Amiel John Childhood moments
Christening
Three are basic sorts of Christening services:
- Blessing - based on what Jesus did when children were brought to him: "he took the children in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them" (Mark 10:13-16). These are about receiving God's unconditional love.
- Baptism - the ceremony or sacrament of admitting a person into Christianity.
- Christening - the act or ceremony of baptizing and giving a name to an infant.
A christening calls for the child to believe in Jesus and to repent the child's sins. However, an increasing number of parents - and clergy themselves - question how an infant can understand and, therefore, undertake this. As an alternative, a more simple blessing or thanksgiving can be given in which the child is blessed and thanks given for its safe arrival into the world, but no promises are made by the parents or on behalf of the child. The christening can be held when the child is older and more able to understand what baptism involves.
First B-day
1-year-olds get into everything and become more vocal . . . and more assertive!