A CEREMONY FOR THE BLESSING OR BAPTISM OF CHILDREN
By Roger Coleman

(This ceremony is written for the blessing or baptism of young children. It can easily be adapted to a variety of religious or civil settings.)

Introduction

It was said of old, "There is a light that lights the way of everyone who comes into the world." It is the light of hope, God's gift of new life that, like a burned out flame that catches fire anew every time a child is born.

We light this candle in recognition of the hope and joy ________ brings into our lives and into the world. (Officiant lights a single candle.)

(When using the “Our Family” unity candle set, the pillar candle and a taper candle for each parent should be lit prior to the service. Following the welcome, parent(s) light the child’s candle.)

Reading

The potential, the miracle, the beauty of children can be expressed in a thousand ways. In the New Testament we find these special words:

At that time the disciples came to Jesus saying, Who is the greatest in the family of God? And calling to him a child, he put (him/her) in the midst of them, and said, Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never become members of God's family! Whoever is as trusting as this child, (he/she) is the greatest in the family of God. (Mt. 17:2-4).

Recognition of Family (and Godparents)

Before you now are ________ and ________ with their (son/daughter) ________, whose birth they acknowledge as a gift and whose presence they welcome with gratitude and humility.

(Other persons may be introduced including grandparents, brothers and sisters and friends.)

________, as you grow, you will learn the importance of relationships. The love and support that you share with your family will be resources that you can draw upon, both in times of joy and in times of sadness.

Among the many relationships from which you will draw strength, the godparent relationship is significant in that it is one of spiritual support, encouragement, acceptance and friendship.

We believe your godparents, ________ and ________, will make a significant difference in your life.

________ and ________, are you prepared to accept the responsibility of aiding the growth and development of ________ as a child of God?

Godparents: We are.

We welcome you into ________’s family. 

In a world where powerful forces seek to divide and tear the human family apart, it is significant that the powerlessness of a child is that which brings us together.

Prayer

In prayer, let us give thanks for ________ and for this family.

God of Creation, like a mother who comforts her children, you bring us together that we might strengthen and provide for one another. We come now with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the birth of ________ and for the joy that has come to this family.

As a father cares for his children, so you continually call us to compassion for your children everywhere. Establish our homes in the holiness of your care that we may live in harmony as members of your one family. Amen.

Act of Naming (Optional)

A name has great power. In the creation story of Genesis, God names the man and the woman and commands them to name the rest of creation. (Genesis 2:79 may be read.)

Each of us is given an individual name for each of us is born into this world unique and precious.

To the Parents: What name have you chosen for this child?'

Parents will respond: The name of our child is ________.  (Parents may wish to explain the significance of the name chosen.)

Officiant (to the child): You are ________.

(As the child is named, and when there is no baptism involved, the officiant may place water or oil on the child's forehead as a symbol of God's blessing.)

In addition to the individual names we give to our children, by our love and support, a broader name. It is the name conveyed in a folk song when a little child sings:

"Beautiful am I, beautiful, beautiful is my name."

________, your name is also beautiful. Beautiful is your name. We want you with us. You are respected and loved, endowed with dignity, worthy of being cared for and protected. Whatever may come, your name has been entered in the book of life. Beautiful is your name; beautiful, beautiful, is your name.

Act of Baptism (Optional)

The rite of baptism has long been used to acknowledge membership in God’s family. John baptized Jesus in the river Jordan. Today we continue that sacred tradition.

Water is the symbol for all that is holy in life. It represents cleansing, nourishment and growth. Baptism is a sign of God’s love. “I have called you by name, you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)

(The child is brought forward by parent(s) and held over the baptistery where water is poured over his/her head.)

_________, I baptize you now in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. (An alternative baptismal formula is, I baptize you now in the name of God the Creator, God the Redeemer and God the Sustainer.)

_________, God has called your name.  You are forever a child of God, a member of God’s family.

Presentation Of The Family Medallion®

In the Scriptures, a basis for family relationships is found in the Book of Ecclesiastes. "Two are stronger than one," it says, "and a cord of three strands is not easily broken.” (Eccles. 4: 9a, 12b)

In recognition of this family and the family nature of God's creation, we present to ________ this Family Medallion. With its three merged circles, the Family Medallion represents a strong cord of three strands. It is a symbol for love that is greater than a relationship of two people, a love that reaches out to include others. In the giving of this symbol, we pledge to you ________, our continuing love and support. (Godparents, if present, may present the Family Medallion.)

Charge to Participants

(To be repeated after the officiant. Participants may be invited to join hands and to share their individual “wishes” for the child.)

We receive ________ from the hand of a loving Creator

With humility and hope

We accept the opportunity that is ours
To love and nurture him/her

And to lead him/her by our teaching and example
As we grow together

In faith and commitment.

Blessing

________, you are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore, be at peace with God . . .Whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul. (Taken from the Desiderata by Max Ehrmann.)

And now, go forth joined together by the love of God; go forth with hope and joy and a heart full of dreams, knowing that God is always with you. Amen.