INVITED! . . .
Like many religions, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has an infant naming ceremony known as a baby blessing.
Traditionally, giving a child a name and a blessing is done within the first few months of life. (Many think of the LDS baby blessing as an event that's just for babies, but any child under the age of eight can receive a similar blessing.) It’s customary, but not required, to dress the child in white. The child is usually blessed by her father or by another male member of the family who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood.
We perform these blessings to introduce the child to our community, to establish their name in church records, and bless them with certain strengths and attributes that will aid them throughout their life. For this reason, I try to jot down and record the blessing for the child.
The blessing can be performed in the intimacy of the family’s home (with permission from their bishop or branch president), but is typically preformed during sacrament meeting that's open to all church members and any guests whom have been invited to attend. Sacrament meeting is usually held during the first hour of the Mormon church service. Often, the blessing is done during the Fast and Testimony meeting which is held on the first Sunday of the month.
For Nathanael, Michael will be performing the blessing. We’ll ask other Melchizedek priesthood holders to join Michael in the ceremony. They will gather around and place their hands under the baby along with him as he gives the blessing. In the case of an older child, they would sit in a chair while the men place their hands lightly on the child’s head.
Michael will offer a prayer and a blessing.
He will:
1. Address Heavenly Father.
2. State that the blessing is given by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
3. Give our child a name.
4. Give a priesthood blessing as the Spirit directs.
5. And close in the name of Jesus Christ.
After the blessing, a church record is made for the child and a blessing certificate that we’ll receive as a keepsake.
There’s lots of other customs surrounding this occasion that are not written in any handbook, but have become expectations in some LDS communities. Such as: the mother sharing her testimony during the church meeting or having an open house or other gathering after church to celebrate.
You know me though; I’m not one for a lot of hoopla. : )
I don’t feel pressured to share my testimony or throw a get-together together ‘cause that’s what someone else with bigger chops decided to do. More power to you, but I prefer less work for me. ; )
Say you’ll come? Or just comment below about how rockin’ awesome my son’s name is (‘cause it is).
