"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. "A lilting, bright reminder of the gifts of baptism." --H. George Anderson, Presiding Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in America "A masterful synthesis of doctrine shared by Christians in all churches. Relates biblical teaching to the primal elements of creation in a way parents can teach and children can understand. My own faith was renewed as I read it. Every child of God should have it." --The Rev. Canon J. Robert Wright, General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church 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. 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.