Infant Baptism / Christening / Dedication

I don't pretend to be a poet.  I wrote the song below when my twin grandchildren were Christened, and I offer it now for anyone who would like to use it in a non-commercial way.  Set to a well-known tune, it is easily singable by a congregation.  It expresses, I believe, the hopes of most parents, godparents, and grandparents.  Enjoy!

INFANT BAPTISM / CHRISTENING / DEDICATION

By Mel Menzies, December, 2004

Tune: Ode to Joy (Beethoven)

 On this day of dedication, let us all our voices raise,
Thanking God for his creation, giving him our song of praise
Thank you, Lord, for making us to be like you in every way
Thank you for the gift of life we see before us, here, today.

Thank you, Father, that you know the joys and pains of parenthood.
You have promised, if we ask you, all we need and all that's good.
Give these parents here before us wisdom, goodness, patience, too;
Grant that they may never lack the kind of love that's found in you.

Thank you, Jesus, that you knew the rigors of our human birth,
Set aside your heavenly crown and came to live with us on earth.
May this cherished* baby name* grow in safety, faith and stature, too;
Until, by his own belief, he wants to give his life to you.

Permitted variations:
Verse 3, Line 3: Omit cherished if inserting name of child.
Verse 3, Line 4: Substitute her, she, her if required.

REPRINT RIGHTS: THIS ARTICLE MAY BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORMAT, ONLINE OR IN PRINT, ON CONDITION THAT IT IS UNALTERED, IS FOR NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES, AND THAT THE FOLLOWING COPYRIGHT LINE AND BIO ARE CLEARLY DISPLAYED BENEATH THE TEXT.

© Copyright Mel Menzies: USED BY PERMISSION

Author of a number of books, one a Sunday Times No 4 Bestseller, Mel Menzies is also an experienced Speaker at live events, as well as on Radio and TV. This article, in its original form, can be found at http://www.melmenzies.co.uk/