My grandfather and pastor baptized me when I was seven years old. One of my many memories that day is that the water was cold. I’m pretty sure it was in the warm months. But when you have several gallons of water sitting around for a while, it’s going to be freezing. It makes you long for a baptistry heater!
My wife is a children’s minister. One of her duties is to guide children who want to be baptized about the journey. Frequently, one of the kids will ask if the water is cold. Sometimes, we’ll get a parent who has read up on the latest baptistry heater technology.
I shudder whenever I hear these comments. I want to announce, “In my day, we were baptized in a frozen lake, and we were grateful for it!” So of course, this led me to a cartoon idea!
What’s a Bathtub Doing in My Church?
Baptisms have been an interest of mine since my wife was looking for a suitable guide for her kids several years ago. When she couldn’t find one, I wrote and illustrated one for her called, What’s a Bathtub Doing in My Church.
One of the best experiences we can have at church is when someone has made a decision to follow Jesus Christ and to be baptized. It is a time full of celebration and joy. Perhaps some would think it is not the appropriate time for humor. But I find wherever there is joy, there is also a little humor.
What’s more, children tend to have innocent questions that to adults, are humorous. Who would have thought to ask if they should bring their snorkel that morning but a kid?
And anyone who has taken the plunge has to be wondering if the water is cold. Oh for the love of a baptistry heater!
