For some women, especially those who have struggled with fertility issues, a healthy pregnancy may feel like a special blessing from God. Why not celebrate the faith of the family as you celebrate the newest member. One thing to note is to make sure that the mother wants a Christian-themed shower. This isn’t the kind of party that someone else should throw because the mother “should” be more Christian now. Also, let all of your guests know that this is a Christian-Themed shower. If their own faiths conflict with Christianity, let them know they are free to come, or not, as they see fit. Ultimately, it is about celebrating the faith of the mother; the faith that the child will share.
Invitations
Consider using scripture as a basis for your invitations. Jeremiah 1:5 states “Before I formed you in your mother’s womb I knew you.” Why not pair this verse with the mother’s most recent ultrasound for a unique and personalized invitation. You can pair a similar verse from Psalms that says “You knit me together in my mother’s womb” with a picture of a pair of knitted booties. Finally, if you want to go New Testament, there is always the verse from Mark 9:37 that says, “Whoever welcomes a child in my name, welcomes me.” You can pair this with a picture of the mother embracing her pregnant tummy or standing over a crib ready to welcome the new baby. Whatever you choose, go ahead and print out thank you notes that match in color and tone. Consider adding a verse such as “May the Lord reward you for your kindness,” Ruth 1:8, or “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers,” 1Thessalonians 1:2. Then you can address the thank you note envelopes while you are addressing the invitations, saving the new mom time and effort.
Decorations
Use Bible verses written is pretty scripts to decorate the home. Some to consider are “Every good and perfect gift comes from above,” James 1:17; Children are a gift from God, they are his reward,” Psalms 127:3; or “Let the little Children come to me,” Matthew 19:14. Think about where to place these decorations. For example, you may want to place the verse about children being a gift, over the gift table. Do you have crafts? Think about printing out Ephesians 2:10 that says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Jesus Christ to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” And of course, your entry should echo the words of Elizabeth when Jesus’s mother visited her “As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the babe in my womb leapt for joy,” Luke 1:44.
Food
Make sure that you choose food that the mother enjoys. In most cases, refrain from serving alcohol. Many denominations denounce alcohol usage, and the mother-to-be should not have wine or liquor, so it’s a good idea to save those mimosas for another type of gathering. You can also add the verse from Matthew 5:13 “For you are the salt of the earth.” Then you can celebrate with special “salty” treats such as chocolate dipped pretzel rods or a salted caramel cake.
Games
In addition to many more traditional games, you can test your guests’ biblical knowledge by creating a list of baby themed bible verses and seeing who can place the most. Another fun game matches famous biblical mothers with their offspring. Thing of Mary and Jesus, or Sarah and Isaac. You can also describe famous babies from the bible and see who can name the most. Such as “This baby’s mother would never let him cut his hair.” While it may not be a game, you can also provide guests with a card and ask them to write down their favorite Bible verse for parenting, children, or even just a verse for personal strength. Then give these verses to the mother for her own spiritual growth.
Gifts
Obviously, the mother will need traditional baby shower gifts. But you can also add Christian-themed gifts to the party. In this case, it is important to know the denomination of the mother and how she will raise the child. Many denominations prefer a particular translation of the Bible or may have specific traditions.
Prayer Bouquet:
This is a lovely custom in many countries where the guests each set aside some time to pray for the mother and child each day. As they pray, they note the day and time and any special prayers they might have said on a special gift card for the occasion. These are then gathered at the shower and placed in a bouquet for the mother to read at her convenience. It is a lovely gift of time and spirit.
Books:
There are a plethora of Christian parenting books for every denomination. You might also explore devotions designed to encourage and strengthen the new mom in her new role. A spiritual journal that encourages her to note special moments and feelings in the first year of her life as a mother. In addition, there are baby books designed to introduce the Bible and Jesus to the youngest minds. There are board books that explore bible stories. There are books that teach the baby how special they are, and how much they are loved.
Christening Gifts:
If your mother-to-be belongs to a denomination that has infant baptism, consider gifts that celebrate that moment to come. You might choose a Christening gown or suit. Or you might choose a baptismal shell to use when the child is baptized.
Saints:
Catholics and other denominations have Saints that stand as examples of faithful living. There are many ways that gifting can include the Saints. If the child’s name is known, and it corresponds to a Saint, consider gifting a statue, medal of book about the child’s namesake. There are even dolls that are dressed to represent many different Saints that the child can play with and explore the lives of these special people. Finally, there are many different books designed for children to explore the lives of many different Saints. Do read these books before gifting them. Some books are designed for older children and may have some of the more harrowing parts of the Saint’s life.