Liturgy On The Occasion Of The Birth, Baptism, Or Dedication Of A Child Part I

The following liturgies may be used in small or large family celebrations or in gatherings of the larger worshiping community. Adapt to local needs and customs.

On the Occasion of a Birth Gathering

Leader: We gather today in the spirit of rejoicing to celebrate the birth of [Name]. Let us bless the name of God who has brought this child into our home. Hear the word of the Lord from Matthew: "?Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven?" (19:14).

Let us pray. Father, we thank you for the life of this little one. May your blessing be upon her/him. Cause this child to grow in wisdom, and grant that we may provide a home of love and warmth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Scripture Reading

Reader 1: A reading from the book of Psalms:

"?I will praise you with my whole heart; Before the gods I will sing praises to you. I will worship toward your holy temple, And praise your name For your lovingkindness and your truth; For you have magnified your word above all your name. In the day when I cried out, you answered me, And made me bold with strength in my soul. All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O Lord, When they hear the words of your mouth. Yes, they shall sing of the ways of the Lord, For great is the glory of the Lord?" (138:1–5). This is the word of the Lord.

Response: Thanks be to God.

Reader 2: A reading from the Gospel according to Luke:

"?Now there were in the same country shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, '?Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you: You will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.?' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: '?Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!?'?" (2:8–14). This is the word of the Lord.

Response: Thanks be to God.

The Prayer of Dedication

Leader: Let us dedicate this child to the Lord. Gracious Father, you have taught us, through Jesus your Son, that those who receive a child in your name receive Christ Himself. We give thanks to you for the blessing you have granted through the birth of this child. May this child be brought up in the nurture of the faith, and may all that is good and true, especially lively faith in Jesus Christ, be this child's portion. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen. (Here the feast of joy may commence.) On the Occasion of a Baptism Gathering

Leader: Dear family and friends, baptism is the glorious symbol of God's love for us and our response to Him. We gather under the sign of baptism today to celebrate the baptism of [Name]. Let us rejoice in the God who saves us and in the faith here affirmed.

Let us pray. Lord, You have given us water as a sign of the new creation. Grant that this sign of your grace may be met by the soul's desire and bring us all to your glory, through Christ our Lord. Amen. The Scripture Readings

Reader 1: A reading from Romans:

"?Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we were buried with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of his death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of his resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin?" (6:3–6). This is the word of the Lord.

Response: Thanks be to God.

Reader 2: A reading from Colossians:

"?If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God .… Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a compliant against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you must also do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him?" (3:1–3, 12–17). This is the word of the Lord.

Response: Thanks be to God.

• Liturgy On The Occasion Of The Birth, Baptism, Or Dedication Of A Child Part II