Baby Dedication - February 11, 2007

Caleb's dedication took place this Sunday at our church, at exactly 7 weeks of age. Although Ron and I had dedicated him to God when we found out about his conception, it is customary to bring a newborn child before the church to pray for him and publicly dedicate him to God. It was a special event and Caleb behaved beautifully during the service, looking up wide-awake at the pastor as he was praying for him.

The dedication of the firstborn reaches back to the time of Israel, when God commanded to Moses: "Sanctify to Me every firstborn - the one that first opens the womb in birth - among the Israelites." Jesus was also presented to God 40 days after his birth, according to Jewish law. Today, we present not only our firstborn, but each child. Yet, I feel a particular significance of dedicating to God my firstborn son.

My prayer on this day was one of renewed thanks for my child, and a request for grace to raise this little boy to grow up to be a man who loves and serves God.