Attending a Baptism – The Pure Gift

I've felt stuck writing in christening cards before - do you write 'happy christening'? Nah, that doesn't seem right. So what do you write in a christening card? Today I've gone back through all the christening cards my children have received and picked out the best and most heartfelt baptism messages to help you write a great message in your christening card. When writing in a christening card let the child and parents know that you are happy to be sharing / celebrating their special baptism day with them. Maybe include a short wish for their lives; like love, joy and faith. Make sure the message is from your heart, which creates a meaningful christening card. If you are a godparent, grandparent or close family there are some extra things you might want to add to your card to make it extra special. Let's look at these separately in more detail. Godparents: What to write in a baptism card to your godchild A godparent has an extra special role in their godchild's life. So you'll want to take your time to add a bit more thought to your baptism card message. The most touching message I've seen from a godparent was honest and heartfelt and had the following 3 elements: 1. How you feel about being chosen as godparent Being asked to be a godparent is a big deal. Let your godchild and their parents know how you feel about being chosen for this special role. You might want to write something like: "I'm honoured to be a godparent for you ("godchild's name"). 2. What you plan to do as godparent Have a think about what being a godparent means and how you plan to help your godchild in their life. You might want to write something like: "I will always be here to support you in every way I can." Or you can be more specific if you like, but try not to promise something that you may not be able to do like pray for them every day. 3. Statement of what you've found true about God This short statement is based on experiences you've had with God. Do you feel that God's always had your back? Or have you felt his intense love for you? Let your godchild know that he will do the same and feels the same for them. I feel this is a really important statement to include on your godchild's card as your experience may help your godchild more than you know. The most treasured thing I received from my godfather was a note in my confirmation card. It was special because it was honest and heartfelt. I could feel the way he loved God by the honest way that he wrote. You may need to dig deep to uncover how you truly feel. Some possible statements might be: "God loves you more than you know." or "God will never let you down." I've found the most touching messages are honest and use real everyday words. So just write how you would speak it. I am so honoured to be a godparent for you.I will always be here to support you in everyway I can.God will never let you down.Love godparent If you're wondering exactly what is going to happen at the baptism I've written a detailed article about what godparents say and do at your godchild's baptism (this is based on what happens in a Lutheran church, although other churches will be similar, they may also have slight differences) Grandparents: Ideas for your grandchild's baptism card Grandparents have a special role in their grandchild's life. They often cherish the baby and toddler years most of all (one of the most exhausting times for mothers) because they realise how quickly children grow up. The main advice I would offer is to write as you would speak. Kind words from the heart are more meaningful and felt more deeply than hallmark type phrases, which although they are typically beautifully written, they are also often glossed over when read by the recipient as they don't feel as personal. You could maybe write something like: "We are thrilled to celebrate with you all today, such a special day, (name's) baptism!" and maybe a wish for the child and parents as they navigate the wild ride ahead of growing up and parenting: "May God guide you in your exciting life ahead, in both the ups and the downs." Use your own words in there so they can hear you speaking it to them through the card. Any words of wisdom of your experience with God would be greatly received I'm sure. Just write how you would normally speak it. Aunties / Uncles: Suggestions for writing in your niece's / nephew's christening card Aunties and uncles, this is such a special day to see your brother or sister christen their child, your niece/nephew. Maybe you have children of your own and maybe you don't. If not then you may not have been involved in a baptism before, or not one that you remember. You may be wondering who to even write the card to? I've written an article about if you should write the card to the baby or parents, if you want to check it out. I've looked through the cards from my brothers and sisters for our children's baptisms and pulled out the best parts for you to use: "We're so happy to celebrate this wonderful day of your baptism with you" "May God fill you with love and joy through the years ahead" "We look forward to watching you grow in your faith" Write what feels right to you. Be honest and write from the heart. Family Friends: Ideas for writing in a christening card We actually only invited family and godparents to the baptism of our children, but I did receive 2 cards from family friends regardless. If you are invited to the baptism you might want to say write something like: "We're so happy to share this special day with you as (name) joins God's family" If you're not invited to the baptism but still want to send a card you could write: "Enjoy your day as a family celebrating the baptism of (name). Sending our love and best wishes." What to Write in a Christening Card if You're Not Religious If you don't feel like you believe in God or agree with everything said and done at the christening you can still give your best wishes to the parents and child. You don't need to and shouldn't write something you don't agree with or doesn't make sense. Here are some short, simple messages that aren't religious that you could write in a christening card: "So happy to celebrate with you today" "May you be filled with love and happiness in the years ahead" What Not to Write in a Christening Card There are some words or phrases that I believe are best not written in a christening card. You may or may not agree, which is fine. Steer clear of typical greeeting card words/phrases A typical greeting card word is congratulations - I can't quite put my finger on why this doesn't seem right for a baptism. Maybe because often congratulations means you've done something well, but baptism is a gift - we've done nothing other than believe to receive it. Also Happy baptism or happy christening - again not quite sure why this phrase doesn't seem right. It does seem logical, like Happy Birthday, but for some reason doesn't seem right on a christening card. I feel that 'happy baptism' isn't enough for the significance of the event of baptism. Use words that are understood by everyone Any words that aren't used much in every day life can be hard to decipher the meaning. Words like grace, mercy, bless I heard so much in church growing up, but only recently have I learnt what they actually mean. You want the child and parents to take your words to heart so just use everyday words that are easy for everyone to understand. Use your own words and judgement and just be you when writing in the card. Write using your own words that you would normally speak and it will help create a really meaningful christening card that the child and parents will feel your love and true feelings seeping through.