The New Normal: Virtual Child Dedication

The pandemic had changed a lot of things in our lives today, our way of working, our day-to-day routines, and even our interaction with other people. The internet had become our best friend during these times and I am sure that the internet is here to stay.

Last year, my small group from Cebu had given me a surprise virtual baby shower which I didn't expect at all, my heart was full when they had given me their advice, their bible verses, and blessings as well.

Today, another event happened virtually and I didn't expect that such a thing can be done indeed over the web - Child Dedication.

What is a Child Dedication?

According to learnreligions, a baby dedication is a ceremony in which believing parents, and sometimes entire families, make a commitment before the Lord to raise that child according to God's Word and God's ways.

Why Do Christians Dedicate Their Child?

There are at least three reasons why believers dedicate their children:

1. As Christians, we recognize that the baby or child is a gift from God.

Every child is a blessing and being given a blessing, we acknowledge that God, the giver of every good and perfect gift according to James 1:17. As such, we give glory to Him alone for blessing a family with a child.

2. Dedicating a child means we release ownership of the child.

Christians believe that everything in this world is owned by God including the child that has been given to us. This also means that we are simply steward of this gift thus, we must not take our children as our property but of God's. Knowing that God is the owner of the child makes us realize as well that He knows the best for the child and for us as well.

3. As believers, we realize that we have a role in the child.

Being stewards of the child, there are specific roles that we have to do for the child. As followers of Jesus Christ, we ought to follow His commands especially in nurturing the children that He had bestowed upon us.

The Roles of Parents

1. Builders

Christian parents ought to be builders of godly character and values. We are called to disciple our kids first hand, the church is just the secondary party in disciple-making our children. We partner with God in building these values and characters.

Aside from that, we must also build a good and strong marriage to set an example for our children. As the children see their parents loving and God-fearing, they get a picture of how the love of God is present in the family and they too begin to hope for the same in their lives as they grow.

Another thing is that we as believers ought to celebrate memories together as a whole family. Children take these wonderful memories with them as they grow and will also do follow our example.

2. Watchmen

Parents being watchmen means we guide our children to do good deeds. Disciplining our kids and not delegating this important thing to others as such the schools or the church. We are their first teachers.

Being watchmen means we also guard the influences of our kids. This is very important and very timely in this generation. There are many suicidal teenagers these days and one of the reasons for this is the lack of guidance from the parents in terms of those with whom their kids get to interact. Thus, it is important to guard them in this aspect.

In a summary, being watchmen means being involved in the life of our kids.

3. Providers

Lastly, as parents, we believe that we are the provider to our children but also acknowledge that God is our source of providence. This doesn't just mean financial but also emotional needs. We must be there with them to hug them when they are in pain, speak to them encouragement and so on.

Most importantly, we must be a provider to their spiritual needs. One of the great actions the parents can do is to speak blessings to the child even before he or she is born, even when they are still inside the mother's womb.

Johannes Elisef's Dedication

Today marks baby Eli's 2nd birthday. She was supposed to be dedicated last year at Cebu's Ocean Park during her first birthday and James and I were supposed to cover her birthday and dedication event but because of the pandemic, that was called off. There were so many things that had happened and the parents, Jun and Jen decided to just delay the dedication until her second birthday.

Today, Jen sent me a link to a Zoom meeting and told us that it's Eli's dedication which will be done virtually. The ceremony was administered by the family's church pastor from Victory Church in Cebu. Jen and Jun used to go to Living Word IT Park where we also attend when we were still in Cebu. Last year, our small group had somehow dissolved because of many changes yet, we still continue to communicate as friends and spiritual accountability partners.

The event started at 4 PM, there were many viewers in fact and we solemnly joined the ceremony, giving virtual claps and blessings to Eli. There were certain parts in the ceremony, including the parents' prayer to Eli, the sponsors' prayer, the candle ceremony, and the actual dedication. The entire event lasted for around 40 minutes and I must say it was a success!

Summary

Child Dedication is an act of worship to God. Believers practice this because it is in line with God's will in our lives. Having a baby is indeed a true blessing and as Christian parents, we acknowledge God as the source and He is the one who deserves the glory in this specific ceremony.

Indeed, something like this can be done virtually and although the downside to this is less interaction, it is somehow efficient and very pocket-saving! Matti was dedicated last December when he turned five months and we spent some thousands on that event. Now that we have attended Eli's virtual dedication, I thought that would have been a better option! Anyway, that has been done and still, we are blessed that we had the means to give back to God the glory for blessing us with Matti.

xoxo,

mommy jean of momentswithmatti

Love harder than any pain you've ever felt.