What is a Christening or Baptism?
A Baptism is a Christian ceremony in which a young individual is christened with a name. Traditionally, family and friends attend the ceremony, and witness this vital part in entering the Christian faith. One significant element to this sacrament is that the individual being baptised obtains godparents, whose role is to help the child grow in their faith. Chosen by the parents, the godparents traditionally take on the role of stand-in caregivers, should the parents be unable to care for the child. Many people bring christening cards and gifts when attending the ceremony. Most likely, the godparents get a gift for the child. You may be aware of this already, but if you’ve never attended this kind of occasion before, you might ask “what should I write in a Christening card?”
Who Should You Address - the Baby or Parents?
The birth of a baby is of huge importance to parents, older siblings and other family members, but who exactly should you address the card to? Well, let’s begin with the obvious:
What Does the Front of The Card Say?
Obviously, this only applies if you have already picked out or bought a card already. If you haven’t, that’s okay. Hopefully this read will prove useful in helping you pick one out! If you have a card, what does the caption say? If it says something like “For Your Baby’s Christening” or “On Your Baby’s Christening Day”, then it is likely more suitable to address the parents in your writing (however, there is nothing wrong with providing a message in there for the baby too). If the caption is something along the lines of “On Your Christening” or “To a Special Baby Boy”, likewise, this indicates that addressing the child is the better option.
However, let’s say the card caption reads “A Christening Wish” or any other phrasing that doesn’t indicate who the card is for. You might debate who to address, and subsequently, what kind of message to include. Luckily, we have some suggestions for you below, depending on who you'd prefer to address in the card.
Reasons to Write the Christening Card to The Baby
- Parents will often keep the christening cards for the child to read some years later. It may be touching for the child to have a message personally directed to them even if they are unable to read yet.
- Arguably, this ceremony is more about the child than about the parents. They are beginning their relationship with God. Going by this, it may seem ideal to address the child on their big day.
- If you are a Godparent, this is an opportunity to begin a special kind of relationship with this child, so writing to them.
- There is a possibility that you might be able to write a seemingly more heartfelt message if you are speaking to the child directly.
Messages for the Baby
- Congratulations on your Christening, (baby’s name). I hope you have a wonderful day, and I wish you a life filled with love, and happiness.
- Just a little note to say that we will be here for you as you grow. Throughout your life, we will be here for when you may need us, and here to see you bloom into a beautiful person.
- Dear (baby’s name), may God bless you today on your baptism, and may today be the start of all good things to come. With love.
- On your Christening Day, I am sending love and blessings your way. May your life be filled with joy, little one!
Reasons to Write the Christening Card to The Parents
- If you think you may not play a significant part in the child’s life, it might seem more appropriate to address the parents and thank them for inviting you.
- If this is the parents first time having a child baptised, perhaps you can take this as an opportunity to congratulate and encourage them.
- Of course, this day is special for the parents too. There is no harm in reassuring them that they will do an amazing job raising this child.
- Let’s be honest - there’s a chance you might not feel comfortable writing to the baby when they are unable to read yet. If that’s the case, it’s more than okay to just write to the parents instead!
Messages to the parents
- Warmest wishes to you and your baby on his/her christening. We are delighted to witness such a special occasion!
- This is a great milestone for [baby’s name]. May this day be the start of a great journey filled with love and memories.
- Thank you for inviting us to such an important day. Congratulations, and may your daughter/son forever be blessed and surrounded by love and laughter!
We see how important this day is for you and your special little boy/girl. May it bring happiness and blessings to each of you.
Ultimately, if you know the parents, you know what’s best to write. These are just a few tips on deciding the best route to take! Of course, in the end it’s up to you and what you’re most comfortable with, or what you think is most suitable. We hope you have found our advice helpful! Stay tuned for more “What to Write” posts like this one.
