This past Sunday we celebrated with our families through child dedication. Perhaps you have wondered what child dedication is and why we do it. Is it just a nod to tradition with a church ritual, a family photo op, and an opportunity for the church as dedicating families bring friends and extended family? No. It’s much more than that.
Child dedication is the act of giving back to God the gift He has given to you. Hannah, Samuel’s mother, had long prayed for a child. When he was born, she took him to the Temple and dedicated him to the Lord. She said, “For this child I have prayed. For as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the Lord” (1 Samuel 1:27-28 NKJV). This is an opportunity for us to do the same thing in our situations.
Child dedication is an act of worship, thanksgiving, dependence, trust, and commitment. As you prepare for the moment of dedicating your child, taking the vows you will make seriously, and praying over your child or the children you know who will be dedicated, you can grow in your intimacy with God. You can experience again how He feels as a Father for you.
It is an act of stewardship. No gift besides salvation is greater than a child who has been entrusted to you. There is certainly no greater responsibility than being a parent. Parenting is stewardship. You are entrusted to care for this gift of God and will give an account. You don’t own this child, but he/she is a huge responsibility to handle with care.
It is an opportunity for you to give a testimony to family and friends about what and Who is most important to you and how you intend to raise this child.
It is a great gift for your child. On this day, your child is the recipient of many focused prayers for him or her. Many people go their whole lives without anyone ever praying specifically for them. Your child has been prayed for to the Creator who made him/her and loves them best, consistently, and unconditionally. Those prayers will be in process of answers for many years.
And child dedication is a challenge to the church. During the dedication, the parents not only respond, but the congregation is challenged to pray for the child and the parents beyond that day. They are reminded of their responsibility to live lives before this child that point to Christ and give authentic testimony to the transformation Christ brings to any life surrendered to Him. The church has the responsibility to make the faith believable.
Child dedication rightly considered is a dream and vision session in faith for the future. Those children are the pastors, teachers, and leaders of our future. As we look forward in faith, this is a most significant moment.
Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” Matthew 19:14 NLT