September 28, 2014
I think it’s pretty safe to say that all children growing up in America would eventually learn how to sing the Alphabet Song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. And we can be pretty sure that children growing up in a church, would have learned, “Jesus Loves the Little Children.” Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.
Honestly, a world without children would be frightening. There would be no giggling and crying; no “Good Night Moon” and “The Hungry Caterpillar;” no kids’ menus and kid’s cones; no unpretentious hugs and innocent trust. I am deeply happy that FCBC in all of its commitments and activities has always welcome children into its midst.
Today, Eunice and Kenneth Tom present Nicodemus Kwok-Kwong Tom, born on December 5, 2013 to be dedicated to the Lord. Nico is one of the many children of the world and Jesus loves him because he is precious in his sight.
In the Bible, all three Synoptic Gospels include the time when parents were bringing their little children to Jesus so that he might touch them. But the disciples thought wrongly that Jesus would have more important things to do than to spend time with kids. When Jesus saw that the disciples were keeping the parents and kids away, he sternly scolded the disciples by saying, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” The kingdom of God belongs to Nicodemus Tom.
Eunice and Ken Tom have many dreams and prayers for Nico. Their simple prayers include that he has good health, that he eats well and develops his motor skills. Knowing that Nico’s development may not be like that of a typical child, they pray that Nico will develop his full potential that God has in store for him. We believe that as Eunice and Ken lovingly cares and raises Nico up, Jesus is raising Nico up in his arms, laying his hands on him and blesses him just like how the Bible recorded Jesus doing with the little children.
Every child has a purpose in life and in our lives too. Jesus said that “whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” Jesus wants us to have the innocence and trust like a child to believe in God. We pray to God that Nico will be a blessing to all people around him and would lead others to have a closer walk with God. Eunice and Ken wish to thank Jasmine Erickson who has become one of Nico’s regular caregivers. She spends at least one day per week with Nico and has become a significant influence in his life. Every time Jasmine comes over, Nico gives her his winning smile. At Family Camp earlier this month, I along with many others had that precious time of holding Nico.
The little song, “Jesus Loves the Little Children” mentions how different all children are. There is not one child who is more special than another. Regardless of what color they might be, Jesus loves them all. Regardless in what developmental stage they might be in, Jesus loves them. As Nico grows up in the church and in the world, we pray that he would know the limitless love and possibilities that he has in God and that no one including himself would define him or limit his giftedness that has been given to him by God himself.
Ritual
To the Parents:
In presenting Nicodemus Tom to God, do you promise that through the grace given you and in partnership with this church, you will teach him the truths and responsibilities of the Christian faith, and seek to lead him into a living relationship with Jesus Christ?
Parents: We will.
To the Congregation:
Do you, the loving church family of this child and members and friends of this church, accept the responsibility, together with the parents, grandparents, godparents, aunts and uncles, to teach this child that he 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 Nico, “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 this little one to this house of worship, that among your people they might present him to you. Give to these parents your special graces of insight and love that under their guidance, Nicodemus Tom 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 this child, providing him with food for the spirit to nourish him through the years of growth and maturity. With gratitude for this child we dedicate him, his parents, and ourselves, to the end that his life may be a blessing to you and a service to humanity. Amen.