Most likely, your child or someone you know is being dedicated! This is such a special time for a little one and their parents.
I have to be honest, I grew up going to a Catholic Church with my Grandma. She encouraged my parents to follow Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation. I’m kind of embarrassed to admit that, I didn’t know what a Baby Dedication was until about a year ago.
Once a month, our church had Bless the Children Sunday, where we would pray Numbers 6:24-26 over them.
“The Lord Bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV Translation)
One Sunday, our Pastor invited a family to have their new little one dedicated. It was one of the sweetest experiences. You could feel the love, protection, and blessing of Christ overwhelm the room as we prayed. In that precious moment, these parents made a promise to allow the Lord to guide them in raising their little girl.
This simple ceremony made an imprint on my heart, something that I look forward to celebrating with our children.
What is a Baby Dedication??
Let’s breakdown what a baby dedication is:
– It’s a ceremony where Christ following parents will make a public promise to raise their child in the way of the Lord.
– Many Christians believe this is a child’s welcome to faith.
– Beliefs will often vary from church to church.
What’s the difference between Baptism and Baby Dedication?
– Dedication is more for the parents. This is where they commit to teaching their child what it looks like to have an active Faith in the Lord.
– Baptism in Christianity is after the child has made their own decision to love and follow the Lord. This is where they will be washed of their old ways and made new in Christ.
What does a Baby Dedication Ceremony entail?
How and where the Ceremony takes place will vary from church to church and family to family. Typically it’s done in front of a church, but could also be a private get together with family and friends.
A Pastor will usually read a few Bible verses and then ask parents (and godparents, if you decide to have them) if they agree to raise the child according to the Lord’s way. The congregation, family and friends will then pray over the family, asking God to love, protect, and bless them.
In what ways, can parents raise their children in the way of the Lord?
1. Prayer (Ephesians 6:18)
2. Actions that show God’s love and promises – Being a living example (1 John 3:18)
3. Teaching them God’s word (Proverbs 22:6)
Looking for a Family Bible Verse to live by?? >> Check out These Bible Verses
Godparents
Although it is typically found in Catholicism, many Christian couples will choose a close friend, aunt, or uncle who will help guide their child through their faith.
Often, a godmother and godfather are chosen as mentor for the child’s journey with the Lord. This person will be someone they can look up to for advice and understanding in their faith.
Is my child too old?
No child is too old, but this is something that will vary from church to church. Most babies are dedicated between 4-8 months old.
Some families will choose to dedicate their children together or if parents are new to the faith, children could be much older. The age ranges up until the child truly understand the meaning of baptism. This could be as old as 7-12 years of age.
What does the Bible Say about Baby Dedication?
1. Deuteronomy 6:5-7
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (NIV translation)
2. 1 Samuel 1:27-28 This verse is where Hannah Promises to dedicate her son (if barren) to the Lord:
“Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” (NIV translation)
3. Luke 2:22 Mary and Joseph brought Jesus before the Lord:
“When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord” (NIV translation)
Dedicating a child to the Lord is such a special ceremony for both parents and children. We hope that this helped you gain a bit more knowledge on what a baby dedication ceremony is.
Disclaimer: Although we are not parents yet, this is something we believe in and hope to implement with our family someday. All of the information above is based on our opinion. We believe that the Lord works in everyone’s life differently.