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If you've never been to a Christening before, you may have some questions:
What is a Christening?
Do I need to bring anything?
Do people still send Christening cards?
The first time I went to a Christening, I had a lot of questions. I was only young at the time, so they were mostly about what the vicar was wearing and why weren't they washing that baby properly.
From the outside, Christenings can seem a bit strange.
To help answer some of the most common questions about Christenings, here's a quick primer on all you need to know about the occasion.
In short, Christenings are a way of marking the start of a journey of faith. It's a way to say "Thank you God for this child" as well as making the promise to raise them in a Christian way. This is done by baptizing the child with water. Usually, a small amount poured on the head of the child.
Before the water, the parents and child will be invited to the front of the Chuch. This is where they make the promise to raise the child as a Christian. Some Churches at this point will also anoint the child with oil in the shape of a cross. Oil is used throughout the Bible as a way to anoint. This continues that tradition, but not every Church will do it.
After the promises, oil and water, the vicar will say a prayer. Then the rest of the service will resume. And that's it. That's the Christening part of the service done. Some Churches may do extra prayers or readings, but those vary. The promises, prayers and water are the core part of every Christening that you need to know.
After the service, there will be a chance to congratulate the family. This is often a good time to give the happy family their Christening cards. Many people do still give a Christening card or Christening gifts to the family at a Christening. More commonly, Godparents are likely to get something for the child. Christening gifts for godson or goddaughter tend to be something that is faith-related. A small Bible or Christian storybook. Godparents cards are also given at this point.
But, if this is all new to you, you may ask "what do I write in a Christening card?"
A good rule of thumb for writing a Christening card is to include:
a) a personal message
b) a Bible verse
For the personal message, you can write something specific to the family. Something similar to what you would put in a congratulations card, but still mentioning the Christening occasion.
If you want to put a Bible verse in, here are three verses that you could use:
- 'God will put his angels in charge of you to protect you wherever you go.' - Psalm 91:11
- 'I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.' - Jeremiah 29:11
- 'Nothing makes me happier than to hear that my children live in the truth.' - 3 John 1:4
If you still aren't sure what Bible verse to use, don't worry. Many Christening cards will already feature a Bible verse printed inside. The same for Godparent cards. There is also a great range of poems for Christenings that you could write in the card. 'Infant Joy' by William Blake is a beautiful, short poem that fits nicely into a card-sized space.
Hopefully, you'll have all you need to know about Christening cards and what happens in a Christening service. Many Churches do a really good job of explaining the Christening service as it's happening, so you'll never feel lost.
As well as a selection of Christening cards, we also have a range of Christian and faith-friendly cards for all occasions.
