December 30: Afternoon

The first big thing to happen today was a visit to a church in Nazareth, though not the same Nazareth I visited 2 years ago! This town was renamed when the village converted to Christianity. The church had a tall steeple, though we were told that it was supposed to be taller, but the foundation could not hold it. In side the church, there were only a few pews in the very back of the church. In front of the pews was the baptismal font. The rest of he church, all the way to the chancel, was bare. The length of the church had a red cloth to act as the aisle. On the right, women sat in pews or on the floor. On the left, men did the same. The chancel area looked like any Anglican church, but there were more lamps, candles, and Christmas lights strung up. Outside the church was a huge Christmas tree and several stars.

We went in to sit and pray, and we were invited to stay for a baptism service. The service was conducted very like an Anglican service, so we United Methodists were able to pick out parts of the service. The boy’s choir, pastors, and children to be baptized were all in white. There were hymns and a homily concerning the responsibility of the parents and godparents of the children. A baby girl and toddler boy were baptized today. As the pastor took each child, a song was sing about the Holy Spirit, and the pastor placed water on their heads three times, presumably saying the same words we use. During the service, we could pick out the creed, the baptismal vows, and the Lord’s Prayer. Isn’t it amazing the connections Christians can have all over the world through baptism!