Dedication of Bryce Smith
January 18, 2004
Welcome
Don: We welcome Kris and Dan Smith, who have brought their child, Bryce Smith to be dedicated to God, the maker of all things and the giver of life. In doing so we follow the way of Jesus who said, “Let the little children come to me; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.”
Don: Meditation Thought
Ritual
Chris: In presenting Bryce 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?
Kris & Dan: We will.
Chris: Do you, the members of this church, accept the responsibility, together with the parents, grandparents, 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.
Chris holds Bryce: Bryce, 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.
Closing Prayer
Don holds Bryce:
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, Kris and Dan 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, Bryce 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 Bryce, 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.
Presentation of Certificate and Rose
Meditation Thought
When Jesus was old enough for his parents to be brought to the temple for purification, there was an old man named, Simeon. He was righteous and devout and the Holy Spirit was upon him. When Mary and Joseph presented Jesus, Simeon took him in his arms and praise God.
Mary and Joseph felt honored and favored by God when Jesus came into their lives. It was a sacred privilege which they shared with God. As parents, Mary and Joseph would have to provide the right kind of family life, education, counsel, and spiritual nurture to prepare Jesus for his God-given work. When Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple for the blessing, they also dedicated themselves to this sacred responsibility.
Dan and Kris, the privilege of parenthood is God-given and you are responsible for the way you will raise Bryce into maturity. We pray that you will provide him with the instructions to have faith in God, the nurture and love found in your strong family, and the meaning of life’s purpose as you dedicate yourselves as Christian parents before God.