Baby Dedication & Baptism Celebration!

...and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, - Luke 1:47 

There are times in our lives where we experience great joy…good news we have been hoping to hear, a victory, an unexpected gift, a time when someone we love returns after a long time away, a meal with others that is more than sharing food but the sharing of lives and hearts, a trip to that place we always wanted to go that turns out better than we ever hoped for or imagined, the beauty of a perfect setting where we feel safe and at home. 
 
Joy, real joy, a deep-down joy that exists when something happens that was meant to be, part of God’s plan, and grace and mercy.  
 
On Sunday, November 7, Uche Umeana and Sommer Presswood brought their baby Harmony to be dedicated to the Lord before our church family as witnesses of the joy of a new life. Little Harmony is starting off her new life, a gift from God, and we had the privilege of being there and praying God’s favor and blessing over this beautiful child and her parents. That’s a reason for joy.  
 
And then to add even more joy, both Uche and Sommer were baptized into Christ, a step of faith into a new life with Christ. The Scriptures tell us that the angels rejoice at times like this – a real celebration in heaven, a celebration of something real and eternal! What a privilege we had to be there, as are all baptisms and life transformations, a time to rejoice in what God is doing in the lives of individuals He loves. We had the privilege of having front row seats to see it all unfold.  
 
So yes, there are times in life when we get to experience real joy, moments when we can stop and say to ourselves, “Don’t miss this. Don’t overlook this. Stop and really soak this in. It is a moment to enjoy and rejoice.”  
 
So, congratulations and joy to Uche, Sommer and Harmony. May God bless you and keep you as you walk with Him and may you experience His joy in all you do. 

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. - Philippians 4:4