Letters Between Joshua and Chris

Letter 1 - My Baptism Dear Chris, With much excitement, I must tell you about my recent baptism. This was an important event for me to be called out of the ways of the world and set apart as a child of God. It marked the beginning of my ministry. You might think that the baptism would have taken place at the temple, but it occurred in the wilderness in the river Jordan. I traveled south from Galilee to be baptized by my cousin John. You remember John, the son of Zachariah, the priest, and Elizabeth. As cousins, she and my mother, Mary, were close. Mary even stayed with Elizabeth for three months before John was born. As young children, what fun John and I had growing up together. Then, he went to live in the desert until he later appeared calling people to repent and be baptized. He was quite a sight wearing clothes made of camel's hair and a leather belt. I am about thirty years old now and somehow I just knew it was time to be baptized for I felt I must be on a mission for my Father. When I found John, he did not want to baptize me. It was strange. He said, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" He already had been ministering on behalf of the kingdom of God and, thus, did not now need to be set apart for God. I knew that my time had come; so, I prevailed upon him to baptize me in the Jordan. It was a spectacular day. The wonders of creation were all around us - from the beautiful sun-filled sky to the flowing waters of life in the Jordan. The banks of the river were covered with lush shrubs and trees growing in this otherwise arid region. What an experience this was! I was so pleased that my heavenly Father was there. He knew where I was and He knew I would want Him to be present with me. I think it is important to have your family with you when you receive baptism. I was so proud to be in my Father's presence. I entered the water with John and as soon I was baptized, He said, "This is my son whom I love; with him I am well pleased."