It’s Confirmation Sunday. And that raises a few questions. Most of all, it raises this question: What is it? Why do we do it?
Confirmation is an act, a rite, and a ritual in the Lutheran church (and in other Christian churches as well). It is neither commanded nor forbidden in Scripture. At a confirmation, whether it is a child or an adult, several things are happening. First, a person is confessing their faith before the Lord and a Christian congregation. Second, as they make that confession of faith, they are also receiving special encouragement from the church. We speak a blessing to them, which is powerful because of the Word which is spoken to them through the laying on of hands. Third, the church embraces them tightly and receives each one of them as their own. We rejoice with the angels in heaven over the faith we hear coming from their lips. And, finally, the confirmands receive strength from above to fulfill their promises to the Lord all the days of their life. It is just a rite, neither commanded nor forbidden. Yet, there is tremendous value and wisdom in such a rite.
It’s Confirmation Sunday. Let this Sunday do more than raise questions. Let this Sunday raise up prayers among us for these young people who will be confirmed and for those who have confessed their faith in this way before them. Let this Sunday raise up prayers among us that our God would complete the good work he has already begun in them.
We’ll see you Sunday as we learn how to live faithful and present lives in this world, and in this way, we stand next to the confirmands - firm in the faith, faithful in our lives. God help us.
Pastor Nate