Baptism Sunday

At worship this Sunday, many churches will remember the Baptism of Jesus and encourage attendees to remember their own baptism. It’s a great time to talk with your children about reasons for baptism and your memories of their own baptism if they were baptized previously. The book (and song!) featured below offers a simple introduction to this important church ritual.

Picture Book: Welcome Child of God

Author: Anne Ylvisaker

Illustrator: Claudia McGehee

Summary: In simple poetic verse, baptism is beautifully presented for very young children. Hospitality is a theme here as this ritual is described as a welcoming to the one who will receive tending and guiding from their family of faith. When talking about baptism, be sure to share your own memories from your baptism or ones of those you love. Add your theological perspective on baptism. Concrete examples will help children understand this important rite of passage. Consider having an activity involving a simple sensory experience with water.

Hanna’s Comments: This is a perfect gift for a church to give a family when a child is born or baptized as an infant. Even if your church doesn’t practice infant baptism, the song which is the text of the book, can be learned and sung to the child or used in the baptism ritual at your church. The musical score is included.

Original Publisher & Date: Augsburg Fortress, 2011

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 2 and up, Toddler and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Scriptures about the baptism of Jesus and others by John the Baptist such as those in the gospels of Matthew (3), Mark (1), (Luke (3), and John (1) or scriptures about the disciples baptizing others. Many are found in Acts. There are also many scriptures about the theology surrounding baptism in The Epistles.

Idea(s) for Application: Give this book to a family at the event of their child’s birth or baptism or read it to a group of children learning about baptism.