CHILDREN DEDICATION
Written by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije Misigaro Joel, July 24, 2023
"And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord." Luke 2:22
INTRODUCTION
Children's dedication refers to the act of formally committing a child to a specific religious or spiritual path. It often involves a ceremony or ritual where parents or guardians make promises to raise the child according to their beliefs and values. This dedication is seen to introduce the child to their faith community and lay the foundation for their spiritual journey.
What was the significance of this purification? Here, the term "purification" refers to the Jewish practice of being cleansed after childbirth. A woman was required to go through a purification ritual and was regarded as ceremonially unclean for a certain amount of time after giving birth, per the Law of Moses.
Why, then, have our children been dedicated to the church? The purification ritual mentioned in Luke 2:22 was specific to the Jewish customs and traditions of that time. It was a way for Mary and Joseph to fulfill their religious obligations as devout Jews. However, in modern times, many Christian families choose to have their children dedicated to the church as a way of committing them to God's care and seeking His blessings upon their lives. This dedication ceremony is not a requirement, but rather a personal choice made by parents to publicly acknowledge their child's place in the
According to the Law of Moses, this event happened forty days after Jesus' birth. The purpose of this presentation was to consecrate Jesus to God and fulfill the religious customs of their faith.
This act of presenting Jesus to the Lord in Jerusalem was a customary practice for Jewish parents, as it symbolized their dedication and obedience to God's law. It also demonstrated their recognition of Jesus as a special child chosen by God for a divine purpose.
1. THE CHILD GETTING THE BLESSINGS
Simeon and Anna, who were present when Jesus was presented as a baby in the temple, performed a blessing on the child, further emphasizing Jesus' significance and indicating his future role as the Messiah. As a public declaration of Jesus' identity and purpose, this act of presentation also signaled the start of his public ministry.
When a child is dedicated, God, who permitted and gave life to the child, bestows blessings on that child that correspond to everything the priest or pastor says to the child.
"From the mouth of infants and nursing babies, You have established strength.
Because of Your adversaries, To make the enemy and the revengeful cease." Psalm 8:2
The dedicated child receives blessings in the form of strength and safety, as well as direction for the future. Infants and nursing infants can have a significant spiritual impact.
A child's dedication is more than just a ritual; it is also a way to call on divine protection and direction for the child's future.
2. GROWING IN STATURE AND IN WISDOM
The dedicated child becomes a beacon of light and inspiration to others. As they continue to grow, they not only gain physical strength but also develop a deep understanding of the world around them. This growth in stature and wisdom allows them to navigate life's challenges with grace and make wise decisions that align with their purpose.
"The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him." Luke 2:40
Biblically, the importance of growth in both physical and spiritual aspects emphasizes that as the child grows, they not only become physically stronger but also gain wisdom and grace from God. This suggests that growth is not limited to the physical realm but also encompasses spiritual development. It highlights the significance of nurturing both the body and the soul, as they go hand in hand in shaping a well-rounded individual. Their wisdom and grace are not solely the result of their own efforts but also a divine blessing. This further emphasizes the significance of nurturing and supporting a child's development in all aspects of life.
3. THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NOT HINDERED FOR THEM.
Jesus's call to allow the children to come to Him and His statement about the kingdom of God belonging to them highlights the value He places on their presence and their ability to understand and receive His teachings. By emphasizing the need for childlike faith, Jesus emphasizes the importance of approaching God with a sense of trust, openness, and simplicity.
"And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them. But Jesus called for them, saying, “Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” Luke 18:15-17
Jesus shows the importance of children in His teachings, recognizing their innocence and purity. He demonstrates that the kingdom of God is accessible to those who approach it with childlike faith and humility. This shows Jesus' love and inclusivity, as he welcomes even the youngest members of society into his presence. He encouraged people to allow children to come to Him without hindrance, as they exemplify the qualities necessary to receive the kingdom of God.
Jesus' emphasis on the significance of children challenges societal norms and highlights the value of childlike qualities such as trust, curiosity, and dependence. By inviting children into His presence, Jesus affirms their worth and teaches adults to embrace humility and vulnerability in their faith journey. Ultimately, Jesus' teachings on children remind us that everyone, regardless of age or status, is deserving of God's love and grace.
4. CHILDREN ARE A GIFT FROM ABOVE.
They spread happiness and innocence and serve as a constant reminder of the goodness and beauty that exist within humanity. Children have an innate ability to see the goodness in people and forgive readily, so their presence serves as a reminder to prioritize love and compassion in our interactions with others. Jesus' teachings on children also serve as a reminder for grownups to look out for and shield the younger generation, leading them toward a life of love and righteousness.
"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow." James 1:17
This message is particularly important in a world that can often be harsh and unforgiving. In such a world, it is crucial to remember that every act of kindness and compassion can make a significant difference in someone's life. By embodying love and compassion, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and inspire others to do the same, ultimately fostering a more harmonious and caring society. By cherishing and protecting children, we are ensuring a brighter future filled with kindness and empathy. Additionally, the purity and joy that children exude can inspire adults to reconnect with their own inner child, fostering personal growth and a deeper appreciation for life's simple pleasures.
5. IT INVOLVES BOTH PARENTS SAYING YES, WE ARE COMMITTED.
Since young infants cannot be water baptized or immersed, the pastor or minister performing the dedication will typically ask both parents: "Do you accept or promise to honor your engagement in allowing the child to follow the way of Christ until such time as he or she becomes of age to choose which way to follow?"
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
By making this commitment, parents are acknowledging their responsibility to guide their children's spiritual journey and provide them with a foundation of faith. This dedication ceremony serves as a meaningful milestone in the child's life, symbolizing the support and love they will receive from their parents and community as they grow in their own understanding of spirituality.
The involvement of both parents, saying yes, and their joint commitment and dedication provide a stable and nurturing environment for children to thrive. When both parents actively participate in cherishing and protecting children, it strengthens the family unit. It creates a sense of security, love, and support that is essential for a child's overall well-being.
Parents may be jeopardizing the entire process and impeding the blessings in the child's life as they grow if they fail to do that, which constitutes a complete failure in the child's upbringing.
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