Acts 10:44-48 (NRSV)
Read Acts 10:44-48 on biblegateway.com
Verse 44While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. Verse 45The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, Verse 46for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, Verse 47"Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" Verse 48So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.
Devotion
The child was sound asleep through it all. Through the prayers, the Creed, the pouring on of water, the blessing – he slept through his baptism. What trust – resting securely in the arms of his mother. God welcomed this child into the faith through baptism – no test, no instruction, no quizzes. It was all God's doing.
But isn't there something we could or should do? Look again at the child for an answer. After the baptism the pastor carried him, still asleep, in front of the congregation. The congregation gave a welcoming applause. The child awakened, looked at the pastor, at the congregation, and then began applauding also. A divine moment. What better way to respond to our adoption as God's children than by clapping our hands in praise and thanksgiving.
Prayer
Gracious God, thank you adopting us as your children in the covenant of Holy Baptism. Amen.