The Baby Dedication Ceremony Psalm 127:3 proclaims that "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him." As believers we are called to recognize that children belong first and foremost to God. God in his goodness gives children as gifts to parents. We not only have the awesome responsibility of caring for this gift, but also the wonderful privilege of enjoying the gift. Because children belong to God and are given by grace as gifts to parents, it is only proper and appropriate that children be dedicated back to God. We are told in 1 Samuel 1 that Hannah presented her son Samuel to the Lord. In Luke 2:22 we read that Mary and Joseph brought their baby Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem in order to present him before the Lord. In the same way, I, Pastor Antonio Marquis Hairston, Sr. and Lady Crystal Nicole Hairston, today bring our son, Antonio Marquis Hairston II, presenting first ourselves and then our son before the Lord our God. Deuteronomy 6:4-7 tells us: "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 upon your hearts. Impress them on their 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." Ephesians 6:4 says: "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Bishop: Mom and Dad, love God with every ounce and fiber of your energy and teach Junior to do the same. As you love God, one another, and Junior, you will model before him a wonderful love for God that he will want for himself. By coming forward before God and his people, do you hereby declare your desire to dedicate yourselves and your son Antonio Hairston II to the Lord? If so, please respond by saying "we do." Parents:
We do.
Bishop: So that Junior may walk in the abundant life that Christ offers, do you Mom and Dad, vow by God's help and in partnership with the church, to raise him in the truth of our Lord's instruction and discipline, and to encourage him to one day trust Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord? Parents:
We do.
Bishop: Modeling this kind of love cannot be done alone. It requires the help of others. For this reason, this mother and father call upon the help of this family. I now direct my questions to you. By coming forward before God and his people, do you hereby declare your desire to help this mother and father fulfill the vow they have just made concerning this child? If so, please respond by saying "we do." Family: We do.
(Mom hands child to Dad for Prayer of Dedication) (Presentation of Certificate)
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