Water Come Down: The Day You Were Baptized - Hardcover

Walter Wangerin Jr.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0806637110 ISBN 13: 9780806637112

Publisher: Sparkhouse Family, 1999

Synopsis

"Tackling complex theological issues, this illuminating book succeeds in introducing children to the concepts surrounding baptism." --Publisher's Weekly

Paired with exquisite and vibrant artwork, this beautifully written lyrical story by award-winning author Walter Wangerin Jr., introduces children to the beauty, joy, and meaning of baptism. From the sun and clouds to the wind and the seed, all of creation celebrates the Child of God being washed in the water and given a new name.

With a dedication page to commemorate the special occasion, there's also a thorough and enthusiastic explanation of baptism coupled with Scripture references found in the back of the book to round out this dynamic offering. The perfect gift from grandparent, godparent, family member or friend, this gorgeous book is sure to make a child feel special and affirm they are part of the most wonderful family in the world. Water Come Down is a wonderful introduction to the significance of baptism, its roots in the biblical story, and its meaning for life today.

About this title

About the Authors

Walter Wangerin Jr. is senior research professor at Valparaiso University and the author of more than forty books encompassing a wide variety of genres: fiction, essay, spirituality, children's stories, and biblical exposition. Wangerin has won the National Book Award, the New York Times Best Children's Book of the Year Award, and several Gold Medallion Awards, including best fiction awards for both The Book of God and Paul: A Novel.

Gerardo Suzan is the winner of Mexico's most important graphics/illustration award, Premio Antoniorrobles, and has illustrated more than twenty books for children. He lives in Torreon, Mexico.

Reviews

Tackling complex theological issues, this illuminating book for the most part succeeds in introducing children to the concepts surrounding baptism. As Wangerin (Probity Jones and the Fear Not Angel) explains, his approach is structured on a passage from Romans 8: "The creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God." Here, benevolently personified, the sun, a cloud, rain, wind, seed and water take turns describing their contributions to a child's baptism as they welcome the child into creation. Their words exemplify concepts of resurrection and growth, although Wangerin includes one somewhat discordant reference to the cleansing aspects of baptism: "I am the water they washed you in/... Clean from the devil! Clean from sin." Odd grammar ("I am the water went under the ground") and occasional cutesiness mar what is otherwise graceful, stirring verse: "I rode the wind to the edge of the skies/ And cried to the sun, 'Sun, shine on me/ For the child below, so the child can see/ A flaming raining-bow!'" Suz n (Butterfly Boy), in his friendly, candy-colored illustrations, joins Wangerin in stressing baptism as a dramatic entrance into the community of faith. It's a lot to take in, but Wangerin provides several pages of excellent resources for family Bible study, exploring the scriptural sources behind his story and making the theological concepts both accessible and engaging. All ages. (Sept.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

I am the sun. I am fire and light. I'm the first one At the end of the night Who heard of your naming day.

God told me to whisper The news to my sister: A child will be named today.

God created everything: light and sky and water, sun and moon and stars, vegetable life and animal life---and us. Human beings.

It would have been fine. All would have been well between us and God and everything else; but sin entered in. Our sin separated us from God. It even grieved creation, as St. Paul says in Romans 8: 'The creations waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God . . . in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay.'

As in sin, so in grace: all creation is bound together. When God reaches down to love us and to adopt us by Baptism, creation itself rejoices in the 'revealing of the children of God.'

So I've written a story in which both God and creation delight in a particular child---in your child. And I've drawn upon the rich heritage of Scripture throughout. Each speaker of God's glad word (sun, cloud, rain, wind) also carries a sacred meaning. And the best person to reveal that meaning to your child is you.

On the following pages I have identified the Bible passages you may use to tell your child the 'rest of the story.' Read the biblical texts by yourself first, then share them with the child in your own words. Talk about their meaning for both of you, children of God through Baptism. Talk about your own experience with these two Baptisms---yours and the child's.

And here are ways to enhance the settings for your discussions.

--Bring out memorabilia of the child's Baptism: a baptismal gown, certificate, photographs. --Light a candle---a baptismal candle, if you have one. --Go outside to see and feel the sun, the wind, the rain---or to view a rainbow. --Plant a seed and let the child tend and water it. Together watch it come to new life from its 'grave' in the soil. --Visit your church after services to study the symbols and baptismal font. --And surely, attend Baptisms at church with your child.

God bless you and your child in this wonderful teaching! ---Walter Wangerin Jr.

Edition details

• Publisher: Sparkhouse Family
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0806637110
• ISBN 13: 9780806637112
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Gerardo Suzan
• Number of pages: 40