A Special Event
Soon after John's call the entire family, including Sarah, left the house to walk to the hospital. Sarah held Maria's hand.
John met them at the front door. Georg spoke to him. "How does it feel to be a father?"
"Awesome and proud, follow me to Liesl's room."
John cautiously opened the door. "Are you ready for visitors?" "Yes."
One by one the family entered the room. As soon as everyone had entered, the family gathered around the bed. The baby was wrapped in a blanket, a small cap covered its head, so only his face was visible.
Louisa asked. "Does he have a name?'"
"Yes, John and I decided to name him David James, both are strong biblical names. David is from the Old Testament and James was one of Jesus's disciples."
Maria commented. ""You chose two very important biblical names. They may inspire him to do great things."
"I think so too, Mother."
"Have you decided when you will have him Baptized?"
"Not yet, John will walk to the church and ask Father Martin soon."
Sarah was still standing by Maria. "Let me pick you up so you can see the baby too.
Sarah this is baby David."
"He's so small."
"Yes he is but he will get bigger."
David began to fuss. Maria knew he probably needed to eat. She asked a final question. "When will you go home?"
"Tomorrow, John will be home with us. But you can come visit anytime."
Liesl and the baby left the hospital shortly before noon the next day. Liesl had placed a cradle near a comfortable chair in their bedroom. She let him nurse before she placed him there. And she rested in bed and fell asleep. John came in too and sat. David began to fuss so he went and picked him up and sat with him.
Soon Liesl woke and she and John talked about the wonder of this new life they had created.
The very next day John walked to see Father Martin. He knew exactly why he came to see him. He did ask. "Is Liesl allowed to walk this far?"
"We won't be walking. I'll use Georg's car. The family will walk here."
"And I'll come to your apartment to review the ceremony."
That visit was short. Liesl and John had both read the ceremony in the prayer book. The only thing Father Martin needed to know was the baby's full name. When told his name was David James, he had a similar comment to what Maria had said.
On Sunday Liesl tried to time the baby's feeding so he would have a full belly during his Baptism. He wore an all white outfit complete with white socks and soft baby shoes. He was wrapped in light-weight white blanket.
The Baptism took place after the readings from scripture. Liesl, John along with Friedrich and Louisa, who were David's Godparents stood near the Baptimal Font. Together they answered the Father's question. "Who is to receive the Sacrament of Baptism?" "We present David James to receive the Sacrament of Baptism."
They then answered all the required questions in the affirmative. Then actual ceremony took place. Father Martin took David from his mother's arms. He held him securely with one arm. His other was used to perform the ceremony.
Father Martin dipped in hand in the water three times as he said. "David I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." And everyone said Amen.
Father Martin made the sign of the cross on his forehead, saying. "David you are sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked as Christ's own for ever. Now let us welcome the newly baptized."
Father Martin and the congregation say together. "We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in his eternal priesthood."
The remainder of the service continued and before the dismissal Father Martin spoke.
"Come share with John and Liesl in celebrating their son's baptism in our reception hall.
"May God the Father, God the Son and the Holy Spirit bless each of you. Amen."
A closing hymn was sung before the congregation left the church to gather in the reception room.