“Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 19:14
Bible Verses About Christening A Baby
The Importance of Children in Faith
We often forget how precious children are in the eyes of God. Christening a baby is a beautiful step in their faith journey. In the Bible, we see that Jesus welcomed children and cared deeply for them. He emphasized that they are very important in the Kingdom of God. As we christen a baby, we not only bless the child but we also commit ourselves to nurture them in the faith. This wonderful step signifies our dedication to guide the child in a relationship with God and the teachings of Christ.
Mark 10:14
“When Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” – Mark 10:14
Luke 18:16
“But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” – Luke 18:16
Proverbs 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6
Psalm 127:3
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” – Psalm 127:3
Matthew 18:10
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 18:10
The Role of Faith in Family
As we christen a baby, we acknowledge the faith that binds our families together. It is crucial for us to nurture this faith from the earliest days of a child’s life. The Bible encourages us to speak to our children about the love of God daily, as this is the foundation upon which their relationship with God will grow. By taking this step to christen a baby, we affirm our commitment as a family to raise them in a Christian environment.
Deuteronomy 6:7
“You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” – Deuteronomy 6:7
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Colossians 3:20
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” – Colossians 3:20
Ephesians 6:1
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” – Ephesians 6:1
Joshua 24:15
“And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15
The Meaning of Christening
Christening is more than just a ceremony; it is a profound expression of hope, faith, and promise. It symbolizes the beginning of a spiritual journey for the child. During this ceremony, we dedicate the baby to God and ask for His blessings on their life. This sacred act is a commitment from us as parents to guide them in the teachings of Christ and to help them grow in faith. It serves as a public acknowledgment of our beliefs and responsibilities towards them.
Acts 2:38
“And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” – Acts 2:38
Matthew 28:19-20
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20
Romans 6:4
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” – Romans 6:4
Galatians 3:27
“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” – Galatians 3:27
1 Peter 3:21
“Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” – 1 Peter 3:21
The Community’s Role
During the christening, the role of the Christian community comes into play. We, as a church, stand together to support the family and the child. It reminds us of our collective responsibility to ensure that the child grows in a caring, nurturing environment filled with love and faith. Being part of a Christian community allows us to model our beliefs and help in reinforcing the values we want to instill in the baby’s life.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Romans 12:10
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” – Romans 12:10
Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” – Matthew 18:20
The Promise of God’s Protection
Christening a baby is also about invoking God’s protection over the little one. As we ask for God’s blessing, we are engaging in an act of faith that assures us that God watches over the child. We can find comfort in knowing that we are not alone in this journey; God’s continual presence will guide and protect. Our prayers and blessings create a spiritual shield, setting the foundation for a life lived with God’s love.
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Psalm 121:7-8
“The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.” – Psalm 121:7-8
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
Isaiah 54:17
“No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.” – Isaiah 54:17
Psalm 91:11
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” – Psalm 91:11
The Legacy of Faith
As we christen our babies, we are hoping to create a legacy of faith that they can carry forward as they grow. This legacy is passed down through generations, and it’s our responsibility to impart our beliefs to the next generation. We can find strength and courage in knowing that our actions today reflect in the lives of our children tomorrow. Christening is a beautiful way to establish this foundation of faith for years to come.
2 Timothy 1:5
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.” – 2 Timothy 1:5
Proverbs 13:22
“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.” – Proverbs 13:22
Psalm 78:4
“We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.” – Psalm 78:4
Deuteronomy 11:18
“You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.” – Deuteronomy 11:18
Psalm 145:4
“One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” – Psalm 145:4
Final Thoughts
Christening a baby holds immense significance. It is not just about a ceremony; it’s a beautiful commitment that we make to nurture our children in faith. We have seen how important children are to God, the role of families, and how communities come together during this event. The promise of God’s protection and the legacy of faith that we hope to build are foundational to raising a child. As we embark on this meaningful journey, let us strive to embrace these principles wholeheartedly.
May we be inspired to create loving, faith-filled environments for our little ones and remind ourselves of the responsibilities we hold as guardians of their faith. Let us remember, too, that we are part of a greater community, standing together for our children. Explore more about our calling as parents in the context of baptism and the miracle of childbirth.