"We need a pastor over here."

Last Wednesday, Sherri and I, along with our son Jonathan and our two moms, ventured out into the cold, slippery night for an evening of good ole' country music at the Weyer's Cave Community Center. The concert was held to benefit the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. A worthy cause! And it was starring local hero and former member of the Hall of Fame Statler Brothers, Jimmy Fortune.

I grew up listening to the Statler Brothers. You know, "Flowers on the Wall" and "Elizabeth." I was first introduced to Jimmy a few years ago when our church helped to host a benefit concert for his brother Tony who was in need of a kidney transplant.

Well back to Wednesday...

It was intermission when I was approached by Kern Houff, one of the concert promoters and sponsors, who said he had an unusal request. He said, "We need a pastor over here." He went on to explain that the lead guitar player, Pat, and his wife, Starr, wanted to dedicate their new baby boy, Patrick, to the Lord. Now that was an unusual request considering we were in the middle of a holiday concert.

But I said, "So where are they."

After meeting Pat and Starr it was apparent that this was no fluke request. They wanted the Lord's blessing upon their child. They probably didn't understand what all that meant but in their hearts they knew it was something God would honor in their lives.

So about halfway through the second set of songs, Jimmy called me forward to have a child dedication service. I had Pat, Starr and Patrick come to the front and then for their family and friends to gather around them. Pat and Starr dedicated their lives to love Jesus with all their heart, mind, soul and strength. And then we laid hands upon Patrick and dedicated him to the Lord.

It was a very moving moment. Tears were shed. Hugs were given.

This odd, unusual request became a reminder of why we celebrate Christmas. Over 2000 years ago a baby came among us who was blessed by God to do mighty things upon the earth. Jesus became a man who performed miracles and taught mankind how to have peace with God and each other. And then he caught us by surprise by giving his life unto death. Why? So we could have life. And all of this from a baby born in a feeding trough.

Every child deserves the blessing of the Lord like little Patrick received. Every child has the potential to do great and mighty things. So the next time you hold a child, speak blessing over him/her for they are ordained to do great and mighty things in the name of the Lord.