22 December, Wednesday – Precious Gifts

Wednesday of the 4^th Week of Advent – 22 December

1 Samuel 1:24-28
Luke 1:46-56

“Now I make him over to the Lord for the whole of his life. He is made over to the Lord.”

As expectant parents back in the days, we were quite specific in terms of the hospital where we would like to deliver our 2 children. We selected a small Catholic hospital here in Singapore that provided both physical and spiritual care. It has a little chapel for patients and family to visit, pray and contemplate. Nuns and priests would visit patients and give out holy communion daily. Just a beautiful and loving environment to welcome newborns.

Before newborns are discharged from the hospital, there will be a dedication ceremony, dedicating the newborn to the Lord, much like Hannah in today’s first reading. It was a simple cozy affair, but to me it held special meaning — thanksgiving for a smooth delivery and blessings of a new life. And more importantly, it lifted the baby up, together with our joys & hopes, into the hands of our Lord. Entrusting this new life to Him.

Fast forward 20+ years and somehow this memory and significance has faded with the ‘busyness’ of life — managing daily struggles and challenges. The hopes and wishes, the cares and concerns as a parent are never ending; and there have been many moments I have forgotten that our Lord is in charge, and we are just foster parents to our children.

Today’s first reading brought back beautiful memories of that simple dedication rite we made so many years ago — it rekindled in me a newfound hope and trust that He’s got this; He’s got them! And whatever difficulties or challenges our children may be facing, they are first and foremost children of God. He will never abandon them, and that they are in good hands.

Dedication is an act of declaring Jesus’ Lordship over our family. At this moment, I want to renew this dedication of our children to the Lord! Trusting in His grace and mercy and proclaiming His victory.

(Today’s OXYGEN by Lorraine Wong)

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, we dedicate our children to you once again and pray that you would watch over them all the days of their lives. Shine your light on them and guide them in your ways.

Thanksgiving: Heavenly Father, thank you for the precious gifts of our children. We rejoice and praise you for the gift of family.