I remember that Sunday evening in May, so many years ago. I was at my church, preparing for my baptism, and I had possibly the worst headache of my life. Excruciating pain dwelt behind my eyes; I hardly had the power to stand up. I believe it was a full-on spiritual attack designed to dissuade me from proceeding. Why would I be attacked? To answer that requires a discussion about baptism.

In Christ, we have new life. If we choose to seek renewal by other means it is akin to how young boys in Zurich burned an 11-foot-tall snowman like-effigies to shoo away winter centuries ago. Such practices may provide rich symbolism to those who view them, but our faith teaches us that we truly will find new life in Christ rather than mere symbols of new life.