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 christenings; 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.
Jeff Fain is an author for Dependable Printing. Please visit Dependable Printing for a great selection of wedding invitations, wedding anniversary invitations, bridal shower invitations, christening invitations, and much more.
