Last Sunday my special needs son Jonathan was baptized. I hope and pray as he grows older God will help him to someday embrace the faith represented in his baptism and affirm it for all eternity. The following is the letter I wrote and read prior to the baptism. Please note that I have intentionally not mentioned what church Jonathan was baptized in because my belief is that we are baptized not into a church but as part of the Christian faith that includes many churches who have some differences in rituals and expressions.
December 11,
2011
As you are
baptized today we want you to know that we love you so much but our love is so
small compared to how much your heavenly Father loves you and wants you by his
side for all eternity. All of our dreams
for your life are fulfilled in this–that you would come to know the grace of
having Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and that you would give your time,
talents, and treasures to God in this life.
May you experience personally the words of faith that you are already
singing along with the Cedarmont Bible songs.
We know that
sometimes life is complicated and difficult for you because of your
autism. Always remember that you are
different, not less. If there are ever times in your unknown future when you
wish you did not have autism, then hold on to the truth that the sovereign God
made you who you are for a reason. One
never knows how our life impacts others. We know that in your short life of 7
years you have already taught us so much about patience, humility, vigilance,
hope, and trust in the sovereign God.
The Scripture verse we hope you hold fast in
your heart is 2 Corinthians 12:9: But he said to me, "My grace is
sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I
will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ
may rest upon me.
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