Celebrating New Life in Christ and the Beginning of a Lifelong Journey of Faith
Baptism is one of the most beautiful and joyful celebrations in the Christian life.
Whether we are gathered around the baptismal font to welcome a tiny baby, a young child or an adult who has chosen to follow Christ, Baptism celebrates a wonderful new beginning.
Through the waters of Baptism, we are welcomed into the Christian community and begin a lifelong journey of faith with Jesus.
It is a day filled with meaningful symbols - water, light, oil, a white garment and the Sign of the Cross - but behind each symbol lies a much greater story.
It is the story of belonging to Christ.
What Is Baptism?
Baptism has been part of Christianity since the earliest days of the Church.
Before beginning His public ministry, Jesus Himself was baptised by John in the River Jordan. Later, after His Resurrection, Jesus instructed His disciples:
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
Christians have continued this practice throughout the centuries.
For Catholics, Baptism is the first of the seven Sacraments and the beginning of the Sacraments of Christian Initiation, which also include Confirmation and the Eucharist.
Through Baptism, a person becomes a member of the Church and begins their sacramental life.
But Baptism is much more than simply becoming part of an organisation.
It is about becoming part of a family of faith.
Why Is Water Used in Baptism?
Water is the central symbol of Baptism.
It is essential for human life, but throughout Scripture water also carries powerful spiritual meaning.
Water cleanses.
Water refreshes.
Water gives life.
During Baptism, water is poured over the person's head - or the person may be immersed in water - as they are baptised in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The water represents cleansing from sin and the beginning of new life in Christ.
St Paul beautifully describes Baptism as sharing in the death and Resurrection of Jesus:
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that... we too may live a new life.”
(Romans 6:4)
Baptism reminds us that Christian life is ultimately a life of renewal.
The Sign of the Cross
One of the first symbols used during a Baptism is often the Sign of the Cross.
A cross is traced on the forehead of the person being baptised as a sign that they belong to Christ.
For a child, parents and godparents may also be invited to make the Sign of the Cross on the child's forehead.
It is a simple gesture with profound meaning.
The cross will accompany that person throughout their Christian life.
It reminds us of Jesus' sacrifice, God's extraordinary love for us and the hope we have through Christ's Resurrection.
The White Garment
Another beautiful tradition associated with Baptism is the white garment.
White symbolises purity and new life.
The newly baptised person has been clothed in Christ and begins a new life as a member of the Christian community.
This is one reason babies and young children are traditionally dressed in white for their Baptism.
The garment is not simply something beautiful for photographs.
Its colour carries a message.
It is an outward symbol of the new life being celebrated.
The Baptismal Candle – Receiving the Light of Christ
One of the most recognisable keepsakes from a Baptism is the baptismal candle.
During the ceremony, the candle is traditionally lit from the Paschal Candle, which represents the risen Christ.
Parents and godparents are entrusted with the responsibility of helping keep the light of faith alive in the newly baptised person's life.
Jesus tells His followers:
“You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14)
The candle therefore represents something much greater than the day itself.
It reminds the baptised person that they are called to carry the light of Christ into the world.
Many families keep their child's baptismal candle as a treasured reminder of the occasion.
Anointed for a Life With Christ
Oil also has an important place in the celebration of Baptism.
Anointing has a long history throughout Scripture. Kings, priests and others chosen for particular purposes were anointed with oil.
During Catholic Baptism, sacred oils are used as signs of God's strength, blessing and the person's new identity in Christ.
The fragrant Sacred Chrism also connects Baptism with other important moments in sacramental life, particularly Confirmation.
It reminds us that the newly baptised person has been set apart for a life with Christ.
The Special Role of Parents and Godparents
When a baby or young child is baptised, they cannot yet understand or make their own profession of Christian faith.
This makes the role of parents and godparents particularly important.
Parents promise to raise their child within the Christian faith.
Godparents are chosen to support both the child and the parents in that responsibility.
Being a godparent is therefore much more than an honorary title.
A godparent can become an important spiritual influence in a child's life - someone who prays for them, encourages them, talks to them about faith and demonstrates through their own life what following Christ can look like.
The relationship can continue long after Baptism Day has passed.
Baptism Is the Beginning, Not the End
It can be easy to concentrate on everything required for the Baptism itself - the church, godparents, invitations, clothing, celebration and gifts.
But the ceremony is only the beginning.
The real journey unfolds afterwards.
For a child, faith will gradually be nurtured through their family and Christian community.
They will learn to pray.
They will hear the stories of Scripture.
They will begin to understand who Jesus is.
They may later prepare for First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
Eventually, they will have the opportunity to decide how they will personally live the faith into which they were baptised.
A Baptism lasts for a day.
The life of faith it begins is intended to last a lifetime.
Choosing a Meaningful Baptism Gift
Baptism is also a wonderful occasion for grandparents, godparents, family members and friends to give a gift that celebrates the child's Christian faith.
A children's Bible can introduce a little one to the stories of Scripture as they grow.
A cross or crucifix for their bedroom can provide a lasting reminder of Christ.
Rosary beads, religious medals and Christian jewellery can become treasured keepsakes for later years.
A Baptism photo frame provides a beautiful place to preserve a photograph from the special day, while plaques, prayer gifts and keepsake boxes can become lasting reminders of the promises made at Baptism.
And, of course, a baptismal candle is one of the most meaningful symbols of the celebration itself.
The best Baptism gifts are often those that grow in meaning as the child grows.
Celebrating Baptism With Christian Supplies
At Christian Supplies, we love helping families, godparents, churches and parishes celebrate this beautiful beginning in a person's Christian journey.
Our Baptism collection includes a range of Baptism candles, children's Bibles, crosses and crucifixes, rosary beads, jewellery, medals, photo frames, plaques and meaningful Christian keepsakes.
These gifts help us remember a special day.
But the greatest gift of Baptism is something far more profound.
It is the gift of new life in Christ and belonging within the family of God.
As parents and godparents watch a child being baptised, perhaps the most beautiful prayer they can offer is that the little person before them will one day understand just how loved they are by God.
May they grow in faith.
May they learn to know Jesus.
May the light of Christ always guide them.
And may the promises made on their Baptism Day become the beginning of a lifelong relationship with God.
From the waters of Baptism begins a lifetime of walking with Christ.
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