Before
the church service began, we could tell by the muted noises up front that it
would be a special one. Little ones
dressed up in their best outfits, parents doing their best to shush them and
keep them calm for just a few more minutes.
Little girls with pink bows in their hair. Baby boys with miniature
suits.
Several
times a year, our church has a Child Dedication ceremony – an opportunity for
parents to commit to raising their children in a godly, Bible-focused,
Christ-centered home. It’s a sweet,
tender moment, a solemn vow that these parents are taking. And for some of us, it’s a poignant reminder
of our own children, and our own commitment not too long ago to raise them to
know and love the Lord.
This brief
ceremony is also for us, the Church Family.
The pastor asks us if we will commit to walking beside these moms and
dads on their parenting journey. If we
will encourage them when the days get hard.
If we will mentor them and counsel them as they seek wisdom. If we will pray for them and support them and
partner with them along the way, doing everything within our power to help
their children come to a personal relationship with Jesus.
Yes, we say, with enthusiastic
agreement. Yes, we commit to stand with these families and their beautiful young
children in the days and years to come. Yes,
we promise to help them keep the vows that they have made today. Yes, we do!
