I need your help. My second grandson is going to be Baptised
at the end of November 2011 - and we need at least two appropriate
Readings to be read during the Ceremony.

Can any of you come up with any suggestions?

They would be greatly appreciated.

I have a few - but nothing so far really has the
"Heavenly" factor.

I look forward to hearing from any of you with positive
ideas.

Just a few suggestions.
EXODUS 12: 29
NUMBERS 25:4
DEUTERONOMY 2:33-34
DEUTERONOMY 3:6
DEUTERONOMY 21:10-13
DEUTERONOMY 28:53
JUDGES 11:29-39
2 SAMUEL 11:14-27

Hope you enjoy the works of the Lord.

Lexi you had to know that was going to happen.

Good luck in your search.

R0bert

Luke 2: 21 - 35
Presentation of Jesus at the Temple

Lk 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Lk 2:22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;

Lk 2:24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
Lk 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
Lk 2:26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
Lk 2:27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
Lk 2:28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Lk 2:29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
Lk 2:30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Lk 2:31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
Lk 2:32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
Lk 2:33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
Lk 2:34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

cont

Lk 2:39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
Lk 2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
Lk 2:41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

Lk 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

This ia KJ version perhaps look up Bible used in the Church.

Proverbs 22: 6 "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it".

Dear ponde,

Thank You for taking the time to respond
to my request for my second grandson's
Baptism. Unfortunately I can't use any of
the material that you've suggested. I
should have been more specific - I am
actually looking for Readings from The New
Testament. However, I appreciate the
kindness that you've shown to a newborn.

Dear RObert,

I have to admit that sometimes people do
tend to surprise me.

Dear Philo,

Thank You for such a vast and wonderful response.
They are exactly what I am looking for. It will take
some time to go through them all. I am very grateful
for your help. Again, Thank You.

you sure comeup with some tricky questions
so much depends on what your planning as a result

A baptism is a very special time....that is to unite the spirit of the child with the spirit/ritual..of the elder's

in short to unite a family spiritually

in its purest sense..A baptism prayer
introduces..the child to God....
[as they need no introduction to god]

so the prayer must be..to bind all who hear
closer to gods perfection's of spirit..
as reflected by the mortal flesh..

as well as to the guests unseen
[the ancestoriasl spirits..of those some call ''the departed]..

for they too rejoice..in the public uniting
of the babe/child..with the good purity of god..[life/love grace mercy]

the baptism..also as well as honouring
our joint gifted creation..[of the one true [only]..god]
gives thanks to the good god..for his gift of life

and that [childs]..lifes gift's..[works]..
to the whole family unit..as well as their promise of gift to society in general..giving thanks and hopes...that they full and truelly realise the gifts so freely given of love

Alternatly..The purpose of a baptism prayer
is to celebrate new life and to set the baby
on a path of love and acceptance of the ways so clearly revealed by our beloved rabi/Christ...[or other family messenger of choice]

short prayers of thanksgiving
that refer to biblical stories..of water
short prayers of thanksgiving that refer to baptism one or more invocations of the Holy Spirit...although that is allready a given.

use..Short and Simple words.
Pray for the family comfort and unity..
that this belesed child has deliverd...to all present
[in the flesh as well as in spirit]

most of all affress the child
not the audiance

this is about giving the child his gift..not the church or the attendants[notr israel,or any other doctrinal destractions//

tell of the baptiser
how water is the sign of spirit unity

accepting into..its body good and dirt..at the same time

[in the one body]..remind the child that we are all like wells sucking our nurture from the one water source[god]

that all wells draw from the same underground waters
remind the child of the rainbow..and all its values
of how sunshines like rain...of the morning dew

that even their nappy water is holy
because its from gods vast generouse supply
may he never thirst for knowledge love or water
nor thirst for companionship..nor lack for joy..or a room in his fathers house[gods]

we have our spirit father
then our biol-logical father
but dont forget the trust of the god father

Heavenly Father,

In your love
you have called us to know you,

led us to trust you,
and bound our life within yours.

Surround this child with your love,
protect him from evil.

Fill his mind with that good and holy

we as he shall receive you into the family

that it may walk with us in the way of Christ,
and grow in the knowledge of our love....by our good fruits


You’re taking this step of faith..in love grace and merrcy
remembering its more blessed to give than recieve

In obedience to the egsamples of our Lord
be baptized in His precious name..And heed the Master’s call

To rise up with faith in God
And go where He may lead

share God’s love to everyone
And touch them in their need

May God pour out His blessings..Upon your life today
and allways..So you may walk in His abundance
As you commit to Him..in good and truth
as you find your way..onwards from this day

Keep on trusting in the Lord
No matter what you face

And keep your eyes on Jesus Christ
And live in His sweet grace.

By M.S.Lownde

I baptize you with water for repentance,of heart
but he who is coming after
is mightier than I,

be baptized..you
with the Holy Spirit and fire's passions and love.

Matthew 3:1

Dear Johan (OUG),

Thank You for the most moving words and ones
that are so appropriate. They are deeply appreciated.

I shall be collecting all the beautiful suggestions that
I receive in this thread and passing them
onto my son and daughter-in-law
and they can select the ones that they like for their son.
Again, Thank You.

It is a privilege to share cyberspace with you.

your kind words as allways lift up my heart
encouraging me to further expand

i began the previous posts..
with no idea what i was going to write

for ideas..i googled
visited what i thought best fitted..your question
and cut and pasted it..[i was atracted to the site because i saw important words..under its link]..ie the first words..[about introducing the good god to the child]

then i simply edited out al that spiel re zion/israel etc
ie ditched the creed..added in some other imagry
and there you go

so thats what i suggest your children do
edit out the creed stuff..that is gibberish

and stick with the best words..
that unite all at the blessing [spirit or flesh]..into a loving unity..

spirits LOVE attending these celibrations
we must recall the child's spirit..has only just come back from god

the child is as close as we can link with spirit
and spirit with us..[for them*..to hear the imagry of the words
helps retain their link to the fathers perfection in spirit]

dont forget that childs
recieve the imagry of the words too
if we think it they feel it..

[another thing im reminded of as important..
is the exchange of bacteria's..kissing the child..

[for future immunity to material infections..to kick start their immune response..while still having the added defense of their mothers milk antibodies]

the reason why breat feeding is important
we have to prevent the urge to give kids sterilised food
which only sets them up for trouble..by the first bug that visist's
[gets past the sterility insanity]

this celibration is the unity [union]..of spirit with the flesh
[its more a wedding cerimony..than we could appriciate]

so wed vows..might have the right bonding incantations too
im reminded of the importance of the spirit guide
who shall be with them all their lives

thank their most loyal soul mate
spirit guide..for their current and future services..to/for/with the child

also i note that batism..allows for the freation of a baptisamal and spirit name[thank god govt hasnt yet gotten to put its grubby laws over the rite[right],of baptism

daaaaarn
just as i think my bit is done
im reminded by my guide..of this link
http://www.copticchurch.net/topics/thecopticchurch/sacraments/1_baptism.htm

dont treat it as gospil

pick and chose..the words you shall gift..[pass on]..to all

i liked the simuli..or re emerging from the waters

[ie re birthed again]..publicly..
openly..after the mothers private sufferance..[birthing pains]

most importantly..DONT FORGET MUM..*

who suffered for a greater purpose..the childs birth
[you could get dad to recount..what mum went through
to gift him his life..but not as guilt but recognition]

[oh and record it..all
it will give them strength all their life
heaps of photoes..plenty of film..a sound track
keep all the records..especially..*in the family bible]

we unite with others
by first uniting our loved ones

[record their thoughts]
ask them to write a letter or note
of the amasing things they saw on that day

[im going to now ignore my spirit guides urgings]
its about fun..about life..living love
via logic

Dear Johan (OUG),

Your words brought a lump to my throat and
feelings of appreciation. Thank You for having gone
to so much trouble. Believe me it is valued highly.
You've openend up my eyes to the meaning of Baptism
(the bigger picture) and I shall follow your advice.
Once again - Thank You.

blessings returned dear

i will recount a brief story...[thing i just learned]
between writing the last words and these

i 'found' a watermelon..for cheap..less than one hour ago
it was huge..and heavy..[only half fit into my biggest back pack]
must have weighed near 10 plus kiloes

anyhow carried the darn thing home with much effort [about 5 k's..with 5 huge steep hills...and finally got the thing home

washed it down prior to puting it in the fridge
and noticed [finally],..a pin hole leaking juice
so cut it in half..[and the juice had turned into booze
the whole heavey thing was rotten]...but i loked for the lesson my guides thought best to teach me via a watermelon

i recall..that the water melon..is like that water..i mentioned earlier..that accepts into it both good sweet juice..as much as rotten fermenwed spoil..i found after much effort in mine

further thinking suggested i should have read the signs
further thought revealed my guides name to be chance
i took a chance..

and had i recalled his other name,[co-incidence]
of the family syncronicity

ok im looking at the bright side

not that i nearly died
trying to get that
10 liters of water..[in melon]..home

im laughing
so hope we can all have a good life
the most important things in life to notice are the little things

afterall that
the big things
take care of them self

the bigger the problem
the less we need to worry about it
but the bigger the glory in fixing it

teach the child to be big
yet still be a child

mum be mum
and dad be dad
child be loved

ok final words

note i said this..""
[im going to now ignore my spirit guides urgings]
Saturday, 5 November 2011 8:27:13 AM""


then this..""further thinking suggested
i should have read the signs

further thought revealed
my guides name to be chance
i took a chance..""

no i ignore his warnings
and took a chance...lol

anyhow thats about it
except my guides urgings..to ask all attending..
recall thought feelings memories...of relaqtions and funny life stories..they think of at this tiome[they are direct spirit comunications...[a cerimony is time less so dont go by the clock]

and eventually [leter]..to debrief each other
and to make notes..of their feelings/thoughts and impression's..

they felt during the service*
then bind them into his very own [illistrated]..baptisimal book

[in hard* copy..
as formats change over time]

anyhow next time i listen to chance
or ignore him..i wikll think twice before doping once

seems i might have been trickked
by chanc

Dear Johan,

Thanks for sharing your story.
And for speaking so openly and from the heart.
It gives me a greater perception of who you are.
Every relationship is a gift. And I've been
given great gifts by many of the people I have
encountered in my journey through life.
They helped shape me into the person I have
become and still hope to be. The lessons I've
learned I've tried to pass onto my children.
I've tried to give them honesty, devotion, and
unconditional love which has bound us together
as a family. Teaching children the lessons of
tolerance and kindness will hopefully be something
that they will pass onto their children.

Thank You for putting so much effort into helping
me with this thread. I somehow feel that it's
probably now run its course. Once again Many Thanks
for your time.

yes of course
put two and two together

sorry about the spelling
blame it on the watermelon

Dear Lexi,

Difficult task for a secular sort, even more so when we exclude the Hebrew Bible.

Pity as here is a nice snippet from Psalm 139 which goes;

 9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

 10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

 11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.

 12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

 13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.

 14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

I do love "for I am fearfully and wonderfully made" since it so eloquently sums up my feelings when my firstborn arrived.

Good luck Lexi.

Dear csteele,

I only asked for Readings from The New Testament
because the poster who gave me the
Readings from The Old Testament at the beginning
of this thread chose ones, for whatever reason,
not with the best intentions.

However, I am delighted with what you've given.
Psalm 139, In Praise of God's Omniscience is
wonderful. Thank You so much. I shall certainly pass
it on to my son and daughter-in-law.

I've been reading Rabbi Marianne Williamson's
collection of thoughts, prayers, and rites of passage.
In her book she has - several prayers that I am including in
the collection that I'm sending to my son and his wife.

Again, Thank You for your input. It shall be passed on
to my son and his wife.

Hi Lexi,

I'm not sure how religious your son and daughter-in-law are, so I don't know how appropriate my suggestion would be - but I'm particularly fond of the story of the journey to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). Travellers heading along that road are joined by a stranger who keeps them company and comforts them as they mourn the loss of the Messiah (shortly after Jesus' death). As they settle in for the night, they discover that the stranger is, in fact, the resurrected Lord.

For most 21st Century Christians, I think this is an appropriate reading for a Baptism. It reminds us that, even when we don't realise it (or don't want to realise it), the Lord is still with us. Most people's experiences of Christianity seem to wax and wane - some people are deeply religious their whole lives, of course, and some are religious in name only; others let their faith lie dormant for some time but pick it up again when it makes sense to them. I suspect that the latter category is the most common. A child may be Baptised but only discover or develop his faith at a later date. For these people, it may be comforting to know that the Lord was with them all along. The Baptism is the beginning of that connection; later sacraments or personal experiences consolidate it. The journey to Emmaus reminds us that the relationship may have hidden beneath the surface, but it was always there.

If your son's son follows that path, I can think of fewer more appropriate readings for him.

That's my opinion, of course. I think the other suggestions (with a few notable exceptions from early in the piece) are all remarkably apt as well.

Hope I've helped!

Dear Oktokonoko,

I don't think my son is overly religious even though
he was raised as a Catholic (attended Xavier College
here in Melbourne). His wife was raised as a Lutheran
(she's German), however I know that she's not religious.
So you've helped a great deal and I shall pass your
Reading, "The Road to Emmaus," onto to both of them.
Thank You.

Lexi,

Good luck in choosing your readings for the Baptism.

I would suggest using quotes that Jesus actually stated himself. Afterall Jesus = Christ = Christian.

Included in Philo's selection was this line

Lk 2:24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

This is a very ugly part of "Moses laws" and not a "Law of the Lord".

How can the killing of any innocent animal in ritual sacrifice be something God would want?

Now I am not suggesting for a second that you would do such a thing, but the fact that in Jesus' times it was considered reasonable is highly questionable and just plain ugly.

Dear Opinionated2,

Don't worry. My son and his wife have already
made their choices with the guidance of the
Parish priest. This thread helped a great deal.
However you're right - the killing of anything
was not considered appropriate.
Thank You for your concern. And I do appreciate
all the positive contributions. I'm still shocked
and saddened by the one negative response but as
RObert pointed out - I should have been prepared
for it. I wasn't. I guess because I still believe
that most people are decent human beings and
I'm surprised when sometimes I'm proven wrong.
Although that happens only rarely.

Lexi my family are Catholic and after my childrens christenings when we gathered at home or at a resteraunt to celebrate the event with friends and loved ones my bride or I always recited the Desiderata to our newest little soul. I found it brought a closeness to we adults who had gathered to celebrate the family commitment of our little one to Gods path. it gave us all a perspective of how we should conduct ourselves, and most importantly how we should conduct ourselves in front of our children.

>>Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.<<

Max Ehrmann c.1920

Dear SOG,

What a pleasant surprise to receive your input
into this thread. The Desiderata is simply perfect.
My daughter-in-law is German and her parents are
coming for the Christening from Germany.
We have booked lunch at a restaurant
after the Christening. I intend to have the Desiderata
block-mounted both in the English version and the German
version and I intend to give it to my grandson for his Christening.
Thank You for this wonderful idea that you've given me.
It is deeply appreciated.

Lexi,

That someone gave you those references when you were considering some verses for the baptism of a child is unfathomable!

Like yourself and RObert I am amazed at the poor taste.

If we were debating the Bible and it's contents then sure quote those passages, but, to include them in this thread is very disrespectful.

Luckily as a Christian you have the ability to forgive that person and turn the other cheek. In that way you win twice!

Hopefully, you will have a beautiful day for the baptism and know that 99.9% of the people have that wish for you also!

Dear Opinionated2,

Thank You for your kind words.

I don't like to dwell on unpleasant things.
Attack is an easier response than forgiveness
and most of us are tempted to give into it.
Yet there's no peace without forgiveness.
I've learned that when you forgive you begin
the journey to a deep and unshakeable peace.

But I don't want to sound like a preacher and
make you cringe. Again - Thanks.

Lexi, my Baltic beauty, pleased I could assist with this most meaningful verse for the happy occasion.

it should be simple to clarify a miss conception that has risen out of that first reply...[more specificly..that exodus 'suggestion']

there are big issues hidden in the simple quotes
that add context..[that quote..must be read in its full context]
but that hasnt much to do with baptism

never the less..lets try to reveal...its true meaning rather than a general relitivity...[essentially..that it..is bassed on some presumptions][and assumptions..perhaps relivant in the boys future..and ours]

so feel free to ignore what im trying to ex-plain hereafter

relitive are the words of all firstborn..*in egypt..not of egypt

also relivant is context..
[mosus dream of 11;1..'ask for gold silver]
and when mosus said 11;4..this was aimed at all..[not just egyptians]

further explained at 11;6-7
[ie there is no distingtion between egypt and israel.except the israerlies dont get any warning[not a dog will bark]..nor mention the completness..even blooding a door couldnt change

mosus told the pharo..not the jew
and as with anything..timming is everything
recall egypt was in 3 days of darkness...from some volcanic eruption[when your 'god' is the sun..that..'killing of the sun is huge]

it was enough to force the pharo to
..say go
whoreship your god,..
but leave ya goats and sheep

then that 10;29 dont end mosus addressing the pharo
[after recanting the flash back of mosus vision..moses continues at 11;4]..12 begins by revealing the 'ritual'....

but concludes with..*all IN egypt..
not the words..egyptians alone..

so the first presumption
submitted by 'that poster''..has feet of clay
thus refuses to get wind under its wings..[cant fly]

and certainly is of no relivance whatsoever..to this topic
those thinking it some sort of 'sign'..are decieved

all in egypt
not all of egypt..some warned by the prophet..and gnashing of teeth
[recall the mouth opening cerimony..of the egyptian]..means they knew..but ther story dont note any israelie being told..[not a dog barked]

anyhow
not to worry
leave all that devision behind

im over it
but the asking for gold and silver
reminds me too much of 'the slow bake''..sending the world broke
the slow bake the money changers are making govts do..to send many back into poverty

but there we disagree
at least here..till this post we agreed
we at least have that to take us through the slow bake ahead of us all