A child dedication is a ceremony in which believing parents, and sometimes entire families, make a commitment before the Lord to submit a child to God’s will and to raise that child according to God’s word and God’s ways.
Dedicating a child acknowledges God’s sovereignty not only over the child, but also mom and dad. Parents present their child before God and His people asking for grace and wisdom in carrying out their responsibilities.
Years ago, our eldest daughter was baptized under the Catholic tradition. It was believed that when a child is baptized, his or her original sin is gone. Now, I certainly realize that is not what it is believed. A baby does not have the capacity to think on their own and accept Jesus as his or her personal Lord and Savior. The bible clearly says in John 3:16 that whoever believes in Jesus will not perish but will have eternal life. All of us are born sinners, and we continue to be, but when we accept Christ, we accept His gift of forgiveness and eternity. A baby can’t do the acceptance yet, but in God’s time and when they grow up they will.
As parents, my husband and I had it in our hearts to dedicate our youngest child. We were halfway preparing already when our dgroup leader came up with an idea of dedicating our eldest daughter as well. Her idea was such a blessing because it not only made the expenses worth it (for having 2 child dedications at the same time) but because it made us realize that we also have another child whom we are responsible to raise according to God’s design. Sometimes, my husband and I get too preoccupied thinking of our youngest and I know it breaks my eldest’s heart . When my eldest found out that we are also to dedicate her, I saw her eyes beamed with joy.
It was the 28th of May 2016 when we dedicated our children to God. It was an intimate affair and only our immediate family and closest friends were there. It was a solemn and memorable life event, a special milestone that I would forever cherish in my heart.
More than ever, God reminded me that my children are His. They are His precious gifts and as caretakers, we as parents are to nourish them with love, affection, time and guidance. What they will become is solely our accountability as parents. It is a dreadful task, but the most honorable and fulfilling as well.
I acknowledge that apart from God, we will never be good parents. Apart from Him, I will never be the mom that I should be. I am way too far from being what a good mother should be, but I am holding on to God’s promise that whoever asked for wisdom, He will generously give. James 1:15 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
My hope lies in Christ Jesus.
Keeping Up the Faith 