“This is the baptismal font.” said Pastor Ed to the Sunday school class.  He poured some water from the pitcher into the bowl.

“I thought ‘font’ was like what kind of letters you use on the computer.” said Haman.

“Well, yes the letters you use on a computer are also called a font, but a much older meaning to the word font means a bowl that holds water for a baptism.” explained Pastor Ed.

“What kind of water is in there?” asked Haman jumping up to look in.  “Is it bottled water?”

“It is just regular water from the sink in the church kitchen.” explained Pastor Ed.  “Just like . . .”

“When does it get magic?” interrupted Haman.

“Well, Haman,” said Pastor Ed, working hard to answer all of Haman’s questions.  “The water never really gets magic.  It is because God himself is present for a baptism that makes the water do its job.”

“What IS its job?” asked Haman.

Pastor Ed gave a little sigh.

“The job of the water is to show that our sins get washed away.” said Pastor Ed.

“How much water does it take to get our sins washed away?”

“Oh, God can use just a little like this is, but in some churches they have a great big tank, almost like a big hot tub and there is a lot of water.  You get baptized by being submerged.”  And then, answering the next question before it was asked, Pastor Ed said  to Haman “Submerged  . . . means to go completely under the water for just a very short moment.”

Haman raised his hand to ask yet another question.  “Are just babies baptized, cause that’s all I’VE ever seen.”

“Often it is babies who are baptized, but I have baptized many adults.  I am so happy when God sends an adult to me to be baptized.” said Pastor Ed.  “You know, Jesus was an adult when HE was baptized.”

“Was Jesus' mommy with him?” asked Haman

“I don’t know if his MOMMY was with him, but his FATHER in Heaven, God was with him.  In fact God spoke from the heavens and said “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

Just then Mr. Potato Head walked into the back of the church.  “Well, well, well!” he said loudly, with great self importance.  “I see that my adorable little tater tots are being taught by the Pastor himself!  Tell me son, what you’ve learned this morning.” he said as he put his arm proudly on his son’s shoulder.

“Nothing.” said Haman, much to Pastor Ed’s surprise and exasperation!

“I can tell you what I have learned.” said Polly.  “I learned that sometimes adults get baptized and it can be a lot of water or just a little and this is called a font, but not like letters on a computer and that when Jesus got baptized he was a grown up and God said something but I can’t remember what and the water is not magic, it’s just regular water but God makes the water wash away our sins.”

“This is my daughter, Polly, with whom I am well pleased.” said Mr. Potato Head, picking up Polly and giving her big kisses.

“That’s just like what God said when Jesus got baptized.” spoke up Haman.  And he stood with self importance and said “This is my son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.  That is what God said to Jesus.”

“Good!” said Pastor Ed, somewhat surprised.  “That is exactly right!”  And Mr. Potato Head smiled proudly at both his children.    THE END

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