Child of blessings, child of promise -- Hymn Lyrics

1. Child of blessing, child of promise,
baptized with the Spirit's sign,
with this water God has sealed you
unto love and grace divine.

2. Child of love, our love's expression,
love's creation, loved indeed!
Fresh from God, refresh our spirits,
into joy and laughter lead.

3. Child of joy, our dearest treasure,
God's you are; from God you came.
Back to God we humbly give you:
live as one who bears Christ's name.

4. Child of God, your loving Parent,
learn to know whose child you are.
Grow to laugh and sing and worship,
trust and love God more than all.

The hymn "Child of Blessing, Child of Promise" is a tender and meaningful hymn commonly sung during baptisms or dedications of children. It emphasizes the covenantal promise of God's love and the nurturing role of the Christian community in a child's spiritual growth.

Background:

• Author: Ronald S. Cole-Turner, a contemporary theologian and hymn writer.
• Written: The hymn was written in 1981.
• Tune: It is most often set to the tune STUTTGART, composed by Christian F. Witt (1715). The tune is widely used in other hymns as well.

Scripture Reference:

The hymn draws on several key biblical themes and passages:

1. Genesis 17:7
   "And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee."

   • God’s covenantal promise forms the foundation of baptism.

2. Matthew 19:14
   "But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

   • A reminder of Jesus’ love for children and their place in God’s kingdom.

3. Isaiah 43:1
   "Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine."

   • Reflects the idea of being claimed and sealed by God.

4. Romans 8:16-17
   "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ."

   • Reinforces the child’s identity as part of God’s family.