Dawn's Rising

Chapter 11; Difference in Opinion

Standing across from her uncle Jarle and Aunt Kari, who were to be the Godparents of her baby brother, Julianna watched as the Rev. Mason held Lukas over the baptismal fountain. With practiced ease the reverend lifted up a small silver shell shaped dish filled with water over the infant's head. In a resounding voice, loud enough for the entire congregation to hear, Rev. Mason said as he poured water out upon Lukas' head, "I baptize you, Lukas, in the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit," the gentle kind hearted pastor then picked up a small towel and dabbed the sleeping baby's head dry.

As deep in thought as she was, Julianna did not notice the disapproving look that her uncle gave her when he took in her withdrawn and troubled expression. Confronted again with an infant baptism, Julianna went through her usual inner conflict over what was the proper way to be baptized; as an infant in the way taking place in front of her or the baptism of an individual after the repentance of sins with full submersion under water. Which would she choose for he child when it was her turn to be a parent?

As Julianna's mind wandered over the well known questions once more, a soft sigh of frustration escaped her unguarded lips. Shocked at her carelessness, Julianna looked up and met the stern penetrating gaze of her uncle. In embarrassment, Julianna lowered her eyes as her cheeks filled with color. She was immensely glad that she was standing as she was, with her back to the church's congregation. Unexpectedly, Julianna felt a warm, strong hand close around her right hand. She turned her head slightly to the side and caught sight of her father's tender, smiling face at the same time that she felt a gentle squeeze to her hand. Julianna returned her father's affectionate smile with a look of apology in her eyes. When at last she looked back down, her father released her hand.

As the ceremony drew to an end Julianna turned with the rest of their small group and returned to the shelter of her bench seat. Relieved to leave the platform where the baptismal fountain was located, Julianna sank down deep into her seat before she remembered her manners and sat up straight again. The piano sounded a chord and started into the cheerful tune of a well known Psalm. Instead of searching for the text in the English song book, Julianna sang it softly in Norwegian for her Heavenly Father's ears only. But then with a smile, she heard many other soft voices join hers in singing the Norwegian version. How nice it was to hear the strong tone of a piano again and to be able to sing familiar songs with so many brothers and sisters in Christ, even if they used two different languages. With a thrill of longing Julianna thought of how it would be to come home to Heaven where all barriers would be torn down, including the blockade of different languages. When all the peoples of the entire world would join together in song in the one language of Heaven.... Julianna's eyes began to glisten with unshed tears at such a thought.

As the service came to an end everyone began to slowly file out the front doors where each took a turn shaking Rev. Mason's hand and thank him for a job well done. Julianna stood behind her mother and father, watching as first her father and then her mother shook the reverend's hand and thanked him for performing the baptism of their son. Then it was Julianna's turn, and a bit shyly she took the Reverend's offered hand and softly said, "Thank you, Reverend, for a lovely service."

"You are very welcome, my dear," said the stout middle aged man. "I enjoyed our visit last night even though it was much too short. I rarely get to meet such young devout followers of our Lord as you, Julianna. You and your whole family must promise to come in another time for a longer visit as soon as you can." Julianna could see such a quiet admiration reflected in the man's silver gray eyes that she felt herself blush.

"I too hope that we can. It really has been nice meeting you Reverend."

Suddenly Reverend Mason released Julianna's hand and turned his attention back to her father, "My brother, you are indeed blessed by the Lord with such a lovely family. Nancy and I only have Kyle, and though he is as wonderful a son as any man could ever wish, we did always hope for a daughter as well. Guess we just have to wait a little longer until the Lord sends us a daughter-in-law," Reverend Mason said with a wink towards Julianna, which caused her blush to return in full strength.