Scripture: Psalm 139 v 13 - 17: " For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!"
There is an amazing occurrence that happens at the moment of conception when a sperm enters an egg in the fallopian tubes. There is a burst of brilliant white light! Jesus is the light that gives life from the very start of the journey. He is fused into the newly created soul to bless it all the way.
When a Christian couple discover a baby is expected there is much rejoicing and thanksgiving to God. They begin to plan and prepare for the baby's arrival. The gynaecologist has given them diets and programs for the next 8 months till birth.
The Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth also has a plan for your baby and it would be wise to get on board with it from the very beginning. His plan is for the New human to be a follower, a disciple, of His teachings. So the first task must be to purchase a Bible for very young children.
Dad, you are the high priest of your home. Every day or evening start reading from that little Bible to the baby in the womb. He or she will know the sound of your voice and the rhythm of your voice. As its brain grows its memories of your voice and words will become a habit that will continue after the birth.
Mom, start collecting gospel songs for children and play these songs often, singing along with them so your baby is filled with peace, love, and truth about Jesus from its very beginning. When baby is born those same songs will help pacify and bless him or her. You will be most thankful for this extra tool when baby is teething. You will also be calmed by the songs knowing our Lord Jesus is in control.
When you pray together as a couple include the baby in your prayers. Pray for peace, health, joy and strength, from Jesus into that growing body. Pray for protection from harm or injury, bless its times of sleep or wakefulness, and that it will love Jesus as much as you do. You are nurturing this baby's spirit, often the most neglected area of a baby's life.
Your baby will come into this crazy world with an already vibrant spirit which you will continue to nourish from birth onwards. Dedicate your baby to the Lord, as He was dedicated in the Temple at 8 days old. Christening and baptism of infants is a false doctrine. A person only needs baptism after they are born again. Forsake the traditions of man and obey the Word of God.
Let your baby be with you as you praise and worship the Lord, lifting up holy hands and clapping along with Christian songs. Move with the music and your baby will soon start loving every minute of it. Baby will feel loved in spirit, soul and body which is a very favourable state to be in. A joyful baby filled with the Spirit of God will grow into a true disciple with a pure testimony that our Father will appreciate.
He will bless you with every blessing for your obedience and commitment to His plan for your child. Protect this little one from witnessing any fights or arguments as this causes trauma in the unborn and in children. Remember what it says in
Matthew 18 v 1 - 6: "At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea."
We must be converted from sinners to saints by being born again. We will become innocent and humble when we lose our ego and accept that we are not worthy to fasten Jesus' sandals. We must not offend our children or any other children because very harsh punishments await those who do.
When your baby is still very young and you have him or her on your lap and you start reading the children's Bible that you used during the pregnancy you will see an amazing look of recognition on that baby's face. Your tone of voice, the flow of familiar words will bring a connection to this baby. It was not in vain, it created a bond even in the womb.
Dads don't feel left out when the new baby gets all the attention from its Mom. It's necessary for both of them and you can make yourself useful. Help at bathtime and make it a fun time for all. Get the clean clothes ready and help clothe the baby. Every contact builds trust and love bonds with your baby. Keep talking, singing, praying for the whole family to enjoy.
Mom get lots of rest for your body to recover from nurturing your baby. Rest when it sleeps to recharge your batteries. Make your husband aware of what you need from him. Include him in everything so he feels special and part of something even more special. Teach him things he is unsure of and realise he could be tired from a long day at work. Plan meals ahead of time to be ready when he is.
All things work together for good to those who love the Lord.
Prayer: Heavenly Father How You rejoice at each new life that comes into this world already filled with praise and worship. This gives every child the very best start in life on its journey towards Heaven and home. Bless the parents and child with every good thing because You are faithful every day. In Jesus' name. Amen.