A Christmas Baptism

     Last Sunday marked the first Sunday of the Advent season and we began our preparation for the celebration of Christmas. Coincidentally, it was also my son's baptism. Originally, I had not chosen December 2nd as the date, but in hind sight I am glad it worked out that way. Reflecting on it now, I have come to discover the beauty in the symbolism that day represents for my son and myself.
     As I said, Advent is a time of preparation, thoughtfulness, and joy and what better way to remind myself of that than through the preparation of of my own son into his own journey of his Faith. That day, in the moment he was cleansed with the baptismal waters, was just the first in many moments until he comes to his final Celebration.
    

 Now, when I light the candles of the Advent wreath, I am reminded of the lighting of the candle at Noah's baptism. It is not just a "countdown" of sorts until Christmas. The light from the candles reminds me of the love God has for us. It reminds me to live in the light of that Love.