Do We Count Babies?

Each week at church, once our service begins, the ushers count how many people are in attendance.  Sometimes the ushers make guesses beforehand, to see who comes closest to the total.

Last week, one of the ushers asked, "Do we count babies?"

I responded, "Do you mean unborn babies?!!"  

He laughed.  But you see..."to win" the counting game, an usher has been known to count an unborn baby. 

But he was talking about "born" babies, and he felt that babies shouldn't be included.  He said babies were present but not participating in the service.

I began my answer with the fact that we baptize babies, and we believe that God gives them faith in baptism.

Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For the promise is for you and for your children.  Acts 2:38–39

Then I said that babies do have faith and knowledge.  Babies have awareness; they're not just present with us.  They know and trust.  They especially know and prefer their parents.  

Finally, I said that babies could most certainly hear the worship service, and I reminded him that John the Baptist, while still in his mother's womb, leapt when he heard Mary's voice.  

For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.  Luke 1:44

At that point, he grinned and said, "So we should count the unborn babies!"

During this Advent season, we're reminded that Jesus came in human flesh, in the weakness of a baby, a baby that many people would overlook and not count. 

But Jesus is the baby who counted and still counts.  He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.  He's the One whom the shepherds and wise men looked at with awe and reverence.  He's the One who saved and continues to save His people from their sins.

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil...Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.   Hebrews 2:14, 17

Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!  John 1:29–30