http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+34%3A1-7%2C+Exodus+13%3A1-14%3A18%3B+Matthew+22%3A1-14&version=NIV
S (Scripture): Exodus 13:1-2, 8-10
The Lord said to Moses, “Consecrate to me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether human or animal.”
On that day tell your son, ‘I do this because of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt.’ This observance will be for you like a sign on your hand and a reminder on your forehead that this law of the Lord is to be on your lips. For the Lord brought you out of Egypt with his mighty hand. You must keep this ordinance at the appointed time year after year.
O (Observation): The consecration of the 1st born is one of the earliest traditions of Israel. God, as the provider of life, was entitled to the first fruits of the harvest and the first fruits of creation (both human and animal).
A (Application): We are far removed from understanding first fruits giving (a biblical principle) but we do understand the link between the consecration of 1st born and Baptism. This tradition of consecration is witnessed throughout the lives of Hannah's song of praise that is repeated by Jesus' mother Mary. We apply this to the Sacrament of Baptism as a handing over of our children to God....much like consecration of the first born. In both consecration and Baptism, we recognize that life and all of life belongs to God. These rites and rituals mean something to us in remembering that God truly is in charge. For our family, we celebrate this, commemorating baptismal anniversaries to acknowledge and observe that we belong to God.
P (Prayer): Thank you Lord for the life that we have been given and blessed. Encourage us to remember your great work in our lives and the history of your people.