Christian Quinceanera Ceremony

Ceremony originally written by Adrian Olivas

Ceremony in Spanish

GIFT LIST

1. A Bible (preferably with a satin and lace cover or just plain white).
2. Baby shoes (They look better if they are white satin).
3. A ring (either with a birthstone or a small diamond, etc.)
4. Watch (preferably a dressy one)
5. A tiara
6. A rose bud, a rose in half-bloom and a rose in complete bloom.
7. A small and decorative perfume decanter.
8. A parasol that has been decorated to match the color scheme.
9. Each attendant may carry a white long-stem rose, which they can give to her at the end of the ceremony.

You may wish to begin the ceremony with a small explanation of the Quinceañera rite of passage. It was originally begun to introduce a young lady in society as ready for courtship. However, evangelicals have changed the meaning to be a time when a young lady dedicates and commits her life to the Lord publicly.

A ceremony is so much more beautiful when it is interspersed with music. For the processional someone may sing any Christian song, or traditional song. If the parents sing or the Quinceañera sings, they may want to choose a song that has great meaning to them. Make this event very personal.

CEREMONY

Pastor: Beloved in Jesus Christ, we have gathered here, in God’s presence to give thanks for the fifteen years of life God has given Miss ________________________________. We are glad that she decided to celebrate her birthday in the presence of God. The Psalmist says: "Because better is a day in your courts that a thousand outside of them. . . "We can say to ______________ family "I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.”Thank you for the invitation to this celebration, to this moment of Consecration.

This is a happy age, when young girls hold many dreams. But also it is a difficult age because it is at this age when a young lady becomes accountable for her spiritual life. From now on ­­­­­______________ you’ve ceased to be a little girl for you have become a young lady. Your parents have done what they can in rearing you in the admonition of the Lord, but you will now begin to make decisions and get ready for a little more independence. It is during this time that you will need Jesus as your friend, counselor and above all as Savior.

Pastor: Since you have decided to celebrate your birthday in the presence of God and with his blessing, I with your Family and God Parents will dedicate some items to you so that each time you see them you will always remember this joyous event. These are only symbols of that which is to come; that which will be in God’s presence one glorious day.

Presentation of the Gifts: the gifts can be presented by anyone the family would like to include in the ceremony, typically they are presented by Godparents, Family members, and close friends.

Pastor: (Take the Bible; give it then to the Quinceañera). ____________ “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the (man) young lady of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim. 3:14-17). May this book always be a lamp unto your feet and light unto your path. Study it to show yourself approved unto God.

Rose Ceremony

Mother: (Gives the Rose Bud). This symbolizes your infancy. At this age you were innocent and unaware of sin. The Kingdom of God was yours without the need of salvation and repentance.

God Mother/Grandmother: (Gives the rose in half-bloom). But, as you grew you began to experience the effects of man’s sinful nature in your life. At this age you had knowledge of right and wrong. At this age is when you began needing Christ as Savior and Lord.

Grandmother/Older Female Relative: (Gives the rose in full bloom) And today, as this flower is in full bloom, beautiful and fragrant, so are you as you stand here today. But the Bible says of life, that it is as the grass, it flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone. Youthfulness is only a brief moment of time in life. All in life is pretense and the only important thing that is eternal is your soul. Keep it and guard it faithfully. And what better way to keep your life but by giving it to The Giver and Keeper of our days? He has promised you life eternal at His side.

Song: (Play music or have someone sing)

Godparents/Family Member: (Spiritual Mentor presents the watch; place it on the left wrist) This watch will serve to remind you that the coming of the Lord is very near. With each second, minute, hour, and day that passes, remember that you must always be prepared because we do not know neither the day nor the hour when He will come for His Church. But as you await His coming, may you be able to say as the Psalmist: "Teach me to number my days aright, that I may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12).

Godparents/Family Member: (God Parents present the parasol). This parasol will help you think on what the Lord has said "(My Glory) will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain" (Isaiah 4:6). When you find yourself in trouble or in danger may you always be able to say: "You are my refuge and my shield." (Psalm 119:114). Stand steadfast on this truth. God has given us more than 33,000 promises and all can be yours. Every promise, every verse, every line.

Godparents/Family Member: (God Parents present the perfume; give it to her). This bottle of perfume symbolizes the prayers and worship the saints offer to the Lord. Your life should not only glorify God but it must be used to win souls for Him "For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other the fragrance of life. . . “(2 Cor. 2:15;16). The proverb writer said that perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the psalmist confirms this saying: "May my prayer be set before you like incense." (Psalm 141:2). May you always please the Lord with your life and with your prayers.

Song: (Play music or have someone sing)

Parents: (Present shoes) These shoes symbolize your daily walk. When you were a little girl, I would take you where I wanted. You did not decide where or when you would go. Today I have rendered to you a most important responsibility and you are accountable to God for each step that you take. Remember that God is always watching you. And what joy you shall feel if when the Lord comes you can say, "I have chosen the way of truth; I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes." (Psalm 119:30,59).

Parents/God Parents: (Present the tiara and place it on her head). This crown is beautiful and radiant, but how much more glorious and beautiful will the crown which Jesus will give you on that day be? The Bible mentions a few crowns. Which ones do you want? The first crown promised is the crown of life. To obtain it the Lord says “be faithful till the end and I will give you the crown of life." For those that persevere He has promised “the incorruptible crown ", (1 Cor. 9:25). To those who long for His coming He has promised "the crown of righteousness", (2 Tim. 4:8). To the pastors He has promised "the crown of glory", (1 Peter 5:4) The Bible urges us to cling to our crown "I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown", (Rev. 3:11). Can you imagine how much more beautiful it will be when you stand before the Lamb, and you can do just as the twenty-four elders mentioned in Revelations, "lay your crown before Him and say Holy, Holy, Holy, thank you for redeeming me." (Rev. 4:8-10).

Parents: (Present the ring; place it on her right hand).This ring symbolizes authority. You have authority because you belong to the family of God. When the prodigal son returned, his father placed a ring on his finger because he had returned to the family and once again he had the authority that belonged to family members. Thus you have authority over the enemy because you are a daughter of the King, Jesus. This ring will also help remind you of the infinite love of God. As this ring has no beginning or end by virtue of being a circle, thus the love of God has no beginning nor end . . . God has said, "I have loved you with an everlasting love." (Jer. 31:3). For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jer 29:11 NLT)

Pastor: A ring can also symbolize a pact. I understand you have a promise which you will make publicly.

Quinceanera’s Verse, Promise, and Thanks

Quinceañera: She can sing her song or Promise and recite verse. She can share what it means to be the kind of young woman God would like her to be, and then give her purity promise. Quinceañera: Next the young lady will offer her prayer of consecration. She may memorize Psalm 119:33-48 or write her own prayer.Quinceañera: Thank You Speech she will give words of thanks to her parents, give a testimony or sing a song.

Court Gift & Closing

Pastor: (Ask the attendants to stand at the altar). They can all present the Quinceañera with a single rose to her at the end of the ceremony Conclude the ceremony with a Blessing:
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.

Or the Irish Blessing:
May the road rise up to meet you.May the wind always be at your back.May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields.And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Song: Closing Song