Baby Dedication

Sunday, July 17th, was a special day for us, as Coen took part in Westside Church's "baby dedication." 

About a dozen kids (ranging from two-weeks to five-years-old) were joined by their parents on stage as the pastor said a public prayer over each child.  The church does this a few Sundays every year.  This is simply about committing our child to God in the hopes that he will come to know the Lord.  In other words, it was our public profession to the rest of the church that we will guide Coen in the ways of Christ and teach him His ways in the hopes that Coen will one day make the decision to follow Jesus on his own.  In essence, the "dedication" is more about Mom and Dad than Coen!  He wasn't making a decision on the stage;  we were the ones dedicating him to God.  We pray that Mom and Dad will be good examples for Coen, and that he will see the light of Christ through his parents.

Mom and Dad (we) were baptized in the church last month.  Just as Christ was baptized as an adult, we took the plunge in front of the congregation.  Baptism is viewed differently in various churches.  Our church views it as an outward expression of an inward reality of your identification with Christ.  Being immersed in water and lifted out is symbolic of Christ's death and resurrection, dying to our sin and being raised to new life in Christ.  Buried with Him through baptism, raised with Him to new life.

"Peter replied, 'Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.' Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church--about three thousand in all.” Acts 2:38, 41

We hope that one day Coen will make that decision, too.
We've been so blessed with our little boy.  Each day is a tremendous gift.

Matt

P.S.  Below is the video.  Coen stole the show with his green tie!  Afterwards, you can watch him kick his way off-stage.  He just keeps on movin'.