The Difference Between Christening, Baptism, Dedication And Gift Ideas For Each

As Easter rolls around, you might be invited to several christenings, baptisms, and dedications. At first glance, they may seem like the same thing but they are slightly different.

What is a Baptism?

In the Christian Church, baptism is the religious act of sprinkling water on someone’s forehead or immersing one in water to wash away someone’s sin. The verb “baptize” in Greek, means “to dip, plunge, immerse,” or “bring under the influence.” As the priest, pastor, or deacon pours water over the head of (or immerses) the person during baptism, he repeats, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” This symbolizes a purification/renewal of the body and adoption by God.
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Baptism is considered “faith in action” and your personal identification with an incredible act in human history—the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (which Easter represents). As you stand in the water waiting to be baptized, you symbolize Jesus dying on the cross. You symbolize Jesus being buried in the tomb as you are lowered into the water. As you rise from the water reborn, you symbolize Jesus’s resurrection, overcoming death. This is why many people choose to get baptized during Easter, a holiday that celebrates Jesus’s resurrection, redemption, and rebirth.

What is a Christening?

A christening involves giving a baby a Christian name during a baptism which identifies them as God’s child. Specifically, it refers to the moment during a baptism when the priest asks, “What name have you given your child?” Now, not all baptisms include a christening ceremony, but all christening ceremonies involve the baby being baptized or “anointed in water.” Over time, some denominations have used christening interchangeably with baptism, causing confusion.

It is interesting to note that the word ‘christening’ comes from the Greek word ‘Christos’ which means ‘Anointed One’. This term was used to describe Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem during the time of King Herod.

What is a Dedication?

The term dedication comes from the Latin verb “dedere” which means to give, offer, present, or surrender. So a dedication is a ceremony that dedicates an infant to God and welcomes her/him into the church. This is usually done in denominations that believe the individual child should not be baptized until he/she is old enough to make the conscious choice to do so. During a dedication ceremony, the parents will also dedicate themselves to raising the baby as a Christian.

Picking A Gift - Make Sure It’s Customizable

So now that you know the difference between these terms, you’ll want to get a gift that correctly states what specific ceremony the child/person is celebrating. If you can’t remember what specific ceremony it is, reread the invitation or ask the invitee. You don’t want to make the faux pas of gifting a present that states dedication on it when it was a baptism.

Our tip to help you pick a heartfelt special gift for your celebrations is to make sure your gift is customizable. We’ve gathered several ideas below where the wording can be customized to your needs. When checking out, just make a note of what you’d like it to say exactly, or email LifeSong Milestones at support@lifesongmilestones.com.

The best part is that most of these ideas have the child’s name engraved on the present which adds that personal touch. There will be only one present like the one you’ve designed in the entire world. This is a fitting gift for a unique individual!

Customized Baptism Ash Wood Baseball Bat

An engraved ashwood baseball bat is a great gift for the little slugger or baseball fanatic. This 18” long bat makes the perfect centerpiece for a sports display on the living room mantel or in his/her bedroom next to awards and ribbons. In baseball, ash wood is known for having a long sweet spot, being flexible and forgiving. Ashwood is known in different cultures to symbolize wisdom, growth, protection, and connection to heaven. This unique gift is sure to hit their expectations out of the park!

Dedication Jewelry Box

This adorable keepsake jewelry box is the perfect functional gift. It serves as a reminder of their special day while encouraging them to focus on God’s love for them wherever they may be. The 3.5” x 3” box reads, “The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine upon you… and give you peace.” This is a great present for a baby, since little memorabilia from the day of baptism can be kept safe inside this box for her/him to see when they get older. You can personalize the name and dedication date.

Christening Photo Frame To Capture the Moment

Consider personalizing a picture frame to capture the moment of christening forever. Lifesong Milestones has many different frames so you can find a design that suits your little one. Consider this chic 10”x8” black frame that holds a 4”x6” photo and states, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9.”

Consider this adorable flower picture frame that is customizable with the child’s name and date of christening. 

Dedication Cross Ornament

This 4.5”x6” engraved cross can be hung on the child’s crib or wall to serve as a reminder that he/she is God’s precious child. There are many customizable crosses available in different colors like blue, pink, ivory, cherry wood, or maple wood. Here is a blue cross that states, “You are fearfully & wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14.”