Royal Danish Twins Christened As Denmark Celebrates
The long anticipated ‘naming’ of Denmark's royal twins, the youngest members of the country's 1,000 year-old monarchy, were christened in Copenhagen, the Danish capital, on Thursday, April 15, 2011.
Now three months old, those of you remember from earlier postings on The Esoteric Curiosa that the young prince and princess are the children of Crown Prince Frederik, next in line to the Danish throne, and his Tasmanian-born wife Crown Princess Mary.
After what seems like an eternity, they were named Vincent Frederik Minik Alexander and Josephine Sophia Ivalo Mathilda, at an elegant ceremony in Copenhagen's 16th-century Holmens Church, on Thursday afternoon.
Prince Vincent; being the elder of the two siblings and Princess Josephine were born on January 8, 2011, the twins are separated in age by a gap of just 26 minutes. They are fourth and fifth in line to succeed the Danish throne, behind their father Crown Prince Frederik and older siblings Prince Christian, aged 5, and Princess Isabella, aged 3.
The giving of four names to each child has become a tradition in the Danish monarchy in recent generations.
Following another royal tradition, every other Danish king has been named either Frederik or Christian. The little princess also bears the Greenlandic name ‘Ivalo’, while ‘Mathilda’ is a nod to her part-Australian parentage.
In the lead-up to the ceremony, several hundred people lined the streets outside the church, and stood on rooftops of adjoining buildings, waving Danish and Australian national flags, the latter in acknowledgment of the Crown Princess' roots.
The baptism was graced by Queen Margrethe of Denmark, her husband Prince Consort Henrik, and some 300 invited guests, including Crown Princess Mary's family from Australia, nobles from Greece and Germany, and Danish business tycoons, politicians and entertainers.
However, royals from neighboring monarchies such as Sweden, the Netherlands and Norway were unable to attend.
Several members of the Danish royal family, including Queen Margrethe, have previously also been baptized in Holmens Church. In keeping with Danish custom, the twins' names were revealed to the public for the first time at the baptism.
Denmark has one of the world's oldest surviving monarchies, with the present royal family being direct descendents of the Royal House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg, which succeeded to the throne in November,1863.
Like their British cousins, the monarchy plays no political role in the country's day to day affairs and is widely popular with and accepted by the Danes.
READINGS
The christening of the twins of Their Royal Highnesses the Crown Prince and Crown Princess will take place in Holmen’s Church located opposite Christiansborg Castle at Holmens Canal in the centre of Copenhagen
The church has been used for several ceremonies by the members of The Royal Family including the christening of Her Majesty the Queen, 14 May 1940, and the christening of the Crown Prince, 24 June 1968. Furthermore, the church was used at the royal wedding of Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Prince Consort on 10 June 1967.
The Royal Baptismal Font and the Royal Christening Set
The baptismal font was produced by the goldsmiths, Gödert Bodtstede and Christian Mundt II, in Hamburg
At the bottom of the font there is a relief of the Baptism of Christ in the River Jordan by John the Baptist. Above, it shows God the Father and the Dove of the Holy Spirit.
Together with the baptismal font there is a christening set. It includes a christening basin, a water pitcher and two candlesticks, all of pure gold. The set was probably made about 1650 by the goldsmith Hinrich Lambrecht II of Hamburg
The baptismal font and the christening set have been used for the christening of all Danish Royal Children since 1671. The first time the baptismal font and the christening set were used was on the occasion of the baptism of Crown Prince Frederik, later to become Frederik IV. He was the first crown prince to be baptized after the introduction of Absolute Monarchy in 1660. The establishment of Absolutism marked the beginning of Hereditary Monarchy in Denmark
Originally, the baptismal font was placed at Copenhagen Castle , but was moved to Rosenborg Castle Rosenborg Castle
Today, the baptismal font is to be found in the Knights’ Hall at Rosenborg Castle Møgeltønder Church Rosenborg Castle
Program
1.55 p.m.
Members of the congregation arrive at Holmen’s Church.
2.30-3.00 p.m.
The guests arrive at the church.
3.05-3.30 p.m.
The Royal Guests, friends and family, the godfathers and godmothers, Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson, HM the Queen and HRH the Prince Consort and TRH the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess arrive at the church.
3.30 p.m.
Christening.
The Christening is led by the Chaplain of HM the Queen and the Royal Family, Bishop Erik Norman Svendsen.
4.15 p.m.
The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess with children leave the church and drive to the Amalie Garden
4.15 p.m.
HM the Queen and HRH the Prince Consort, Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson and godfathers and godmothers leave the church and depart to Amalienborg.
4.20 p.m.
The remaining guests leave Holmen’s Church and the reception guests arrive by boat to the Amalie Garden
6.00 p.m.
Reception in Frederik VIII’s Palace.
Guest List
Hans Kongelige Højhed Kronprinsen
Hendes Kongelige Højhed Kronprinsessen
Hendes Majestæt Dronningen
Hans Kongelige Højhed Prinsgemalen
Hans Kongelige Højhed Prins Christian
Hendes Kongelige Højhed Prinsesse Isabella
Hans Kongelige Højhed Prins Joachim
Hendes Kongelige Højhed Prinsesse Marie
Hans Højhed Prins Nikolai
Hans Højhed Prins Felix
Hans Højhed Prins Henrik til Danmark
Hendes Kongelige Højhed Prinsesse Benedikte
Hans Højhed Prins Richard zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg
Hans Højhed Prins Gustav zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg
Fr. Carina Axelsson
Hendes Majestæt Dronning Anne-Marie
His Royal Highness Prince Nikolaos
Her Royal Highness Princess Tatiana
Son Altesse Royale le Prince Charles de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles
Son Altesse Royale la Princesse Camilla de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles
Professor John Donaldson
Mrs. Susan Donaldson
Mr. John Stuart Donaldson
Mrs. Patricia Bailey
Mrs. Catherine Murray
Monsieur Guillaume Bardin
Madame Guillaume Bardin
H.E. Skibsreder Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller
Lensgrevinde Bente Bernstorff-Gyldensteen
H.E. The Ambassador of Australia
Overborgmester i Københavns Kommune Frank Jensen
Fru Jane Frimand Pedersen
Adm. direktør Claus Schønemann Juhl
Fr. Eva Zeuthen Bentsen
Provst Ejgil Bank Olesen
Sognepræst Peter Thyssen
Sognepræst Helene Dam
Sognepræst Anna Mejlhede
Domkantor Ebbe Munk
Organist og kantor Jakob Lorentzen
Biskop over Københavns Stift Peter Henrik Skov-Jakobsen
Bispinde Skov-Jakobsen
Greve Ditlev Erik Ahlefeldt-Laurvig
Grevinde Jean Merete Ahlefeldt-Laurvig
Hofjægermester, greve Michael Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille
Grevinde Caroline Søeborg Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille
Personlig assistent Anja Camilla Alajdi
Hr. Steen Christiansen
Hr. Nikolaj Albinus
Fr. Louise Eleonora Kathleen Iuel Albinus
Professor Erik Albæk
Hr. Thor Andersen
Fr. Anette Thrane Nielsen
Orlogskaptajn Christian Blegvad Andersen
Fr. Rikke Andersen
Hr. Peter Bang
Juliane Meulengracht Bang
Hr. George Bergengren
Fr. Cecilia Bergengren
Art Directing Consultant Malene Birger
Hr. John Risman
Direktør Michael Brandt
Fr. Rikke Brandt
Hr. Søren Bredvig
Fr. Ida Holst Clausen
Hofjægermester, greve Michael Brockenhuus-Schack
Hofjægermesterinde, grevinde Ulla Brockenhuus-Schack
Hr. Andreas von Buchwald
Professor, dr.med. Christian von Buchwald
Kurator, mag.art. Elisabeth von Buchwald
Fr. Ida von Buchwald
Fr. Anna von Buchwald
Miss Rowena Calvert
Formand for Højteknologifonden, Bestyrelsesformand i Danfoss A/S, kammerherre Jørgen M. Clausen
Kammerherreinde Clausen
Hr. Christian Dalum
Fr. Gitte Dalum
Hr. Thomas Dam
Fr. Julie Dam
Komponist og musiker Chris Minh Doky
Privatsekretær, hofdame hos H.K.H. Kronprinsessen Tanja Doky
Adm. direktør Nils Ulrik Garde Due
Mr. Charles Lambert
Designer Julie Fagerholt
Instruktør Jacob Grønlykke
Fr. Caroline Fleming
Fr. Rose Gad Foss
TV-vært Jarl Friis-Mikkelsen
Fr. Susanne Pehrsson
Mrs. Jane Graham
Direktør Michael Halbye
Fr. Pernille Halbye
Adm. direktør Jeppe Handwerk
Projektleder Birgitte Handwerk
Sygeplejerske Mette Hansen
Frisør Søren Hedegaard
Adm. direktør, oberstløjtnant Peter Heering
Hofdame for H.K.H. Kronprinsessen Caroline E. Heering
Skuespiller Ellen Hillingsø
Direktør Christoffer Castenskiold
Dr. Dominic Hodgson
Dr. Nadine Johnston
Adm. direktør Jacob Holm
Fr. Barbara Bendix Becker
Designer Henrik Hviid
Fotograf Marc Reingaard Høm
Fr. Marie-Louise Høm
Læge Henrik Jepsen
Fr. Hella Joof
Direktør Søren Jessen
Godsejer Anders Kirk Johansen
Fr. Anja Buchwald
Læge Trine Juhler
Adm. direktør Carl Erik Kjærsgaard
Direktør Søren Lauritsen
Direktør Christian Levin
Fr. Sofie Glahn
Guldsmed Charlotte Lynggaard
Hr. Michel Normann
Ms. Kylie Matthews
Mr. Scott Southhall
Chief Executive Officer, Oxford
Fr. Marie Elisabeth Alexandra Mousavizadeh
Produktionsleder Julie Cloos Mølsgaard
Hofjægermester Anders Christen Obel
Hofjægermesterinde Henriette Zeuthen Obel
Direktør Thomas Olsen
Fr. Annette Juhl Olsen
Direktør Henrik Olsen
Fr. Anita Valentin
Pastor, civ.ing. Peter Parkov
Miss Amber Petty
Hofjægermester, baron Otto Reedtz-Thott
Baronesse Helle Reedtz-Thott
Direktør Jakob Reese
Fr. Anna-Sofie Reese
Mr. Jason C. Roberts
Greve Valdemar af Rosenborg
Komtesse Marina af Rosenborg
Professor i geologi Minik Rosing
Fr. Tine Keiser-Nielsen
Formand Richard Sand
Fr. Tina Groth Sand
Direktør Flemming Schmidt
Fr. Mette Riis Schmidt
Bestyrelsesformand, generalkonsul, kammerherre Fritz Schur
Hofjægermester Jørgen Skeel
Hofjægermesterinde Malou Skeel
Fr. Alette Mærsk Mc-Kinney Sørensen
Hr. Franz Willum Sørensen
Godsejer Jan Tholstrup
Fr. Signe Tholstrup
Direktør Jakob Grymer Tholstrup
Fr. Alexandra Winther Høeg
Mr. Tony Thomas
Mrs. Josephine Rechner
Hr. Christopher Kiær Thomsen
Fr. Sofie Kirk Kiær Kristiansen
Mrs. Selina Tracey
Mr. Andrew Tracey
Guitarist Henrik Tvede
Fr. Lisbeth Madsen
Hr. Thomas Velin
Fr. Julie Schulin
Hr. Flemming Velin
Fr. Majken Velin
Fr. Charlotte Velin
Direktør Kim Vibe-Petersen
Fr. Nina Vibe-Petersen
Direktør Peter Warnøe
Hofjægermester, lensgreve Bendt Wedell
Hofjægermesterinde, lensgrevinde Pernille Wedell
Baron Ditlev Wedell-Wedellsborg
Baronesse Dorte Wedell-Wedellsborg
Baron Johan Wedell-Wedellsborg
Baronesse Rebecca Alexandra Wedell-Wedellsborg
Advokat, kammerherre, baron Henrik Wedell-Wedellsborg
Kammerherreinde, baronesse Wedell-Wedellsborg
Direktør Peter Aandahl
Direktør Nina Louise Wedell-Wedellsborg
Direktør Birgitte Hagemann Snabe
Projektchef Helle Østergaard
Kommunikationschef Lise Bendix
Kommunikationsmedarbejder Jeanette Grøn Nielsen
Projektleder Wencke Kathrine Jansen Tiemroth
Projektleder Dorte Fredskilde Braad
Projektleder Tine Oxholm Jacobsen
Projektleder Lone Bak Nielsen
Indretningsarkitekt, præsidiemedlem Minna Højgaard Jensen
Koncernbestyrelsesformand i Grundfos Niels Due Jensen
Koncernchef Peter Engberg Jensen
Fru Grete Sandberg Mortensen
Formand for Carlsbergsfondet, professor, dr.pharm. Povl Krogsgaard-Larsen
Fru Tove Krogsgaard-Larsen
Direktør Gurli Martinussen
Christian Madsen Motzfeldt
Formand for Det Obelske Familiefond Christen Winther Obel
Hr. Claus Reumert
Fondsbestyrelsesformand Niels Boserup
Fru Esther Boserup
Centerdirektør Bent Smedegaard Ottesen
Klinikchef, Ph.D. Morten Hedegaard
Klinikchef, professor, dr.med. Gorm Greisen
Professor, overlæge Peter Damm
Overlæge, dr.med Karin Sundberg
Børnelæge Steen Hertel
Funktionschef Jan Krogshede
Chefjordemoder Mette Simonsen
Vicechefjordemoder Agnete Nørrelund
Vicechefjordemoder Lotte Broberg
Afdelingsjordemoder Birgitte Hillerup
Oversygeplejeske Pernille Emmersen
Afdelingssygeplejerske Dorthe Grønning
Afdelingssygeplejerske Vivi Kronborg
Sygeplejerske Lene Brage
Sygeplejerske Malene Tingvar
Sygeplejerske Susanne Nystrand
Sygeplejerske Line Figueira
Hofchef, kammerherre Christian Schønau
Kammerherreinde Schønau
Hofmarskal, kammerherre, ambassadør Ove Ullerup
Kammerherreinde Ullerup
Kabinetssekretær, ordenssekretær, kammerherre Henning Fode
Kammerherreinde Fode
Ceremonimester, kammerherre, oberstløjnant Christian Eugen-Olsen
Kammerherreinde Eugen-Olsen
Ordensskatmester, kammerherre, fhv. hofchef Per Thornit
Kammerherreinde Thornit
Kommunikationschef Lene Balleby
Økonomichef og personalechef ved Den Kongelige Civilliste,
kammerherre Søren Weiskopf Kruse
Privatsekretær Morten Roland Hansen
Arkitekt Charlotte Søeborg Ohlsen
Hofdame, kammerherreinde, grevinde Jytte Krag-Juel-Vind-Frijs
Adjudant, Major Michael Rose
Adjudant, Major Gorm M. Larsen
Adjudant, Orlogskaptajn Ole B. Pedersen
Godfathers and Godmothers
The Prince
Mr. John Stuart Donaldson
HRH Crown Prince Felipe des Asturies
H.H. Prins Gustav zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg
Hofjægermester, greve Michael Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille
Baronesse Helle Reedtz-Thott
Hofdame Caroline Heering
The Princess
H.K.H. Prinsesse Marie
Son Altesse Royale le Prince Charles de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles
Mrs. Patricia Bailey
Hofjægermester, lensgreve Bendt Wedell
Fr. Birgitte Handwerk
Mrs. Josephine Rechner
The Christening Robes
The Christening Robe Worn By Prince Vincent:
The christening robe was made for the christening of Prince Christian, later to become Christian X, in Christiansborg Palace Chapel in 1870. The christening robe was made of Brussels lace, which the mother of Christian X, Queen Lovisa, had bought in Belgium
The lower edge of the christening robe carries little scallops, and the bottom border is covered in tiny flowers and leaves. The rest of the lace features small flowers sprinkled more sparsely. The bodice is a yoke made of the densely-patterned, scalloped lace. The ribbon to be tied around the waist and the ribbons at the neck and the puff sleeves are of egg-shell coloured silk, as is the petticoat of the christening robe.
The Bonnet:
The christening bonnet features a more densely patterned lace than the christening robe, with slightly larger motifs. They consist of leaves, flowers and vines interspersed with decorative fancy stitches. The shape of the bonnet is made up of broad lace bands that are gathered into a closed crown at the back of the neck. A plain satin ribbon along the lower edge of the bonnet is used to tie it under the chin.
Together with the christening robe there are a train, a silk ribbon to be tied around the waist, a cushion case, a bib as well as a fine organza apron.
The following Royal Children have been baptized in this christening robe: Christian X, Prince Carl (from 1905 King Haakon VII of Norway), Prince Harald, Prince Gustav, Princess Louise, Princess Thyra, Princess Dagmar, Frederik IX, Prince Knud (Heir Presumptive to the Throne), Queen Margrethe, Princess Benedikte, Queen Anne-Marie, Princess Elisabeth, Count Ingolf of Rosenborg, Count Christian of Rosenborg, Crown Prince Frederik, Prince Joachim, Prince Christian and Princess Isabella.
The Christening Robe Worn By Princess Josephine
The christening robe and the bonnet belonged to Queen Ingrid. They were discovered by Her Majesty Queen Margrethe during a review of objects which had been packed away since the death of Queen Ingrid. It is unrecorded how it came into the possession of Queen Ingrid. It is assumed that the christening robe was presented to Queen Ingrid as a gift on the occasion of the birth of Princess Margrethe. This view is shared by a textile conservator at Rosenborg Castle
The christening robe is made of white cotton batiste with horizontal rows of lace insertions on the entire front of the robe. The lace insertions are separated from each other by rows of tiny pleats, known as pin tucks, made in the fabric of the robe.
For the christening of the twins, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess have had minor changes made to the robe. Among other things, delicate old lace from Her Majesty The Queen’s personal collection has been used for the matching new petticoat and top fabric of the lower part of the robe.
The Bonnet:
The bonnet and the christening robe do not belong together. The cut of the bonnet is simple and made of very delicate, almost transparent material. It may be a matter of what is known as "nældedug", originally produced from nettles.
The lace on the bonnet is Tønder lace: a broad Danmarks Store Hjerte (Big Heart of Denmark) is used as a lace insertion with straight sides, which is considered unusual. Along the edge of the bonnet, there is a narrow lace trim, a narrow Danmarks Lille Hjerte (Little Heart of Denmark). Queen Alexandrine was presented with Danmarks Store Hjerte as a gift on the occasion of the reunion of North Slesvig with Denmark
The Christening Ceremony
The Chaplain Royal, Bishop Erik Norman Svendsen, will
conduct the christening ceremony.
Participants:
The Choir of Holmens Church, conducted by organist and
precentor Jakob Lorentzen.
The Copenhagen Royal Chapel Choir, conducted by the
cathedral presenter Ebbe Munk.
Organist: Jakob Lorentzen and Erik Kolind.
Harp: Hellen Davies Mikkelborg.
While the guests take their places in the church, the two choirs will sing Danish songs and hymns.
As Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Prince Consort enter the church, Grayston Ives: »Intrada« will be performed.
As Their Royal Highnesses the Crown Prince and Crown Princess enter the church, both choirs will sing:
Povl Schierbeck/ H.C.Andersen »I Danmark er jeg født,
dér har jeg hjemme« (Arr. J.Lorentzen).
BAPTISM
PRAISE AND PRAYER
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has born us anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Let us pray:
We thank You, Heavenly Father,
that through Your only begotten Son,
You have given this Holy Baptism
in which You make us your children
and give us the Holy Spirit
with the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
We beseech You graciously
to receive these children whom we bring before You:
Make them members of Your church
and keep them in communion with You now and forever.
Amen.
Our Lord Jesus Christ says: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you: and behold, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. And in the gospel according to Mark we read: And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, »Let the children come to me, do not hinder them, for to such belongs
the Kingdom of God
Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God
SIGN OF THE CROSS
Receive the sign of the Holy Cross upon your brow and upon your chest, as a testimony that you shall belong to the crucified Lord Jesus Christ.
What is the name of the child? - N.
THE CREED
N., Do you renounce the devil and all his works and all his ways? – I do!
Do you believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth? – I do!
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven. He is seated at the right hand of the Father, and He will come to judge the living and the dead? – I do!
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting? – I do! Will you be baptized in this faith? – I will!
BAPTISM
N., I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Almighty God, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ, has now granted you rebirth by water and the Holy Spirit and has bestowed upon you the remission of sins, May His grace strengthen you unto eternal life. He shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever more. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread,
Forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those
who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are Yours,
now and forever. Amen
Peace be with you.
INSTRUCTION OF GODPARENTS
You, the parents and godparents of these children, have
now witnessed how they were baptized in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. It is your duty
as parents to bring up your child in the Christian faith and
to pray for them in order that they may remain in Christ,
even as they through baptism have now been grafted into
Him. If the parents die before the child comes of age, it is
the duty of the godparents, as far as they are able, to ensure
that the child learns about the Christian faith.
Peace be with you.
The Christening Speech
For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God through Faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Gal. 3, 26-27. (New Revised Standard Version)
Dearly Beloved!
Twice before we have seen this: The Crown Prince and Crown Princess appearing at the main entrance of Copenhagen University Hospital
Today Father and Mother bring their twins to be baptized with big brother Prince Christian and big sister Princess Isabella, with the entire royal family and friends in attendance. And even if the baptismal service may seem a private occasion, most of the Danish population is watching. In Denmark
On this occasion the royal baptism is in Holmen’s Church which is also the Navy’s church with grand traditions. But it is also the church in which Crown Prince Frederik almost 43 years ago was baptized in the arms of his mother, the then Princess Margrethe, who was herself baptized in this church; and in the same baptismal font which has been used for every royal baptism since 1671, whether the baptism took place at the castle or in the church.
However, it is not just the font which is the same; the baptism is also the same, wherever or whenever it takes place. We are baptized in the name of Jesus to belong to him in life and death, and we are at the same time received into the Christian church. In baptism we are visibly and audibly called the children of God and we are given Jesus as our brother and savior. The New Testament calls it a rebirth. Not to be understood in a biological sense, but in a spiritual sense. In baptism we are reborn by water and the Holy Spirit.
The twins were born at Copenhagen University Hospital
Every child has an identity from his or her biological parents, for better or for worse. This identity is recognized in looks, gestures and manners. “He is like his father” or “she is like her mother” we say, when a child is born. Or: “Whom do they most resemble?”
When they grow up they can recognize part of their parents in themselves.
But we also get an identity from God. It is given us freely in baptism and is manifest when we live on the words and promises from Jesus trusting the baptism.
We are all born into a life of good times and difficult times, sorrow and joy, since we are all mortal. These are the equal terms of our existence. But in baptism we are reborn to the life we will never loose, life everlasting. That is the enormous perspective of baptism.
Baptism is much more than a naming ceremony. It is God’s promise of community with him forever, also in death. We are reborn into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This hope fills us with life and hopefulness, giving us strength to use our lives according to God’s will: Fighting evil and destruction in all its forms, and living in kindness with our neighbor. Hope gives us the courage to face even death without despair.
Our lives may take very different forms and apparently also most randomly. “We only know two harbors by name, one our cradle the other our grave”, sings Ambrosius Stub in his song about life as a sea voyage.
Baptism confirms that we are in God’s hands during our voyage through life.
Baptism is the sign for our whole life and revives us every time we remember that we can call ourselves children of God.
Baptism is a daily source for faith, hope and love. “In baptism’s bowl/ your hearth and your soul/ may rest in the hope of salvation” (translation Edward Broadbridge) sings Grundtvig and we with him.
In prose: Baptism stays with us forever. Whether our life’s voyage is short or long, easy or difficult, happy or unhappy the promise from Jesus given in baptism is for every one of us: “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Most Danish churches have a church ship hanging from the ceiling. Here in Holmen’s Church it is, of course, a model of an admiral’s ship, Niels Juel’s Christianus Quintus (Christian the Fifth). The church ship reminds us of Noah’s Ark saving mankind from the waters of the Great Flood, as well as of the boat on Lake Genezareth sea of Life
Amen.
NR
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