How to Celebrate the Baptism of the Lord (Sunday after Epiphany)

The Baptism of the Lord is a meaningful feast day that celebrates the moment when Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River. It’s a wonderful opportunity to teach children about the importance of baptism and create lasting traditions as a family. The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord marks the end of the Christmas season.

Here are some creative ways to celebrate the Baptism of the Lord with your kids:

1. Baptism Seashell Craft and Coloring Page

A wonderful way to reflect on baptism with your kids is by combining a hands-on craft with a coloring activity. First, you can create a Baptism Seashell Craft. The seashell is a symbol of baptism and can represent the pouring of water during the sacrament.

Baptism Seashell Craft:

• Materials Needed: Seashell template (printable), scissors, glue, paint, and markers.
• Instructions:
  1. Print and cut out the seashell shape.
  2. Fold the shell along the designated lines and glue the edges to form a 3D shape.
  3. Write your name, baptismal date, and patron saints on the shell.
  4. Paint or decorate the shell to your liking.
  5. Hang the completed shell in your home as a reminder of your baptism.

Baptism of Jesus Coloring Page: While working on the craft, print out a Baptism of Jesus coloring page for your children. As they color, read them the story of Jesus’ baptism from Matthew 3:13-17, where Jesus is baptized by John, and the heavens open to reveal God’s voice saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

By combining both the craft and the coloring page, children will have a deeper connection to the meaning of baptism and the importance of this feast.

2. Renew Baptismal Vows with Lit Candles

A beautiful way to celebrate the day is by renewing your baptismal vows while lighting your Baptismal Candles. This can be done during Mass or at home as a family. The candle symbolizes the light of Christ, and lighting it while renewing your vows brings special meaning to the celebration.

How to Renew Your Baptismal Vows:

• Gather your family and light your Baptismal Candles. You can use candles from each family member’s baptism if available, or simply light a new candle to represent Christ’s light.
• Reflect on the promises made at your baptism. For children, remind them of the sacrament they received.
• Lead your family in renewing the baptismal vows (you can find a version here): “I renounce Satan, and all his works, and all his empty promises. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord…”

This simple yet powerful act will help your children understand the importance of baptism and its significance in their spiritual lives. You can say a special prayer of blessing over the candles, asking for the light of Christ to guide your family throughout the year.

4. Celebrate with Food

Food can be a part of your celebration, and you can make it special by tying it to themes of water or light. Here are a few simple ideas:

• Fish Tacos or Fish Sticks: Fish is a common symbol of Christianity, representing both Christ and baptism. Serve a meal with fish to remind the family of the waters of baptism.
• Bread and Water: A simple meal of fresh bread and water can be symbolic of the nourishment that baptism gives to the soul. You can also have freshly baked bread, signifying the body of Christ.
• Baptism Cake: Make a cake decorated with a cross or blue icing to represent water. You can also use the cake to symbolize the new life we receive through baptism.

5. Celebrate Like the Other Places World Does

People around the world have unique ways of celebrating the Baptism of the Lord. Here are some traditions from different countries you can incorporate into your celebration:

• Blessing of Water: In Greece and Russia, priests bless bodies of water on the feast day. While you might not be near a river or lake, you can bless water at home and sprinkle it throughout your house as a sign of Christ’s protection and blessings. You can do this while saying prayers or renewing your baptismal vows as a family.
• Timkat in Ethiopia: The Ethiopian Orthodox Church celebrates Timkat, which involves processions, baptisms, and the blessing of water. Consider having your own mini-procession in your home or yard, with children carrying small crosses or candles as a symbol of Christ’s light.
• Water Celebrations in Spain: In some Spanish-speaking countries, families celebrate by having processions to bless the water, similar to other Orthodox traditions. You can make your own processions by walking around your home with your children, blessing the rooms with water and praying together.

By incorporating these simple yet meaningful traditions into your family’s celebration, the Baptism of the Lord will become an event your children will look forward to every year. From crafts to food and prayers, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the grace of baptism and teach your kids about its significance in our lives as followers of Christ.

Let us know how you celebrate this beautiful feast day with your children!