What does the water in the baptismal font represent?
The traditional baptismal font holds the water used for the baptism. It symbolizes the baptismal streams, rivers, or pools of water in centuries past, like the River of Jordan where Christ was baptized by John the Baptist.
What is the symbolism of water in infant baptism?
Water is used in Baptism as a symbol of life. In Baptism Christ gives new life. Holy oil is a symbol of strength and healing. It a symbol that the baby has the gift of the Holy Spirit and has been made holy, a special friend of Jesus who is king.
Why is water important in baptism?
When you are baptized with water, you are obeying the words and command of Jesus Christ. Water Baptism symbolizes that you are willing to follow Jesus, and have your life match His will for you.
What does a candle symbolize in baptism?
In the Christian gospels Jesus referred to himself as the “light of the world.” Baptism represents the coming from darkness into the light. When a child is baptized, the candle is a symbol of faith, light, truth and new life in Christ.
What is the power of holy water?
Catholic saints have written about the power of holy water as a force that repels evil. Saint Teresa of Avila, a Doctor of the Church who reported visions of Jesus and Mary, was a strong believer in the power of holy water and wrote that she used it with success to repel evil and temptations.
What does water symbolize in religion?
A natural symbol of purification, water has been used by religious peoples as a means of removing uncleanness, either ritual or moral. Holy water is used in Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, certain Lutheran synods, Anglicanism, and various other churches.
What is the oil in baptism?
The Oil of Catechumens, also known as the Oil of Excorcism, is the oil used in some traditional Christian churches during baptism; it is believed to strengthen the one being baptized to turn away from evil, temptation and sin.