Acts 4:33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the LORD Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.
This afternoon, I’ll be conducting a naming ceremony at one of our local hospitals. This occurs when a child is stillborn and the family requests their pastor to help them. It involves prayer and scriptures, as well as performing a baptism of the baby. It is one of the most heart-rending and compassionate rites of the modern Christian Church. It does not ease the pain or diminish the tragedy, but it begins the long process of healing.
Years ago, this was never performed or offered by Presbyterian pastors. Even hospitals would whisk away the stillborn child as quickly as possible and leave the mother to grieve on her own. Thank God that we have women pastors in the church who have introduced this ceremony to the wider church. The mothers are now able to hold their babies and the naming of them, as well as the baptism, gives the child a precious identity in the eyes of God and the world.
It’s a beautiful act of helpless humanity mixed with the godliness of grace. It allows everyone involved to recognize that child-bearing, and not just childbirth, is a sacred and precious gift. The wee angel who is born is treated with respect and love. The mother who endures the stillbirth is valued and embraced.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You once said “Suffer the little children to come unto Me.” Your welcome of the most precious people in our community is sacred and eternal gift of grace and love. Be with those young mothers across the world who will give birth today. Comfort those who may not know tears of joy, but will be deeply hurt by the stillness and silence of their children. Embrace and love them dearly. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.
Today’s image is John’s latest drawing called “Forest Glade.” It depicts a pathway in the Smokies during the Fall. If you would like to see a larger version of the print, please click on the following link: http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4680521110_def91f6e63_b.jpg
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