Baby Dedication Ceremony

There will be a Child Dedication on August 17, 2024. Parents are kindly requested to register in advance by writing to churchclerk@lavingtonsda.org.

Why babies are dedicated

Children have always held a special kind of importance to God. The Bible says that “children are a heritage from the Lord” (Psalm 127:3, NKJV). Jesus even told his disciples that the kingdom of heaven belongs to little children (Matthew 19:14). And since it was customary throughout the Bible to dedicate a child to God’s will and guidance, it shows that God wants to be lovingly involved in parenting these special little humans as well.

But as an easy way to sum up these sentiments, here are four primary reasons we dedicate babies in the Adventist Church:

• To express thanks to God for the miracle of birth. A new life is a precious thing. A child’s dedication recognizes God’s gift to a family and demonstrates deep gratitude toward Him.
• To ask God to bless and guide our children. Growing up is never easy. And while parents can provide a loving home, a Christ-like influence, and as many opportunities for growth as they can, no parents are perfect. What’s more, they won’t be the only influences in their child’s life, and they can’t make all their child’s decisions for them. This special dedication is a solemn prayer to God to guide and protect their child.
• To dedicate children to God’s will. “Dedicating” is another word for consecrating, which means to set something apart as distinct and special, often for a holy purpose. At a baby dedication, parents choose to place God at the center of their parenting. Rather than solely relying on the world’s knowledge and trends, they promise to make decisions with their child’s spiritual well-being in mind, and to model a live of service to others. The parents recognize that God’s will is perfect, and they vow to yield to His influence as they raise their precious young ones.
• To make a public commitment to raise children in a loving Christian home, and welcoming the congregation to show their support. Making a commitment in front of others who care about you just makes it all the more significant and meaningful, and it demonstrates how important this is to you—and to God. It’s a way to involve the whole church family in supporting and encouraging you in your parental journey.

It’s always a beautiful thing to see parents who deeply love their children and want to raise them in a caring faith community.

This ceremony is a way to acknowledge that importance while also encouraging a church family to maintain a strong, supportive bond, taking time to celebrate each new life. Parents also want their friends and relatives to share this special time with them, and you’ll often see grandparents, aunts and uncles, and friends standing up with them during the ceremony.

As members of the congregation sitting in the audience, we are reminded of our Christian obligation towards this young life being presented up front. We are responsible for our words and actions towards this child. Never should we say or do anything that would discourage them from forming a relationship with Jesus, and becoming the person He wants them to be.