Vanessa's Baptism with additional water blessing
Vanessa's parents wanted a traditional baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for their daughter. They also loved the beautiful water blessing in the Baby Blessing ceremony, so we combined the two.
Greeting
Officiant:
Dearly beloved, we are honored with the privilege of being present here today to witness and support in faith the christening of Vanessa; the daughter of Ileana and Matthew born into this world on April 29, 2013
You have been invited here as family and friends and your prayers and spiritual support in Vanessa’s life have been requested. It has been said that in a Christening, Heaven comes down and surrounds the child with God's love for which the effect is lifelong. We join our thoughts and sincere goodwill, asking that Christ's peace might embrace this family and an arc of God's light surround Vanessa for all of her days.
Jesus said:
“Let the little children come unto me and forbid them not; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ instructs us that all should come to faith with the eyes and heart of a child. Today, we dedicate Vanessa to Our God in this Christening. In Jesus Christ, we are set free of the punishment of sin and oppression of law. By grace in faith we are forgiven and assured eternal life.
Jesus gave unto us two great commandments, which we should strive in heart and mind to obey. Both are of Love. To love God with all our hearts, and to love others as we would have others love us. These two things our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ commands of us.
Officiant:
Dearly beloved, we are honored with the privilege of being present here today to witness and support in faith the christening of Vanessa; the daughter of Ileana and Matthew born into this world on April 29, 2013
You have been invited here as family and friends and your prayers and spiritual support in Vanessa’s life have been requested. It has been said that in a Christening, Heaven comes down and surrounds the child with God's love for which the effect is lifelong. We join our thoughts and sincere goodwill, asking that Christ's peace might embrace this family and an arc of God's light surround Vanessa for all of her days.
Jesus said:
“Let the little children come unto me and forbid them not; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ instructs us that all should come to faith with the eyes and heart of a child. Today, we dedicate Vanessa to Our God in this Christening. In Jesus Christ, we are set free of the punishment of sin and oppression of law. By grace in faith we are forgiven and assured eternal life.
Jesus gave unto us two great commandments, which we should strive in heart and mind to obey. Both are of Love. To love God with all our hearts, and to love others as we would have others love us. These two things our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ commands of us.
Invocation:
Officiant:
Let us pray
Heavenly Father, we ask for Your Blessing here today. Protect our family and community and surround us with your infinite unconditional love. Keep us mindful that the miracle of new life is both a gift and path back to you. We ask that our sense of community be strengthened by what we are about to witness here today. Amen.
Officiant:
Let us pray
Heavenly Father, we ask for Your Blessing here today. Protect our family and community and surround us with your infinite unconditional love. Keep us mindful that the miracle of new life is both a gift and path back to you. We ask that our sense of community be strengthened by what we are about to witness here today. Amen.
Charge to Parents:
Officiant:
Matthew and Ileana will you teach Vanessa the truth that from this moment she may realize her unity with God and of Christian doctrine, the gospel ministry and of the salvation by grace through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Will you try to conduct your own life so that by both word and example, Vanessa may learn to live joyously and harmoniously with Christian principle and the assurance of salvation - will you strive to do this to the best of your ability?
Parents respond: We Will
Officiant:
Matthew and Ileana will you teach Vanessa the truth that from this moment she may realize her unity with God and of Christian doctrine, the gospel ministry and of the salvation by grace through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Will you try to conduct your own life so that by both word and example, Vanessa may learn to live joyously and harmoniously with Christian principle and the assurance of salvation - will you strive to do this to the best of your ability?
Parents respond: We Will
Charge to Godparents:
Officiant:
_____and _____, as Godparents to Vanessa, God will give you the wisdom and ability to hold within your heart forever her spiritual welfare. You are charged with the responsibility of seeing to the spiritual welfare of this child should the need arise and it is you who stands as spiritual counselors.
Do you accept this duty and charge?
Godparents: respond: We do.
Do you promise to love, honor, support and encourage Vanessa throughout her life?
Godparents: respond: We do.
Officiant:
_____and _____, as Godparents to Vanessa, God will give you the wisdom and ability to hold within your heart forever her spiritual welfare. You are charged with the responsibility of seeing to the spiritual welfare of this child should the need arise and it is you who stands as spiritual counselors.
Do you accept this duty and charge?
Godparents: respond: We do.
Do you promise to love, honor, support and encourage Vanessa throughout her life?
Godparents: respond: We do.
Christening of Name:
Officiant:
What name have you chosen for this child?
Parents answer: Vanessa
So be it. We christen you Vanessa the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. I christen you that you may know the pure and holy spirit of God, your eternal source of faith. May you come to know God within your heart all the days of your life and express your highest potential in Christian service.
Baptism:
Baptism is a visible symbol of God's saving work within a person. It is the outward sign of belonging to the people of God.
Through baptism we are incorporated into God’s mighty acts of salvation, and given new birth through water and the Spirit.
Baptism is sometimes called an “ordinance,” meaning it was “ordered” in Christ’s teaching and example.
It is also referred to as a “sacrament”, from the Latin sacramentum, meaning “sacred.” We believe that God’s grace is bestowed in the partaking of the act.
This is explained in these scriptures:
Romans 6:3-6:6 tells us that through baptism we become like him in death and life.
1 Corinthians 12:13 declares that we were made part of one body through baptism.
Galatians 3:27 reads, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
Baptism:
(For the Baptism Mother or if there is a Godmother-will hold the child)
Officiant will first make the sign of the cross on the child’s forehead
I baptize you Vanessa _____l in the name of the Father; In the name of the Son; and in the name of the Holy Spirit; Amen.
Officiant rubs the blessed water on the top of her head and say:
You are connected, protected, loved, and blessed.
Officiant rubs the blessed water on her forehead and say:
All your senses are blessed, protected, and awakened.
Officiant rubs the blessed water over her heart and say:
Your heart is blessed so that you may feel compassion for yourself and others.
Officiant rubs the blessed water on both her hands and say:
Your hands are blessed so that you may reach out to the world.
Officiant rubs the blessed water on both her feet and say:
Your feet are blessed so that you may connect with the earth, be grounded, and stand your ground in this world. Know that your spirit is strong and it will guide you through this life. Know that you have angels to watch over you and that you are never alone. Know that you are deeply loved and that your presence brings overwhelming joy.
Officiant:
What name have you chosen for this child?
Parents answer: Vanessa
So be it. We christen you Vanessa the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. I christen you that you may know the pure and holy spirit of God, your eternal source of faith. May you come to know God within your heart all the days of your life and express your highest potential in Christian service.
Baptism:
Baptism is a visible symbol of God's saving work within a person. It is the outward sign of belonging to the people of God.
Through baptism we are incorporated into God’s mighty acts of salvation, and given new birth through water and the Spirit.
Baptism is sometimes called an “ordinance,” meaning it was “ordered” in Christ’s teaching and example.
It is also referred to as a “sacrament”, from the Latin sacramentum, meaning “sacred.” We believe that God’s grace is bestowed in the partaking of the act.
This is explained in these scriptures:
Romans 6:3-6:6 tells us that through baptism we become like him in death and life.
1 Corinthians 12:13 declares that we were made part of one body through baptism.
Galatians 3:27 reads, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
Baptism:
(For the Baptism Mother or if there is a Godmother-will hold the child)
Officiant will first make the sign of the cross on the child’s forehead
I baptize you Vanessa _____l in the name of the Father; In the name of the Son; and in the name of the Holy Spirit; Amen.
Officiant rubs the blessed water on the top of her head and say:
You are connected, protected, loved, and blessed.
Officiant rubs the blessed water on her forehead and say:
All your senses are blessed, protected, and awakened.
Officiant rubs the blessed water over her heart and say:
Your heart is blessed so that you may feel compassion for yourself and others.
Officiant rubs the blessed water on both her hands and say:
Your hands are blessed so that you may reach out to the world.
Officiant rubs the blessed water on both her feet and say:
Your feet are blessed so that you may connect with the earth, be grounded, and stand your ground in this world. Know that your spirit is strong and it will guide you through this life. Know that you have angels to watch over you and that you are never alone. Know that you are deeply loved and that your presence brings overwhelming joy.
I would like to share a reading from John 3:8
The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8
So beautiful and poetic are those phrases from John 3:8, they are the words of Jesus, when teaching Nicodemus about being “born again”, which to me means that we “die” unto ourselves, we let go of resistance of the things we wish were different and just trust God.
A broader context relates to baptisms and the symbolism of the water as well.
Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3: 5-8)
The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8
So beautiful and poetic are those phrases from John 3:8, they are the words of Jesus, when teaching Nicodemus about being “born again”, which to me means that we “die” unto ourselves, we let go of resistance of the things we wish were different and just trust God.
A broader context relates to baptisms and the symbolism of the water as well.
Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3: 5-8)
Let us pray.
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secret is kept, we place ourselves under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Grant us and this child now dedicated to you, our Lord God and Heavenly Father, a clear understanding of the duties and obligations we now assume.
We pray for the care and protection of Vanessa in body and soul. We surrender her to your hands. Please, Dear Heavenly Father, bind your angels to bless and attend her always. May her heart grow strong, may she love patiently, and may she do what is good and holy in your eyes. This we pray in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Vanessa, as a child of the covenant, receive this blessing. In Baptism you are sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked as Christ's own forever and ever. Amen.
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secret is kept, we place ourselves under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Grant us and this child now dedicated to you, our Lord God and Heavenly Father, a clear understanding of the duties and obligations we now assume.
We pray for the care and protection of Vanessa in body and soul. We surrender her to your hands. Please, Dear Heavenly Father, bind your angels to bless and attend her always. May her heart grow strong, may she love patiently, and may she do what is good and holy in your eyes. This we pray in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Vanessa, as a child of the covenant, receive this blessing. In Baptism you are sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked as Christ's own forever and ever. Amen.
Anointing of Oil:
Officiant:
Throughout the Bible, Old and New Testament, anointing with oil was an act in recognition of wealth, prominence, inheritance and position. Yet in the anointing of Christ before her death on the cross, we were shown the true measure of possession, inheritance and wealth is not found by worldly measures.
Vanessa, having now been dedicated into the Kingdom of God, Your family and I will now anoint thee with all the wealth you now possess as one in the Kingdom of God - the power and majesty of our Lord God; the unlimited and sacrificial love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the spiritual wisdom and assurance of the Holy Spirit; and of your great inheritance - life everlasting in the paradise of heaven - of perfect peace, harmony and joy. No man or woman could possess more than this.
Officiant will anoint Child’s forehead In the name of the Father; of the Son; and the Holy Spirit; Amen. Then the Mother will anoint Child in the name of the Father, of the Son; and the Holy Spirit. Then father, will anoint Child in the name of the Father, of the Son; and the Holy Spirit.
Hear the words of Our Lord, Jesus Christ:
All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of time. (Matt. 28 18-20)
Vanessa, from this day onward, no matter how dark the world may seem nor how alone and lost you may feel, you shall never be alone again, never without hope or assurance of final victory.
Closing words:
Officiant:
The Lord will Bless you and Keep you;
make her face shine upon you and be gracious unto you;
Lift his Countenance unto you and give you peace.
In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen.
To the guests:
Friends and family may God’s blessings rest upon you, may his peace abide with you, and may his presence illuminate your hearts now and forever more. Go in peace.
Amen
Officiant:
Throughout the Bible, Old and New Testament, anointing with oil was an act in recognition of wealth, prominence, inheritance and position. Yet in the anointing of Christ before her death on the cross, we were shown the true measure of possession, inheritance and wealth is not found by worldly measures.
Vanessa, having now been dedicated into the Kingdom of God, Your family and I will now anoint thee with all the wealth you now possess as one in the Kingdom of God - the power and majesty of our Lord God; the unlimited and sacrificial love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the spiritual wisdom and assurance of the Holy Spirit; and of your great inheritance - life everlasting in the paradise of heaven - of perfect peace, harmony and joy. No man or woman could possess more than this.
Officiant will anoint Child’s forehead In the name of the Father; of the Son; and the Holy Spirit; Amen. Then the Mother will anoint Child in the name of the Father, of the Son; and the Holy Spirit. Then father, will anoint Child in the name of the Father, of the Son; and the Holy Spirit.
Hear the words of Our Lord, Jesus Christ:
All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of time. (Matt. 28 18-20)
Vanessa, from this day onward, no matter how dark the world may seem nor how alone and lost you may feel, you shall never be alone again, never without hope or assurance of final victory.
Closing words:
Officiant:
The Lord will Bless you and Keep you;
make her face shine upon you and be gracious unto you;
Lift his Countenance unto you and give you peace.
In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen.
To the guests:
Friends and family may God’s blessings rest upon you, may his peace abide with you, and may his presence illuminate your hearts now and forever more. Go in peace.
Amen
