This Child We Now Present to You
This child we now present to you
The hymn emphasizes the Lutheran doctrine of infant baptism as a means of grace and covenant inclusion, reflecting the presentation of children before God in faith. It articulates parental responsibility to raise children in Christian faith while acknowledging God's protective care and blessing over the young.
History & Background
Written by English clergyman Henry Geike in 1869, this hymn was designed specifically for infant presentation or baptism services. It appears in The Hymnal 1941 and subsequent Lutheran hymnals, becoming a standard text for child dedication liturgies.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 227
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 303
Bulletin Note
Written by Henry Geike in 1869, this hymn embodies Lutheran confidence in baptism as a means of grace, uniting parental duty with God's protective blessing over the baptized child.
Preaching Connection
This hymn grounds infant baptism in parental covenant responsibility while simultaneously proclaiming that God's gracious reception and protection of the child is not earned but freely given—a perfect expression of Law and Gospel in sacramental form.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Fourth Commandment Small Catechism — Ten Commandments
- Of Baptism Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From law's conviction of human unworthiness before divine majesty to gospel's proclamation of Christ's self-humiliation and invitation to intimate union with God
Themes
Child consecration Parental dedication Divine blessing Faith commitment