A Perfect Christmas Present – the Gift of Baptism!

You Welcomed the Birth of the Christ-Child with a Child’s Baptism.

The theme for Advent this year followed the O Antiphons found in the popular hymn: “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” Each Wednesday and Sunday you contemplated the roles, titles, and functions of who Jesus as Messiah would be for His people Israel – and who He is for you! Christmas Eve was the culmination of the antiphons as we welcomed the birth of the Christ-Child Emmanuel: God with us. During the service we explored the hope, joy, peace, and wonder of what the arrival of God in-the-flesh means for the world, for you and I.

During the worship service our children assisted in celebrating the birth of Jesus by leading the congregation in singing not only “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” but also a song in Tigrinya, “Ab Lbey Tweled Yesusay.” There was so much joy in the children as they led worship the rest of the congregation couldn’t help but be filled with joy as well. Were you? In perfect harmony with the theme of Christmas Eve you welcomed the birth of the Christ-Child with a child’s baptism!

Anaiya first came to Good Shepherd through getting to know Paul and Sefo in the after-school program at Hayward Collegiate. At the time she was not a believer in Jesus and did not attend a church but because of the relationship with two of your fellow members she expressed an interest to attend youth group and Sunday morning worship. Fast forward a few months, after witnessing the infant baptism of Lucas Laxen, Anaiya expressed a desire to learn more about baptism. After a couple of discussions with her and her parents it was decided that you would get to celebrate the gift of Baptism with her on the same day you would celebrate the gift of God-with-us! How amazing is that?