March 16, 2008
On this very special Sunday when we have waved palms to sing, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David. Hosanna in the highest heaven!” and soon we will witness four persons who will dedicate their lives to Christ the King in the public act of believers baptism that we also have the occasion to dedicate a little baby.
Jennifer and Ricky Der along with their son, Ryan and grandparents are presenting their daughter, Keilani Joy Der, born on December 19, 2007 to be dedicated to the Lord, 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.”
I know that parents allocate a great amount of energy in the selection of a name for their new child and that’s the way it should be. Contained in the name are all the parents’ hopes and dreams of what they pray for in the life of this child.
Keilani in Hawaiian means “glorious chief.” Kei means “one’s pride and glory,” and Lani means “the heavens.” You can see why Keilani means “glorious chief!” A strong chief or group leader is respected and trusted by the people and is often thought of with unique gifts. To be a “glorious chief” requires honesty and humility, responsibility and accountability and most importantly, a “glorious chief” knows ultimately that God is the source of any authority that we might have. The people waved palms to welcome Jesus as King into Jerusalem and these four persons will pledge their loyalty of Jesus as their Lord and Savior today. They know that God is at the center of their lives. When Keilani grows up and come to know Jesus for herself, we hope that she being a “glorious chief” will pledge her life to the “big” chief in heaven, Jesus Christ.
In Philippians 2:15, the Apostle Paul wrote that the children of God should focus on God’s ways so that they will “shine like stars in the world.” When God’s people hold fast to God’s truth, there would be much gladness and rejoicing. When I read this verse, I thought it’s fitting for Keilani Joy. A glorious chief is like a star shining in the heavens and being faithful to God will lead to great joy! Keilani is already bringing you joy with the cooing sounds that she makes and being a good little sister to Ryan.
When Jesus was old enough, his parents brought him to the temple for purification. In our Chinese American culture and Christian community, we introduce a new baby into the world a number of times. First, the parents show pictures of their newborn right after delivery. We have a red egg and ginger party. The baby comes to the church nursery for the very first time and all of the Nursery helpers fight to hold her. We have a baby dedication worship service like today. In each of these occasions, the baby is unaware of what’s going on. For pastors, we just hope that the baby doesn’t cry.
But the real reason why we introduce children into the world is to hear the promises and commitments from the parents, the family members and all of their friends that they will bring this child up in the teachings of Christ. Just as Mary and Joseph provided the right kind of family life to prepare Jesus for his God-given work, you as parents have this sacred responsibility too.
In the life of the church and especially here at FCBC, we have a responsibility too. No longer is this child just a new baby for these parents but today we know her by her given name, Keilani Joy Der. From this day forward, we will pray for her to grow up, mature in faith in God by providing her with nurture, instruction, and love that comes from God. When we make our commitments, we make them seriously and with the help of God, we will help fulfill God’s plan for this child’s life and purpose in the world.
Ritual
To the Parents:
In presenting Keilani to God, do you promise that through the grace given you and in partnership with this church, you will teach her the truths and responsibilities of the Christian faith, and seek to lead her into a living relationship with Jesus Christ?
Parents: We will.
To the Congregation:
Do you, the loving family of this child and members and friends of this church, accept the responsibility, together with the parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, to teach this child that she 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 the baby, “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
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 her to you. Give to these parents your special graces of insight and love that under their guidance, Keilani 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 her with food for the spirit to nourish her through the years of growth and maturity. With gratitude for this child we dedicate her, her parents, and ourselves, to the end that her life may be a blessing to you and a service to humanity. Amen.