our church has a program for children where they take them through a few classes to make sure they clearly understand when they accepted Christ into their lives and why they are getting baptized. It is called Footsteps. The class concludes with a baptism service. Drew's Dad, Dr. Asa Meadows is a retired Senior Pastor. He baptized our older two boys, so we were thrilled he could be here to baptize Barrett. As Barrett stepped into the baptismal waters, they played this precious video testimony of him.

It was a glorious day with perfect weather to remind us symbolically of what Jesus did with our sins on the cross.

"Come now, let us reason together", says the Lord,"Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;" Isaiah 1:18