Baptism Day

Children who attend The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints learn from a very early age that the age of accountability as set by the Lord is 8 years old. Meaning that any time after a child turns 8 they may choose to be baptized into the church, but not before as we believe they are innocent and not accountable for their choices until after that time. Obviously each person is at a different stage of life and understanding when they are 8 years old, but most children who are raised in the church look forward to their 8th birthday so that they may be baptized like their parents, teachers, and siblings before them. Clarissa was no different, she has been looking forward to this special birthday all year and the day finally came. Preceding this day, we have spent many an evening talking about what baptism means and what kind of a commitment it is. I am happy that Clarissa has made this choice to further explore what religion means to her. This is only the first step in many choices that she will have the opportunity to make throughout her life. Clarissa in her baptism dress. We took this picture for her invitations and she wore it after she was baptized.

Clarissa and Chris ready to go into the waters of baptism.

Clarissa and Krystal and their friends sang a song about when Jesus Christ was baptized.

Grandma and Poppa Mattson flew to Virginia to be here for Clarissa's birthday and baptism. Poppa gave a talk about baptism and the Holy Ghost. Grandma wrote this poem for Clarissa to keep in her journal:

On this your baptismal day

You have chosen your way

Of truth and right

To lead your life

With the Spirit to guide yoiu

How to walk in the light.