Baptism is a joyful event for Christian families – but what do you write in a baptism card? Baptisms can look quite different depending on the individual being baptized, how old they are, what type of church they’re being baptized into, and what role you play in the baptism. This can make it a little tricky to determine just how to fill out that beautiful baptism card. We have ideas, tips, and inspiration to help you come up with the perfect baptism message for any kind of baptism.
What Is Baptism?
First of all, an explanation of what baptism is will be helpful, especially if you’re not religious or if you come from a different type of church than the one where the baptism is being celebrated. Generally speaking, baptism is recognized as either a sacrament or an ordinance in most Christian churches. It is a form of initiation into the church, and a sign that the individual being baptized has accepted and is saved by Jesus Christ.
There are some differences in how different denominations celebrate and view the sacrament of baptism, with many similarities. Almost all Christian churches practice baptism with water, either by sprinkling, affusion (pouring water over the person’s head), or full immersion. Most denominations perform “trinitarian baptism” – that is, baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Most denominations believe that baptism is irreversible and can only be done once, and most denominations recognize baptisms done in other churches as valid (with the Church of Latter Day Saints and Jehovah’s Witnesses as notable exceptions). Baptism is typically performed by an ordained priest or minister, but in some cases it can be done by another member of the church. Some churches dictate that baptism is necessary for salvation and that baptism removes original sin from the individual being baptized. In some churches, like the Roman Catholic church, Methodist, and Lutheran churches, it is commonplace for babies to be baptized, while other churches only permit older children and adults to be baptized because they require a statement of faith to be made by the baptized individual.
Besides the spiritual significance of baptism, the sacrament also has symbolic significance. Christians imitate the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. Other symbolic practices related to baptism may include the lighting of baptismal candles as a sign of receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, and wearing white garments as a sign of purity.
If you feel uncertain about what baptism means to the person you’re addressing a baptism card to, consider researching the specifics of baptism in the church or denomination that person is joining. This can help you feel more confident that you’ll appropriately address their spiritual beliefs.
What’s The Difference Between Baptism And Christening?
Traditionally, “christening” refers to the baptism of infants. Christening can refer to a ceremony during which an infant is baptized and named as well. The terms “baptism” and “christening” have been used interchangeably so often that they have essentially become synonymous, but “christening” continues to be reserved for babies only and is not used to refer to the baptism of an adult.
How To Write A Baptism Card
A baptism card message can be as brief or as long as you’d like it to be. You can stick to a short message of congratulations, or write a lengthy missive of support. The main thing to keep in mind is that this is a joyful celebration and to keep your tone congratulatory. We’ve come up with some example messages for a variety of baptismal situations – use them as they are, mix and match, or borrow words and phrases to come up with your own baptism messages!
Baptism Of A Baby
When celebrating the baptism of a baby, you can address a baptism card directly to the infant, or to the parents of the baby. If you choose to address your card to the baby, you can keep your note short and sweet, or write something sentimental that the parents can keep to pass on when the child is older.
Example Messages For Baby
- Warmest wishes on the day of your baptism! May God bless you and keep you as you grow up in his love.
- Congratulations on your baptism, little one! Wishing you many blessings.
- God is smiling down on you today! May He bless you always.
- So much love for you on the day of your christening, sweet baby! We’re praying that God will bless you every day!
- May your love for Jesus grow as you do! Congratulations on your baptism!
To The Parents Of A Baby Being Baptised
At a baby’s baptism, you might choose to address the card to the parents of the child (they’re the ones who will be reading the card, after all!). Write a message of congratulations on the baptism of the child, and a message of encouragement and support for the parents.
Example Messages To Parents
- Congratulations on your little one’s baptism! Praying that God will guide them always.
- How wonderful that your little one has you as such great models of faith! Congratulations on this joyful day!
- So happy for you on the day of your child’s christening! Wishing you a day filled with joyful celebration!
- We’re so happy to see you passing on your faith to your little one! May s/he flourish with the gifts of the Holy Spirit!
- Wishing many blessings for your faith filled family! Congratulations on the baptism of your child!
Baptism Of An Older Child
Older children may have varying degrees of understanding of their baptism depending on age and development level. Keep messages to young children simple and age appropriate. Older children and teenagers can appreciate more thoughtful messages affirming their commitment to the church.
Example Messages For Children
- May God bless you today and always! Congratulations on your baptism!
- I’m so happy for you on this day of your holy baptism! I hope you will grow to know Jesus as a great friend.
- You’ve made God smile today! May He send you many blessings!
- May you experience the love, joy, and peace of Jesus on this happy day!
- We love you so much – and Jesus loves you too! Happy baptism day!
Example Messages For Teenagers
- How wonderful it is to see you taking this step in your faith life. May you continue to know God even better, and may he send you many blessings.
- It makes my heart so happy to see you embracing Jesus and your faith! Hoping all the best for you on the day of your baptism!
- So proud of you for choosing to be baptized! I hope you will continue to receive God’s love and grace.
- Praying and rejoicing for you today as you receive the blessings of the Holy Spirit!
- May your faith continue to grow as you receive God’s blessings! Sending love on the day of your baptism!
Baptism Of An Adult
Perhaps you have a friend or relative who has found the church as an adult, or chosen to convert for one reason or another. Warmly welcome them into the church, and perhaps offer prayers for them as they begin their spiritual journey.
Example Messages For The Baptism Of An Adult
- We are so pleased to welcome you into our faith community today! Congratulations on your baptism!
- So happy for you today as you celebrate your baptism! I pray that your faith will continue to grow as you continue on your spiritual journey.
- We’re filled with joy seeing you take this step in your faith journey! Congratulations on this happy day!
- Praying that your faith will bear you much fruit. May your baptismal day be filled with blessings!
- May you always remember the love, joy, and peace you receive on this day, and may God continue to bless you always.
What To Say When You’re At The Ceremony
When you’re present at the baptism, you have an opportunity to acknowledge your thankfulness for being present at the event. Let the newly baptized know how honored you feel to be able to participate in this special day with them as a witness to their new faith.
Example Messages When You’re Present At The Baptism
- What a joy to be able to celebrate this holy day with you! Congratulations on your baptism!
- We’re so thankful for this opportunity to gather together and celebrate this step in your faith journey!
- I’m so honored to get to witness your faith as you are baptized today!
- So glad to be able to share in this joyful day!
What To Say When You Can’t Make It
When you’re unable to attend the baptism, you can share your wishes for what the day will hold for the newly baptized individual. Perhaps let them know that you’re praying with them from afar.
Example Messages For When You Can’t Attend The Baptism
- Sending you love and prayers from afar on the day of your baptism.
- Congratulations on your baptism! We love you and we’re sending our prayers and support!
- Wish I could be there to celebrate in person. So happy for you as you celebrate your baptism!
- Celebrating with you from afar as you receive your baptismal blessings!
What To Say When You’re Not Religious
Knowing what to say to someone regarding their baptism can be especially hard when you don’t share their faith. You don’t have to express sentiments you’re uncomfortable with or that feel fake to you, such as saying you’re praying when you really don’t. Focus more on sharing their happiness about finding something that gives them a sense of meaning and purpose, and let them know that you support them in their journey.
Example Messages For When You’re Not Religious
- I’m so happy for you as you celebrate today! Wishing you all the best.
- I’m so pleased to see how happy you are in your new faith community! Congratulations!
- Congratulations on your baptism! Hoping your new faith brings you joy and fulfillment!
What To Say When You’re The Godparent
Godparents play a special role in a baptism – both at the ceremony and afterwards, as the newly baptized begins their new life in the church. Godparents are typically chosen because they share the faith of the newly baptized, which puts godparents in a position to write an especially thoughtful and supportive message. Let the individual (or the parents, for the baptism of a baby) know that you plan to continue your supportive role and relationship as they continue to grow in their faith.
Example Messages For Godparents
- Congratulations on your christening today! I look forward to watching you grow up in the love of the Lord!
- I’m so honored to be your godmother (or godfather). I promise to be there for you and support you as your faith continues to grow.
- I’m overjoyed to have you as my godson (or goddaughter)! Hoping for many blessings today and every day!
- Today and as you grow, I hope to support you, encourage you, and help you to be the best you can be. May God send you his love and grace every day.
Bible Verses To Include In A Baptism Card
When you’re stumped about what else to write, turning to scripture can help you write a thoughtful and inspiring message. Verses directly about baptism and verses about joy and celebration can both work wonderfully in a baptism card. Consider adding one of the following bible verses to your note.
- “For this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
- “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” Psalm 28:7
- “Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!” Psalm 32:11
- “Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your habitation, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. For he will give his angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:9-11
- “This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
- “The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.” Psalm 126:3
- “I praise you, for I am wondrously made. Wonderful are your works!” Psalm 139:14
- “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
- “And when Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and he was the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him.” Matthew 3:16
- “‘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 close of the age.’” Matthew 28:19-20
- “‘He who believes and is baptized will be saved.’” Mark 16:16
- “John answered them all, ‘I baptize you with water; but he who is mightier than I is coming, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.’” Luke 3:16
- “Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.’” John 3:5
- “And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 11:16
- “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
- “For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Galatians 3:26-27
- “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
- “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:4-6
- “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
- “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 clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 3:21
- “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18
Other Religious Milestones To Celebrate
After baptism, Christians may go on to celebrate other sacraments and religious milestones. These may include first holy communion, confirmation, and marriage. Each of these happy occasions also merits well wishes and congratulations!
Find The Perfect Baptism Card
At White Clover Paper Co, we’re Catholic owned and created – so we have you covered when it comes to finding a card for a Christian celebration! With our watercolor designs, we strive to provide you with cards that are modern and fresh that friends and family will love to receive. We offer a number of generic congratulations and celebration cards that are perfect for any type of occasion, as well as religious greeting cards that are perfect for religious events!
Looking for new baby cards, or tips on what to write in a new baby card? We can help you there as well! If you’re looking for gifts for baptism, Christian art prints can be a great place to start looking. Be sure to join our mailing list so you don’t miss out on new blog posts and new products!
