breathforthebones

It’s tame,

this little font with its few inches of tepid water

Nothing dangerous to it at all, it seems

Until you’re plunged beneath the waters

 

Beneath these waters is the chaos before creation

the cries of the lost in the great flood,

and perhaps the tears of God

lamenting his act

 

Beneath these waters are roaring winds and

the astonished voices of Israel’s children,

drowned out by the cries of

horse and rider hurled into the sea.

 

Beneath these waters is the darkness of sin

and pleas for cover from iniquity.

Beneath these waters is death!

 

It’s not so tame,

this little font with its few inches of tepid water.

 

Beneath the waters of this font

I am washed in the blood of the Lamb

cleansed from the stains of my iniquities.

 

Beneath the waters of this font

I am brought to new birth

clothed in the righteousness of Christ.

 

I emerge from the waters of this font

to be embraced by fellow travelers

and begin a mysterious journey

 

Each step possible only through

the love of the Father

the sacrifice of the Son and

the strength of the Spirit