Baby Dedications—Quincy Abigail Chou and Jonas Grayson Ng
December 11, 2011
9:00 Worship
Today we are blessed to have the Chou Family and the Ng Family all together to celebrate the birth of their children and their public decisions to dedicate these little ones to God for his favor and blessings. When Jesus was old enough according to the law of Moses, his parents presented him to the Lord too. You are faithfully following the rich practice of foremothers and forefathers of the faith have done across the centuries.
While we live in a time when individualism is often a sign of strength, we affirm the truth that the care, love, and relationships found in families is what really counts. We might want to think that we did it all by ourselves, but in reality, we have been nurtured, taught, coached, equipped, and even disciplined to become the faithful people we are today. We might not always admit it but we are happy to be introduced as the son of Mr. Ng or the daughter of Mrs. Chou.
When Abraham and Sarah finally had a baby, they named him Isaac that means laughter because Sarah laughed when she heard that she was going to have a baby in her advanced years and Abraham was over 100 years old. The angel told Zechariah to name the baby that Elizabeth will bear, John because he will bring joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. In this Advent season, we hear that the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him to take Mary as his wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. The angel told Joseph to name the baby Jesus for he will save his people from their sins.
Jackie and Josh have brought Quincy Abigail Chou, born on August 13, 2011 to be dedicated to the Lord today. Quincy means five or fifth—she is the fifth member of their family. But since Madison Avenue, Park Avenue and Fifth Avenue are all in New York City and Josh loves the Yankees, Quincy is a great name.
Joyce and Jon have brought Jonas Grayson Ng, born on August 31, 2011 to be dedicated to the Lord today. For some divine reason, Joyce and Jonathan became one and have continued naming their children with J names—Jacob and now Jonas. Just like our biblical ancestors, we choose names with meaning, associations, and relationships because we belong to families and we have great hope and expectation on what our children may become.
Jackie and Josh tell us that Quincy is joyful and happy and particularly loves to have Madison and Parker play and roll around with her on the floor. Quincy will have the advantage of watching her older sister and brother try new things and push toward the boundaries of life and learning from their experiences. But as one who will be the baby of the family, she will be able to blaze her own trails and become the unique and special person that God made her to be.
Joyce and Jon tell us that Jonas may be like his older brother Jacob with a happy and playful outlook in life and perhaps will be adventuresome like his parents. They hope that Jonas will hear the Word of God and obey it, love others as God loves him, and discover and fulfill his special part in God’s kingdom.
We want to acknowledge the presence of Jamie and David Lee who are one of the aunts and uncles to Quincy and Jonas. And to lift up the significance of this generation of cousins, Jamie and David’s new baby is Abigail Grey Lee. Our prayers are that they will grow up as the best of cousins caring, loving, and praying for each other as you as parents and grandparents are doing today.
Ritual
To the Parents:
In presenting Quincy and Jonas to God, do you promise that through the grace given you and in partnership with this church, you will teach them the truths and responsibilities of the Christian faith, and seek to lead them into a living relationship with Jesus Christ?
Parents: We will.
To the Congregation:
Do you, the loving church family of these children and members and friends of this church, accept the responsibility, together with the parents, grandparents, godparents, aunts and uncles, to teach these children that they may be brought to full maturity in Jesus Christ? If so, will you signify your acceptance by saying, “We will.”
Congregation: We will.
Don holds Quincy, “God bless you and keep you. God’s face shine upon you and be gracious to you. God look upon you with favor and give you peace. Amen.”
Don holds Jonas, “God bless you and keep you. God’s face shine upon you and be gracious to you. God look upon you with favor and give you peace. Amen.”
Presentation of Certificates and Roses
This certificate will remind you of the commitments you made here today. This rose, a universal symbol of beauty and God’s wondrous creation represents your child made in the image of God himself.
Closing Prayer
Dear God, even as Mary and Joseph brought the child Jesus to your house that he might be consecrated to your service, so these parents have brought these little ones to this house of worship, that among your people they might present them to you. Give to these parents your special graces of insight and love that under their guidance, Quincy and Jonas may grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with you and all people. Grant that we your people may truly be a household of faith to these children, providing them with food for the spirit to nourish them through the years of growth and maturity. With gratitude for these children we dedicate them, their parents, and ourselves, to the end that their lives may be a blessing to you and a service to humanity. Amen.