Standing on the banks of the River Jordan recently, I had opportunity to offer reflections on how the water there helps convey the meaning of baptism.
We remembered how, with the waters of creation, chaos took on form, darkness gave way to light and a new dawn broke from the abyss of void.
We remembered the cleansing waters of the flood telling the story of how, following a calamity, there are great possibilities for a new creation filled with life and hope.
We remembered the liberating waters through which, crossing over, we pass from death to life.
By passing through the waters of baptism, the candidates entered into the mystery of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Bearing witness to their faith, they gave thankful expression to what God had done for them.
For the more than 120 candidates at the Jordan, the day of baptism held out promise of what the good and great Father of all does for those who put their trust in God.
I ended by expressing a wish for the baptismal candidates gathered by the river that day:
"By the grace of God, may the waters of the Jordan extinguish the crippling fires of hopelessness that burn in the hearts of those who have no knowledge of God."
For those gathered for baptism, the water was a symbol of hope.
It is not surprising that, over the years, the church has associated Easter with baptism for, like baptism, the Easter event is about the birth of hope. It is about life emerging from regions where death once seemed to reign. It is about light breaking out to illumine the darkness produced by disappointment, discouragement and fear. It is about the proclamation of good news when bad news arrests the headlines. It is about doleful mourning giving way to glad rejoicing.
Whatever the situation, a defeatist attitude has no place in the life of a Christian or of the Christian community. As children of the resurrection, we abound with hope (Romans 15:13)!
Neville Callam is general secretary of the Baptist World Alliance.