Psalm 127:3-5
Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior's hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates. (NLT)
Whether you adopt an infant, a toddler or an older child, there is a moment of transition when he or she ceases to belong to a former life and begins to belong to a new one - the one with you.
The circumstances of your adoption process may be similar to others, or they may be unique. Whatever has happened before your child actually crosses your threshhold and walks into your life for good, you'll want to commemorate the moment when your family expands by one.
ENTRUSTMENT CEREMONY - is a ritual which includes both the birth family and the adoptive family as a way of honoring the child moving permanently from one family to another. Held in a church, at home, a garden, or even a hospital chapel, this ceremony is one in which losses and gains, joy and sadness, and the present and future are acknowledged and embraced.
Each of the participants can offer a wish and a promise to the cherished child as a way to mark this transition. It affirms our deepest joy and honor's new life with festivity and poignant intimacy. It gives new meaning to the term: "entitlement" as the baby /child is lovingly presented to the adoptive parent/parents by the birthmother/family.
THE CANDLE CEREMONY -
The First Candle- is lit to honor and remember birth families. This is a time to acknowledge the separation of children from their birth families and siblings through adoption. It is a time to give thanks and gratitude to birth family for our child and their gift of life. It is also a time to remember the courage and difficult decisions made by birth family.
The Second Candle - honors adopted children and adults. We celebrate those who have joined our family through adoption. They have enriched our lives, challenged us, and blessed us. They have expanded our ability to love and to give.
The Third Candle - is in honor of the adoptive parents. We recognize those who have become parents through adoption. We support and encourage you in the joy and challenges of committed parenting. We honor you as a family. We honor you for the difficult decisions you have made.
The Fourth Candle - This candle is in honor of those waiting to become parents. As a way of waiting, you learn and prepare for your child to come. May you extend yourselves to and connect with others. We stand close to you in your excitement and frustration. We support you during this difficult time and look forward to the growth and expansion of your family.
The Fifth Candle - is in honor and concern for Children Awaiting Adoption. We remember those who wait. We remember those children in foster care. We remember those children here and elsewhere who are parentless in temporary homes, orphanages, and on the street. We pray and hope for permanent loving homes for each and every one of you.
The above celebrations can be followed by a simple or sumptuous meal in which all the participants come together afterwards to visit, relax, and reflect. We can work together to customize your ceremony to how ever you wish, right down to the last detail.
Credits: Ellen Roseman
Classmates Join 11yr old boy for his adoption Ceremony at courthouse