Baptism at Yardenit

It never ceases to amaze me how religious practices of different denominations are really quite similar. In Judaism, there are strict dietary laws, just as there are within Islam, and there are food restrictions for Seventh Day Adventists (vegetarians) and other denominations. Catholics observe lent and restrict themselves from certain foods, while Jews observe kashrut and will restrict themselves from meat items in the three weeks before the Tish A B'Av, excepting Shabbat. In Christianity, the baptism is symbolic of a cleansing and resulting renewal. Obviously, both religions are borne out of the Old Testament and clearly that common beginning of time certainly provides a strong basis of like rituals. But considering how religious differences have separated people for so many years it remains surprising when we are once again reminded by a simple baptism how all men are really the same. We all search for spirituality in one form or another. For some it can be a simple walk or a run, for others it's the church, or maybe its in a song or dance, or a hike or other activity. Or sometimes no activity at all but simple focused meditation. But whatever it is - it still remains a form of spirituality and we each need that in our lives. Today at Yardenit I had the privilege of witnessing several baptisms and seeing spiritual renewal first hand on the faces of so many people.

Yardenit remains one of the most celebrated sites within Israel for baptism. It doesn't really matter that Yardenit is likely a bit far to the north of the actual site where John the Baptist baptised Jesus. It is said that the real spot, a 100 or so kilometres to the south, is likely a bit unseemly, and so, Yardenit situated just south of the Sea of Galilee on the west side of the Jordan River, has long been considered the foremost location for baptisms in Israel. The Yardenit site, located within Kibbutz Kinneret, is quite modern in its facilities, with on site amenities including a large retail store, changing facilities, a restaurant, outdoor coffee shop, ample areas to relax along the river, and of course, several areas where one can easily enter the holy water to be baptised.

My incredible encounter began with two families from Australia, both Seventh-Day Adventists, who arrived to Yardenit after spending a few days in Egypt and Jerusalem. The two families, which had five children between them were traveling together on a three-country adventure that included Egypt, Israel and Jordan. The group was headed by Pastor Anthony R. Kent, an ordained minister that works at the General Conference World Headquarters of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Maryland. We first encountered Pastor Kent with his group in a private corner of the site overlooking the Jordan where he was ministering to the group, which happened to include his wife and two daughters. The group then ventured over to the changing room to change into their swimming clothes and baptism robes. Pastor Kent entered the water first and gave a brief sermon. Then, one by one, he baptised the children starting with the oldest son of the second family. It was extremely emotional - as the young boy of 14 or so was lifted out of the water he hugged the pastor so hard you could just feel how ecstatic he was. He had clearly lost the battle with tears but it didn't matter at all and he then ran to his father for a loving and emotional embrace. Next up was the Pastor's eldest daughter, a beautiful blonde girl, expectantly waiting her turn, walking towards her father as he motioned to her to make her way down the ramp. He then held her with one arm and waved his other arm over her head, and exclaimed in a uncharacteristically shaky voice as he fought back tears " it is because you have dedicated your life to Jesus". Then he fully immersed her in the water symbolising her rebirth in a new life now filled with Jesus. As she arose from the water father and daughter embraced so tightly, that each onlooker's heart could not help but skip a beat.

Later when I spoke with the families to get their email addresses so I could forward the pictures I had snapped, all the kids told me that the baptism experience had been the high point of the trip, by far. And it's no surprise. These children and their families had learned and studied for this moment for years and now this dream had finally come true. Looking at these children as they emerged from the water, one could sense somehow that they were already more mature, more sensitive and they were clearly rejoicing in their newfound connection with their Lord, Jesus.

There were other groups visiting Yardenit while we were there as well. One very lively Catholic group, comprising approximately 50 people, had arrived from Italy and came with two spiritual leaders. The group consisted mostly of individuals over 50 but there were a few younger people in the group as well as one very small baby of four months. We watched intently as the two priests entered the water and then individually baptised a few of the congregants. As these people underwent the Lord's blessing one could truly feel a deep spiritual awakening in the atmosphere. A guitar-wielding member of the church played festively for at least 15 minutes while everyone stood by excitedly witnessing the celebration. And what a rich celebration it was - as people sang and danced and clapped, you couldn't help but feel the heightened spirituality int the air. Each person emerging out of the river seemed changed somehow. Onlookers had to keep the newly baptised members steady on their feet as they got out of the water and then climbed a few stairs up to where their families awaited them. Finally, when all the congregants had completed their rituals it was time to baptise the new baby and what an incredibly memorable experience that was for all of us. While the mother held the baby forward the priest recited several blessings over the baby. We all clapped and cheered. Finally, the priest said a few words captivating the excited crowd and in closing asked each of us to care for our brothers and sisters and to kiss and bless each of our bretheren. You didn't have to know Italian to understand exactly what he said. Within moments, I was kissed on both cheeks by numerous people who I had never met before, each of them telling me in Italian "god bless".

There is no doubt that achieving a heightened sense of spirituality can be an incredible experience. Just seeing how people can change before your eyes, changes each of us in a way. No matter what our beliefs, life must be celebrated and it is that celebration that provides us with a sense of spirituality in our lives. Our lives our precious and it is our responsibility to find that spirituality, and it is often found where you least expect it.