A/N: Here is the difference between christening and baptism:
Being christened only means you've been publically dedicated to the Lord or there was a child who was dedicated to the Lord (as in the "Christ" in christening). It might even be at a public or private ceremony where the child is named, however, christening could also mean an adult or infant baptism. As for baptism, the person publically declares that they are a child of God and now dedicated to God. After a person has repented and trusted in Christ, they should get baptized. Baptism is a celebration of a new member into the kingdom of heaven. Christening can sometimes be the celebration of a new child entering into the earthly kingdom.
-Basically, I couldn't choose in between which ceremony would fit, but I know that many infant celebrations were baptism, which was always the number one priority. So this ceremony is both a Christening and a Baptism.
-A quick correction has been made to the Bishop from the last chapter.
Chapter 37: Gospel
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The flags were raised high up at the tallest tower in the Castle, and Church bells were ringing.
The Church guards supremely stationed on their post, on each side. The guests were already in the main Church hall, while Zen, Shirayuki, the Archbishop and his three clergymen, nursemaids and the twins, were at the entry hall.
The first nursemaid gave sleeping Zehel to Zen, and the other nursemaid gave Laila to Shirayuki, with their one-meter-length gown flaring.
The Archbishop asked them kindly of how they're faring and even smiled at the excited new parents. "Are you ready?" He gently asked.
"Yes, we are," they replied in unison.
The Bishop nodded, his face suddenly changing from smiling into emotionless.
The first clergyman in front of the Bishop held a lighted candle, with the other two men standing behind the Archbishop.
An announcement was made for the entry of the Archbishop.
Even from the entry hall of the Church, the singing choir could be heard.
The Archbishop made an entry, from the middle hall, into the Church while Zen and Shirayuki were still at the entry hall.
After the grand entry of the Archbishop, it was their turn. They gently, with the sound of the hymn, entered into the middle hall, then into the main hall, with boldness and confidence, without any traces of nervousness, or even excitement, just like real royals are expected to do and act.
And as tradition, the remaining royal family sat at the top of Church, the former Queen, the King, the Prince Seiji and the Queen.
The hymn flowed smoothly from its chorus to the end.
The Archbishop made the Holy Cross's sign and in the air and said:
"Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Through the Sacrament of Baptism we are initiated into Christ's Holy Church. We are incorporated into God's mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through water and the Spirit. All this is God's gift, offered to us without a price.
Jesus said, 'I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.' John 10:10
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father,
by the power of your Holy Spirit
you give your faithful people news life in the water of baptism.
Guide and strength us by the same Spirit,
that we who are born again may serve you in faith and love,
and grow in the full stature of your Son, Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit
now and forever."
"Amen."
"I invite the parents to come forward."
Without much hesitation they walked and stood in front of the altar, where the font was covered in a golden stone, brightening like never before, with a cap covered with it.
"Are you willing to sponsor these children, answering for them now and accepting responsibility for their Christian upbringing in the life of the Church?"
"We are willing."
"Do you profess this faith?"
"We do."
"By your own prayers and example, by your friendship and love, will you encourage them in the life and faith of Jesus?"
"With the help of God, we will."
The Archbishop says to the congregation:
"Faith is the gift of God to his people. In baptism, the Lord is adding to our number those whom he is calling. People of God, will you welcome these children and uphold them in their new life in Christ?"
"With the help of God, we will."
"You have heard your friends make these solemn promises. Will you support them in keeping these promises?"
"With the help of God, we will"
The Archbishop now faces the parents:
"Parents, the Church receives these children with joy. In baptism, these children begin their journey in faith. You speak for them today. Will you care for them, pray for them, draw them close, uphold them and help them take their place within the life and worship Christ?"
"With the help of God, we will."
The Archbishop makes the sign of the cross on the forehead of Zehel, saying,
"Christ claims you for his own. Receive the sign of his cross."
Now makes a cross sign on the forehead of Laila, saying,
"Christ claims you for his own. Receive the sign of his cross."
The Archbishop and baptism party move down to the font. The Archbishop proclaims:
"Heavenly Father,
We give thanks that it is with water that you refresh and sustain the earth
and all the things you have made.
We give you thanks that through the waters of the Red Sea you led your people out of slavery into freedom, and brought them through the river Jordan to new lives in the land of promise.
We give you thanks for your Son Jesus Christ: for his baptism by John and identification with us.
We give you thanks that through the deep waters of death Jesus delivered us from our sins and nullified death.
We give you thanks for the grace of the Holy Spirit who forms us in the likeness. of Christ and leads us to proclaim him."
Zen, holding Zehel, steps forward, close to the font, with his head over the Holy water.
"Child, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
The Archbishop continues:
"I sign you with the sign of the cross, to show that it is to the crucified Christ that you are to be faithful until your life's end."
"Amen."
Then Shirayuki steps forward holding Laila in her arms, close to the font, with her head over the Holy water.
"Child, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
The Archbishop continues:
"I sign you with the sign of the cross, to show that it is to the crucified Christ that you are to be faithful until your life's end."
"Amen."
The Archbishop says:
"Merciful God, please give to parents and their families the desire to share with them what you have made known in your holy gospel.
May they grow to be a disciple of your Son: fighting the good fight, finishing the
race, keeping the faith. Please bring them into all the joys of your eternal
kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
A prayer for who are baptized into Christ:
"Gracious God, you have brought us from death to life; we dedicate ourselves to
you. Produce in us the fruit of your Spirit.
Equip us to serve your people and advance your gospel in the world.
Enable us to live holy and righteous lives and to please you in all that we do;
in the name of Jesus our Saviour.
"Amen."
A prayer for parents:
"Heavenly Father, we pray for the parents.
Give them the spirit of wisdom and love, so that they may teach them by word
and example to know you.
Grant them in their home the joy that comes from knowing you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
"Amen."
A reading from Isaiah 43:1-3
Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name, you are mine.
Should you pass through the sea, I will be with you;
or through rivers, they will not swallow you up.
Should you walk through fire, you will not be scorched
and the flames will not burn you. For I am Yahweh,
your God, the Holy One of Israel, your savior.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
A Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 90 and 91
A reading from the Gospel of Mark 1:7-11
In the course of his preaching, John the Baptist said
"Someone is following me, someone, who is more powerful
than I am, and I am not fit to kneel down and undo the strap of his sandals.
I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.'
It was at this time that Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee
and was baptized in the Jordan by John. No sooner had he come up out of the water
than he saw the heavens open and the Spirit,
like a dove, descending on him. And a voice came from heaven,
'Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
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A/N:
Hei!
In any case anyone is wondering, this baptism/christening chapter includes three different types from three different Churches' custom, tradition etc. of Baptism
Most parents/guardians/sponsors receive a Holy Bible, or even Paschal Candle during Christening/Baptism to the newly baptized members of the community, with each having its own meaning.
Zehel and Laila do not have godparents for several reasons.
Tried my best to keep it real, and natural, but... Oh well.
Hope you enjoyed ;)