This was the sermon today at St Mary's Stebbing, where 200 people came to share in a Harvest celebration with 4 baptisms. I went to all the parties afterwards including the harvest lunch ...
You’re probably wondering what Harvest
Festival and baptism have got in common. I hope so anyway, because that is what
my talk is bout.
I think there are 7 things that link the
two.
1.
Celebration – both Harvest and
Baptism are an opportunity for the Church and the community to celebrate
together.
2.
Thanksgiving – they both
involve a thank you – to God and to others. We thank God for these lovely
children just as we thank God for the provision of food in the harvest. We also
thank the Farmers for their hard work, and we also thank the children’s
families and godparents for the support they have given.
3.
Dedication or offering. There
is a sense in which parents and godparents who bring the children for baptism
are offering them to God – beginning their relationship with his church. At
harvest too we bring an offering – this food is dedicated to God, as we share
it with those in need, so that those who receive it may know God’s love.
4.
Blessing. A big part of the
baptism is to ask God’s blessing upon the children and their parents and
godparents. A big part of Harvest is asking God to bless the work of those who
till the soil and raise the herds, as well as our desire to bless others by
sharing what we have.
5.
Family. Baptisms are great
family occasions – for the immediate families of the children, and also for the
family of the church, who have such an important role to play in praying for
these children as they grow in faith and understanding.
6.
Love. We bring children to
baptism because we love them and we want the best for them, and we celebrate
Harvest as an expression of God’s love for us in providing for us and for those
in need.
And 7. My final point is that this is about trusting
God for the future – its about the next generation. Even as we speak the fields
and orchards are being prepared for next year’s crop. We trust the farmers to
do what needs to be done, and we trust the weather forecasters to try to get it
right. When we bring children for baptism we are trusting God that they will
indeed grow up to take their place within the life and worship of the church. Its all about a new start.
So whether you are here for
baptisms or harvest, celebrate, give thanks, bring your offering, receive a
blessing, enjoy your family and know God’s love.
