PRESENTED TO THE LORD

Pastor Gerardo, Oscar with Oscar, Jr., Carla and Miriam.

“The time came for Mary and Joseph to do what the Law of Moses says a mother is supposed to do after her baby is born. They took Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem and presented him to the Lord,” Luke 2:22 CEV

Oscar and Carla brought their baby boy to the church Sunday evening and asked that he be presented to the Lord.  Two month old Oscar, Jr. was dressed in a little white suit.  There were many family members who brought Oscar, Jr. to be presented, including two who had driven all the way from California to witness the event.

Little Oscar seemed fascinated by the event.

Pastor Gerardo brought the baby’s parents and family forward while he talked to them about the great responsibilities of raising a child.  He read scriptures of encouragement and advice.  Then he took the baby in his arms and prayed a blessing over him, asking the Lord to guide and protect him and his family.  At one point Oscar, Jr. added his own voice to the proceedings, indicating his impatience with the whole affair.

Pastor Gerardo held the baby and prayed a blessing over him and the family.

After the presentation and a short sermon with testimonies of how the Lord helps in raising children, everyone gathered for coffee and a snack.  It was a blessing to watch this ancient ritual that Joseph and Mary had also observed when Jesus was born. Oscar, Jr. is a beautiful baby boy whose future is safe in God’s hands.

For a brief moment, sunlight through the window highlighted the couple and the child.

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”  Proverbs 22:6 KJV