Matthew F. Leighty
Executive Director

As we embark on a new year, I am constantly reminded of the joy of celebrating our baptismal birthdays, especially since our third child, Addison, celebrates hers on January 1. What an excellent way to start the year! One of the most cherished traditions in our family is celebrating our children’s baptismal birthdays. These special days are beautiful reminders of the blessing of our own Baptism and the joy of being adopted into God’s family. We gather to sing the hymn from their Baptism day, and the child then blows out their baptismal candle.

Each Worship Anew program begins at the baptismal font, symbolizing the new life we receive in Christ. On January 12, in our church and on Worship Anew, we will celebrate the Baptism of our Lord. This significant event marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and is a moment where the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all present. On this day, many of us will hear from God’s Word as shared in Romans 6:1-4 (ESV):

“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by Baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”

This passage beautifully encapsulates the transformative power of Baptism. It reminds us that we are united with Christ through Baptism in His death and resurrection. In Baptism, we die to sin and are made alive in Christ. One of my favorite baptismal hymns is “Baptized into Your Name Most Holy,” written by Johann Jacob Rambach. This hymn reflects the deep significance of Baptism, celebrating our union with the Triune God. It speaks of being buried with Christ, living by the Spirit, and trusting in God’s unwavering faithfulness and mercy.

Verse 1
Baptized into Your name most holy,
O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
I claim a place, though weak and lowly, 
Among Your saints, Your chosen host. 
Buried with Christ and dead to sin, 
Your Spirit now shall live within.

The hymn concludes with a prayer to live faithfully as God’s child, dedicating all that we are to His will.

Verse 4
All that I am and love most dearly— 
Receive it all, O Lord, from me.
Let me confess my faith sincerely; 
Help me Your faithful child to be!
Let nothing that I am or own
Serve any will but Yours alone.

As we celebrate our Baptism, we embrace the profound truth that we are no longer bound by sin but walk in the new life granted to us by God’s grace. May this year be filled with the joy and renewal of living as baptized children of God. Through your Baptism, “we too walk in newness of life in Christ” (Romans 6:4 ESV).

Photo: Matthew Leighty’s daughter, Addison, celebrates her baptismal birthday.