Planning a Baptism or Christening for your Little One

Photo by Josh Applegate on Unsplash

{This is a collaborative post}

Are you planning a baptism or christening for your little one? If so, congratulations! This is a joyous occasion, and there are many things to consider when planning it. In this post, we will discuss some of the basics you will need to think about. Let us get started!  

 

1. Selecting the Right Outfit for Your Child 

Christening outfits for boys and girls require some planning ahead. The first thing to consider is that christening outfits worn by infants and small children need to be comfortable. Try to find a dress or suit made from a material that allows air to circulate freely, like cotton or linen. Your child should be able to move about comfortably in it. Second, alterations are typically made to christening and baptismal robes as they are passed down through generations. A classic silhouette is safe to invest in at any time. Third, the customary colour for a baptism or christening is white, but if you want to stand out, you can wear a pastel blue suit or pink gown instead. Check with your church leaders on any specific rules for your upcoming ceremony. Pick something that will be meaningful to both you and your child for many years to come. 

 

2. Choosing When to Have Your Baptism   

Baptisms and christenings are milestones in your child's life. You and your family will need to pick when you have the baptism ceremony. Spring and summer are great for baptisms because of the pleasant temperature and the options for outdoor christening celebrations with families and friends. Unless there are scheduling issues, any time can be baptism season.  

 
 3. Selecting a Baptism Location   

Choosing a venue for your baby's christening might be tricky. You want the day to be perfect. You must think about who you are going to invite to the ceremony and whether you will be holding a reception afterwards. Traditionally, parents choose to have the christening ceremony at their local or family church, with a reception held nearby for invited guests. If you are expecting a huge crowd, you will need a venue that can accommodate everyone. And don’t forget to factor in the expense of the venue. Christenings can be pricey, so select a location that meets your budget. Once you have examined all these things, you should be able to find the appropriate setting for your baby's christening.  

Who am I? Jesus reveals a little more...

This morning at Church I was really challenged to think about who I am in Christ. and that means the totality of who I am. There is no Christian hat, I am just one person and to be a Christian is a 24 hour commitment, I don't just have to attend church on a Sunday. Every day I have to seek to make right choices, demonstrate love and attempt to emulate Jesus himself.

It really was one of those life changing mornings today. The 18th January 2015 will be recorded as a time of realisation and revelation. Back on 30th November 2014 I was baptised by full immersion, just like Jesus was. Despite having been Christened as a child and confirmed as an adult I knew I had to take this important step. Since then lots has been changing within me and today I realised that I must not diminish who I am. God loves and values me, I must too. It is so important. I have to trust that when I gave my life to God in 2002 and then again at my baptism last year he wiped my slate clean and I am now a daughter of the most high king. I should stop doubting my own usefulness.

Pondering adult baptism... Has the time come?

I always tend to think of the Holy Spirit as wind, whenever I feel the spirit moving then it is cool air I feel. Whilst I know that many people associate fire with the Holy Spirit I never really have. Not until the other night when I saw this amazing sky outside my front door. For the last couple of weeks the sky has been getting better and better at sunset and tonight when the kids said 'oh Mum, you have to see this sky' I grabbed my camera and captured this.

Today this sky really made me think about the above scripture. Here is the full verse -

"I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am--so much greater that I'm not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." Matthew 3:11 (NLT)

I was Christened as a young child (probably because it was the thing that British people did at that time) and then I did go to a Sunday school most weeks until I was about 14 but really I was not a Christian, I did not understand what it meant or feel the commitment I now know I would feel. When I became a Christian in 2002 I was attending an Anglican church and thus got confirmed, which meant I was asserting my faith and belief in Jesus Christ as my saviour when I was old enough to make that decision for myself.

However for about the last four years I've been wondering if confirmation is enough and I have been pondering baptism, just as Jesus was, by full immersion. We are supposed to imitate Jesus and He choose to be baptised by John even though He was sin free. I really feel I need to recommit and publicly declare that I'm living my life for Jesus. Time to cast off my last chains and sins and to walk in His way.

I suppose I ought to make some enquiries and make this baptism a reality.  Thankfully it should not be too difficult we have a lake and a baptismal pool where I live.  Watch this space....

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