Every year on Mother’s Day, we hold a Baby Dedication ceremony at Gateway Fellowship Church. The idea and process of dedicating our children to the Lord is a time honored, Biblical tradition that goes back thousands of years!
When Hannah, who had been barren for years, finally was given a child, Samuel, here was her promise:
“O LORD Almighty, if you will look down upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the LORD, his hair will never be cut.”(1 Samuel 1:11 NLT)
Throughout Jewish history, when a child was born, the child would be taken to the temple and dedicated to God and His service. Mary, Joseph and Jesus even participated in a parent/child dedication Ceremony:
“Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived. 22Then it was time for the purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. Luke 2:21-22 (NLT)
Keep in mind, this ceremony was more about the PARENT’S commitments than it was the child! The child could not make any commitments. They were babies! The parents were making the big spiritual commitments!
If you are wanting to participate in the Baby Dedication this Sunday, April 10, 2009, please contact us
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
my experience with my daughter is that this service, particularly on mother's day, can be so sad and difficult for those who have recently lost babies (hers was a stillbirth at 32 weeks of a perfect baby girl). most of these young women avoid these services - understandable. alyssa and i were talking about a baby dedication service that includes mention of and a sensitivity to women who are mothers to babies who are already in Heaven. even calling these babies by name (if permission is granted)and recognizing their place in their family as well as the Family of God. just food for thought! :) jan margrave
ReplyDelete