Baby Christening Gifts

A christening is a special and significant event in the life of a child as well as their parents, grandparents and extended family. It symbolizes a dedication to God and membership in His church. When you are invited to attend a christening, it is a lovely gesture to give a baby christening gift. Even though the infant is too small to appreciate the gift, he or she will grow to cherish it as a remembrance that you attended that special day. There are many baby christening gift ideas to choose from, ranging from items the child can use soon or something they’ll treasure in the years to come.

Let the child relive the christening day through photos kept in a special photo album. There are many different types of photo albums with styles that capture the significance of the day. Choose a baby christening gift of a photo album that has an intricately detailed cover made out of pewter or wood in which parents can place photos of the christening. A similar gift is a christening photo frame, often with one or two panels for the parents’ favorite picture from that day. Many feature quotes or sayings on the frame to further highlight the event.

Stuffed animals with a christening theme are also popular baby christening gifts. There are soft white lambs and teddy bears, often holding little blankets with a quote or a cross embroidered on it. Christening dolls are also a sweet present for little girls, as they are often dressed in white bonnets and traditional long white christening gowns.

Music that reflects God’s love for the newly christened child is a lovely baby christening gift. Choose a musical keepsake box that is inscribed with a sweet scripture or prayer, or a musical ceramic or porcelain figure of a lamb or angel. There are even musical snow globes with religious themes that are perfect for a baby christening gift.

If you really want to give a gift that will be remembered for years, choose a personalized christening gift. Any gift that allows you to inscribe the child’s name, christening date and perhaps a short message or scripture is sure to be treasured. Order a personalized christening gift pillow or christening bonnet as a gift or choose to have a wall plaque bearing the personalized information, along with a child’s prayer or favorite scripture. Other items that can easily become personalized christening gifts are window hangings, Christmas ornaments, children’s Bibles, engraved pewter keepsake boxes and picture frames.

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Preparing For Your Baby's Christening

The christening of a baby is a great cause for celebration as the church welcomes in a new member of the family. Being properly prepared for the christening will ensure everything goes smoothly, from setting the date to cleaning up after the reception.

Select a day to celebrate the birth of your child and welcome him into the church community of believers. Send out invitations to the ceremony as early as possible.

Choose the baby's godparents. You want people who will be a good example in faith and action to your child as he/she grows. Godparents are entrusted with the life of your child should your lives come to an end. Consult with your local clergy to determine whether both of the godparents must be of the same faith or if one confirmed church member will suffice.

Learn about the significance of christening and each aspect of the ceremony by attending the classes set up by your local clergy. The godparents you select should also plan to attend classes to learn about and prepare for their responsibilities to the newborn child.

Arrange for the gown your baby will wear during the christening ceremony. You may purchase a new gown or use a gown passed down through your family. The color white signifies the purity of life found in Christ. Baby boys may wear a white suit or a white shirt and pants if you don't want to use a traditional gown for the ceremony. Consult with your clergy on the clothing options for your son, because different parishes may have slightly different standards.

Select the Christian name your child will use at the christening ceremony. You can find many names to choose from as well as their associated meanings online.

Prepare for a banquet or a less formal reception after your baby's christening. Invite all of your family and friends to attend the celebration.

Tips & Warnings

Ask the priest about the church's rules on photography and videos during the christening. You don't want to offend parish members or the clergy by taking forbidden pictures during the ceremony. Be sure to notify attendees of the rules.

Find out how much the candle will cost for the christening ceremony and any other christening-related costs you need to cover at the church.

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What Happens When We Are Baptized?

Contemporary Catholics spend a great deal of time preparing for their own or their child's Baptism. There are new clothes to buy, and classes to take, and godparents to select, all leading up to that moment at Mass when the waters of Baptism touch the new initiate. But Baptism-and all sacraments, for that matter-are much more than the moment of celebration.

The ritual of Baptism does not bring God's love into being as if that love did not exist before the ceremony. Baptism is the Church's way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God who first loved us from the moment of our conception. Baptism celebrates a family's and a community's experience of that love in the baptized.

There are other life experiences-birth, death, washing, growing and so forth-that are celebrated in Baptism. The water represents life, death, cleansing and growth, and it recalls the flood waters of Noah's day and the saving waters of the Red Sea parted by Moses. The candle symbolizes our status as an "Easter people" and signifies the way that the Church "passes the torch" of Christian commitment to those being baptized. The white garment represents the Church's belief that Baptism sets us free from Original Sin.

Baptism happens not only to the individual, but also to Christ's body, the Church. That's why the rite insists that we celebrate Baptism in the Christian assembly, with the community present and actively participating. It is the community, after all, who is welcoming the new members, journeying with them, providing models for them, supporting and nourishing them. Baptism begins with God's love and care revealed to us through Christ. It continues with us, the Church, living and enacting God's love and care through Christ to the world. That's a serious commitment.

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Christening and Baptism Favor Ideas

Baptism and christening ceremonies are an important event that signifies the start of a child’s spiritual life. As a common courtesy to guests who attend these ceremonies, the parents of the child or the host of the event often obtain party favors as a gift. Here are some themes and ideas that are appropriate for these occasions:

1. Cross - The holy cross is by far the most common theme for baptism and christening favors. There are many interpretations of the meaning of the cross. However, the cross is widely accepted as the sign of Christianity. Some favors with this theme are cross-shaped soap, candles engraved with the cross symbol, and chocolate bars with a cross on the customized wrapper.

2. White - The color white symbolizes life, joy, happiness, and purity. Yellow is another color that is often used as it can also symbolize goodness, happiness, and brightness. Sometimes these colors are used together, for example, a white angel with yellow halo.

3. Doves - Doves are a popular theme. These calm, quiet, and elegant birds symbolize purity and peace.

4. Angels - Angels symbolize light, goodness, and divinity. They are often portrayed as humans with wings and halos and have much religious significance in both the Old and New Testaments. Angels are a popular theme on invitations, candles, and personalized candy wrappers.

5. Priests and Holy Men - Priests and holy men offer blessings and guidance to people in spiritual matters.

6. Candles - Candles are commonly used in meditation and religious events and make a great gift or favor for any religious ceremony.

7. Bible - The bible is a symbol of religious perseverance. Most bible themed favors are drawn as a white, black, or brown book with a holy cross on it.

There are various other themes for christenings, but these are some of the most common. Most guests that attend these events are religious, so these ideas will be helpful in finding the right favors. Nevertheless, many people choose to give favors that do not have these themes, but instead have baby-related themes, like stork and baby bottle themes.

Author : Criss White
Site : ezinearticles.com

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Baby Naming Day Ceremonies are relatively new and the ceremony itself uses poems and readings which are usually provided/suggested by the celebrant/registrar. Provided here are naming day poems/verses to be used on a Baby Naming Day greetings card or scrapbook.  

A small child
So precious and sweet,
Has come into your lives
To make them complete.
Today is so special
In every which way
Enjoy baby (name)'s
Special Naming Day

___

Today is your Naming Ceremony
Best wishes, this card, sends
As you're named (Robert James)
Before family and friends

____

For your baby's Naming Ceremony
Best wishes, this card, sends
As (Robert James) is named
Before family and friends

___

On your baby naming day
May all your wishes come true
May baby (James) enjoy his day
And may all be perfect for you

___

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What Exactly Is A Christening?

A christening is a holy rite or liturgical ceremony that takes place within the Christian church, only amidst certain denominations, under the aid of a priest or preacher, with the family's presence, alongside the community of church members. If that's a little complicated, don't worry. Here's a simpler synopsis. Some denominations believe that all Christians have to be baptized in water to be saved from Hell. While the minority of Christians believes this, there are still some that cling to it. Because of this, people practice infant baptism. Infant baptism, also called pedobaptism, involves a priest, the family, and the church. They all gather together, usually in a church, and they perform a religious rite on the child. The priest sprinkles water, meant to symbolize the blood of Christ, on the child. He then chants some words, and the parents nod their heads or give their approval. The whole church watches the ceremony publicly so there's no denying it. That's basically it.

Why Do Babies Get Christened; What About Baptisms In Later Life?

Sometimes, people do both. A child may get baptized at an early age when he can't make real decisions. At a later age, say in adolescence or early adulthood, the person may want to have a special, important ceremony called a believer's baptism. The believer’s baptism is a more personal event wherein the friends of the person being baptize may come, in lieu of the friends of the parents. It’s a private decision that involves the common, unanimous, and well-deserved appreciation of your closest friends.

So, Why Do People Send Out Christening Invitations?

The reason that some people send out christening invitations is because not all people that the family knows will belong to the church in question. Sometimes, the closest family members will live a town or two away, live in another state, or attend a different church in a different denomination. Guests are always welcome at any church service, so people are free to send invites to their friends. It's replete with a luncheon afterward, and maybe Sunday afternoon football on the tube with the church guys. The whole family congregates in celebration of the entrance of a new church member into the spiritual family of all Christian believers.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/religion-articles/what-exactly-is-a-christening-633026.html

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Planning Your Baby's Christening

A christening is an important event for both friends and family, so make sure you start your planning early to make this day special. Asking yourself these questions will you get started on the right foot. 

When Should Your Baby Be Christened?

Parents choose to christen their babies at different ages. Some christen infants who are only a few weeks or months old. Some parents choose to christen children when they are toddlers , and adults in their sixties have even been christened! It's best to discuss this matter with your local priest or minister before you decide.

How Should Your Baby Be Christened?

There are three major methods by which children are christened. Generally, the christening ceremony will be performed by your family's priest or minister. It can be done by pouring (affusion), sprinkling (aspersion), or immersion in a baptismal font. This really depends on your family's religious affiliation so don't sweat too much about whether you should do pouring or sprinkling. If you and your spouse come from different religious backgrounds, it's best to check with clergy on both sides to see if the christening ceremony differs significantly between them.

 What Should My Baby Wear?

The baby being christened usually wears a white or off-white christening gown made especially for the occasion. These gowns can be decorated with lace trim and delicate embroidery. The gown becomes a keepsake for many families and may be passed down for many babies to wear throughout several generations. The latest trend for baby boys is to dress them in a christening outfit that does not look as much like a dress. It includes a romper and vest but has the same style and type of detail that a christening gown does. 

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/babies-articles/planning-your-babys-christening-585929.html

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Naming Ceremony’s - Invitations

***

Lisa and Travis invite you to the Naming Ceremony of
Brandon Boyd
Sunday 5th August 2008 at 12.30pm
at the Carlton Hotel, 12 Ellis Road, Phoenix, AZ
and afterwards
for drinks and a buffet

RSVP to 34 Charles Place, Tempe, AZ 85213

***

Lisa and Travis invite you to the Naming Ceremony of
Brandon Boyd
Sunday 5th August 2008 at 12.30pm
at St Joseph’s Register Office
and afterwards at
34 Charles Place, Tempe, AZ 85213

***

You’re invited to the Naming Ceremony of
Brandon Boyd Thompson
On Sunday 5th August 2008 at 12.30pm
34 Charles Place, Tempe, AZ 85213
And to lunch afterwards

RSVP: Lisa and Travis Thompson
34 Charles Place, Tempe, AZ 85213

***

You’re invited to the naming of
Brandon Boyd Thompson
at home on 5 August, 12.30pm
and to lunch afterwards

RSVP: Lisa and Travis Thompson
34 Charles Place, Tempe, AZ 85213

***

You’re invited to Brandon Boyd’s Naming
To be held at home on August 5th at 12.30pm
And we hope that you’ll stay for some lunch afterwards

Lisa and Travis Thompson
34 Charles Place, Tempe, AZ 85213

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Baptism Invitation Wording - How to Choose the Right Words for Your Baby's Christening
Written by Linda Kling

When you're planning your baby's christening, one of the first things you will need to personalize is his baptism invitations. Most invitation companies will let you customize your order and leave the choice of words to you. But what wording should you use? Here are are seven tips to help you decide.

1. First of all, make sure you include all the important information. You don't want to forget any significant detail, like the location of the church. No matter how the invitation is worded, it should contain you child's name, date of the baptism, time of the service, church name and address, time and place of the reception with the address, and how to RSVP. Jot these things down.

2. Browse online baptism invitation websites for inspiration. Look for wording that you like. You don't have to order that particular invite or even from that company. This stage is just to get ideas of what you want to say. Copy your favorite phrases. You can take a line from one and borrow something from another.

3. Consider adding a Bible verse. Since this is a spiritual event in the life of your child, it's a nice idea to add a Scripture. There are many verses that are suitable for this occasion. Here's some suggestions that are popular for baptisms.

• Children are a gift from the Lord, a child is a reward from Him. - Psalm 127:3
• Let the little children come unto Me, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. - Luke 18:16
• Whoever welcomes a child in My name, welcomes Me. - Luke 9:46-48
• For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him. - 1 Samuel 1:27
• Every good and perfect gift is from above. - James 1:17
• I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. - Psalm 139:14

4. Instead of a Bible verse, you might want to add a quotation. You can search online and find lots of christening quotes and sayings that would be appropriate for your invitations.

5. Decide whether or not you want to put the godmother and godfather's names on the invitations. It's not something that is usually included, but it might be something that would be meaningful to you and the godparents.

6. When you find an invitation you do want to order, look at the sample text used in the card of your choice as a guideline to how much text can be used. For example, if the design you've chosen contains 5 photos of your precious baby, there might not be room to include a poem, long quote or extra words. You might have to compromise on the design or trim your words. If you're not sure your wording will fit, just email the company and ask for their opinion.

7. Once you place your order and receive your proof, check the wording again. Does it still sound good? Is everything spelled and punctuated correctly. Have someone else read it, too. Don't rush to approve it until you're sure that all the words are right.

Yes, of course, the design on your baptism invitations is important, too - you may even want to personalize them with your baby's photo. But nothing matters as much as the words. Spend some time on this. Spur your creativity by checking out sample wording on baptismal invites offered by online companies. Browse through quotes and Bible verses. Then put together your own words, as you ask your guests to share your blessing at your child's christening.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com

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A Baptism Gown For That Special Day

A Baptism is a holy event when family and friends get together to witness and share in the joy of your little one becoming a member of God’s family. It is the most important first occasion for your child, and as parents, the memories will remain forever. On an aesthetic and symbolic level, the Baptism gown is an important part of the Baptismal day. And while today, more than ever, the selection of gowns is endless; the majority of parents still opt for the traditional white Baptism gown.

A baptism gown is special for a number of reasons. First of all, they are symbolic of the rite of Baptism. The white material of the gown symbolizes the innocence and purity of the child who knows no sin. Everyone knows how innocent and precious a baby is, but that sentiment is reinforced when a baby is wearing white. Another reason the gowns are so special is because if you are baptizing your first child, Baptism gowns can become an heirloom piece; whereby, it is passed down from baby to baby and generation to generation. A tradition can either be carried on, or passed down during this important time in your family’s life.

While the traditional white Baptism gown is the most favored of outfits for both boys and girls, some parents have opted to dress their boys in Baptism tuxedos, or a Christening suit. Often these ensembles come with caps, or robes, so there is a blend of traditional and modern sentiment in the designs.

When looking for your baby’s Baptism gown remember what it was like to shop for your wedding dress. You wanted to look your best, not only for your husband, but because it was one of the most important days in your life. Therefore, much like your wedding day is your baby’s Baptism day. You want them to wear something that marks this is an important day in their life – the beginning of their journey in faith.

When shopping for a Baptism gown don’t worry about what the latest trend may be. Instead, shop with your heart and allow yourself to fall in love with something. Take advantage of the fact that your child can’t yet voice their opinion, because if they could, the frilly gown you selected would most definitely remain on the store rack! It is also important to remember that some of the best selections of Baptism gowns and Christening gowns are available at online stores at some of the best prices available anywhere!

About The Author:
Angela Lanci Zaurrini is a talented and successful freelance writer. Her various writings provide relevant information and wonderfully researched resources for parents and consumers purchasing baby products. She is a young and yet experienced educator who earned her B.A. and teaching certification through Simon Fraser University, Canada. She continues her passion of sharing knowledge through her numerous writings and educational articles.

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Seven Practical Tips As You Prepare for Your Child's Baptism

1. If your parish has a program to help prepare parents for the Baptism of their child, participate in the program early in the pregnancy.

2. If not, contact the parish three or four months before the child's birth. Ask for a copy of the Baptism ceremony and prayerfully study its rich symbols and prayers.

3. Choose godparents who will be a real and long-lasting help in the Christian formation of your child. It would be helpful if they could participate in the Baptism preparation with you. They are meant to be more than "honorary" sponsors.

4. Track down the family christening dress. And consider making or decorating the white baptismal garment used near the end of the ritual. You might also decorate the baptismal candle with baptismal symbols, using acrylic paints or nail polish. If there are other children in the family, they can help.

5. You might write a "Parents' Prayer" or "Parents' Wish" that includes your hopes and dreams for this new child. Check with the priest or parish leaders to see if there may be a time during or before the ceremony when you can pray or read it aloud. Or present it at a party afterwards.

6. Make the ceremony a community event. Invite relatives, friends and neighbors to participate in the Baptism liturgy. Some could serve as Scripture readers or musicians.

7. Keep the white garment, the candle, the prayers, photos and other symbols of the baptismal ceremony to share with your child in future years. These keepsakes can be brought out on the child's anniversary of Baptism or birthday and serve as powerful reminders of the ongoing importance of the event.

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What Do People Give for Baby Christening Gifts?

According to etiquette expert Emily Post, "The standard christening gift, is a silver mug, a porringer, or a knife, fork, and spoon, marked usually with the baby’s name and that of the giver" Times may have moved on since that sentence was written in 1922, and although the choice of what to buy has widened, the decision has not become any easier

Christenings, or the modern and secular naming ceremonies, are held to welcome a new baby into a church or family. A christening or naming ceremony is an important time in anyone’s life, and most people have a memento or keepsake to remind them that they been christened or named in the first place. But what do guests at these ceremonies, particularly the godparents or mentors, choose to give as baby christening gifts nowadays? Should we continue to follow the Victorian formula of "something useful in silver or religious readings" - gifts with traditional values, or can we branch out with something more modern and less formal without giving offence or feeling we have fallen short in our ''godparents duties'' on day 1.

There is no doubt that the traditional silver egg cups, cutlery sets, hair brushes and napkin rings are still very welcome and can be the start of a new family heirloom collection, but rather than slavishly follow gifts that have been given since Victorian times, why not ring the changes in the twenty first century. There is no real limit to the sort of gift to choose, the fact that it is not ''traditional'' doesn’t make it any the less meaningful or personal, but rather that you have used your knowledge of the baby’s parents to provide a gift that perhaps more closely follows their outlook and aspirations for their baby.

Exchange the silver cross necklace for a matched pair of "Mummy and Me" bracelets or a premium bond for a piggy bank. If you’re feeling particularly generous you could even lay down a case of vintage port for the baby - along with the condition that he opens the first bottle with you!

Or, rather than giving the traditional silver "pusher and spoon" cutlery set, buy a sterling silver chip fork instead - it’s certain to raise a smile and is perfect for the child that will do everything in style.

But if you feel that chip forks aren’t ''quite the thing'', then you might consider a silver dog tag necklace, a tooth fairy box, a picture frame or even a Quaich to give just four alternatives that bridge the gap between ancient and modern.

But if traditional silver is not for you, then what about a beautiful personalized wooden keepsake box, a presentation newspaper from baby’s birth date or a photograph frame containing a special memento?

The choice of gifts is endless, but above all, the gift should be one that will last, and one that can be looked back on by the 21 year old "baby". In our modern ''throwaway society'', one tradition of christening gifts should be maintained, even if the type of gift has changed radically. Christening gifts should be made to last, because everybody needs memories.

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Making Christening Memories

Whilst you yourself may remember this day for years to come, your child, who is the star of the show after all, is unlikely to remember very much about it.  Below are some ideas on how to create a personal and lasting record of the event for your son or daughter to cherish for the rest of their life.

Photos

The most obvious way of recording the special day is through photographs or video. You may want to be hire a photographer or videographer to make sure that the day is professionally captured or you may prefer to keep things less formal and take the photos or video yourselves.

One thing to remember is that you are likely to be otherwise occupied during the ceremony and for most of the reception so it might be wise to appoint a friend or grandparent as the official photographer to make sure that those key shots aren’t missed.
If you are planning on taking photos or shooting film during the ceremony then don’t forget to get permission from your priest or celebrant beforehand.

The beauty of digital photography is that you can now easily share photos using a free online service. Ask your guests to upload their photos of the event and choose the best from everyone’s snaps to create a really special album or collage. Some services can now create a professional book of your photos which saves you having to stick prints into a conventional album.

Guest Books

A really lovely memento of the special occasion is to have a guest book in which everyone writes a message for your child to read when he or she is older. A clever twist on this, bringing the guest book to life for your child, is to get your guests to take a Polaroid of themselves on the day and stick this in the album next to their message. If you or any of your guests is a dab hand with a camcorder, you could even get people to record a message and create a video guest book.

Memory/Trinket Boxes

Fill a special box with keepsakes from the event for your child to look at later. Bundle the christening cards together with ribbon and add in a list of gifts and who they were from. Keep an invitation, a thank you card and a dried flower from the decorations. If you had readings, speeches or special music, put a copy in the box along with any baptism certificate or naming ceremony script.

Alternatives

Another way of marking the occasion is by planting a tree in the garden to grow with your child or making a donation to charity.

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Christian Baptism Is Performed In The Following Forms:

Aspersion

Aspersion is the sprinkling of water on the head.

Affusion

Affusion is the pouring of water over the head.

Immersion

Immersion is a method of baptism employed at least from the second century, whereby part of the candidate's body was submerged in the baptismal water which was poured over the remainder.

Submerson

Submersion (also called "total immersion" or, loosely, "immersion") is the form of baptism in which the water completely covers the candidate's body. Though immersion is now also common, submersion is practiced in the Orthodox and several of the other Eastern Churches. It is one of the methods provided in the Roman Catholic rite for the baptism of infants. Baptism is often interpreted to mean by full immersion (submersion) in water in order to represent a death and burial (when the person being baptized is submerged under the water, as if buried), and a resurrection (when the person comes up out of the water, as if rising from the grave) - a "death" and a "burial" to an old way of life focused on sinning, and a "resurrection" to the start of a new life as a Christian focused on God.

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