Christian Sweet Sixteen Ceremony

Ceremony originally written by Adrian Olivas

GIFT LIST

1. A Bible (preferably a Study Bible )
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. Sixteen Candles and Candle Bases for Candle lighting Ceremony
10. Each attendant may carry a white long-stem rose, which they can give to her at the end of the ceremony. (Optional)

You may wish to begin the ceremony with a small explanation what the Sweet 16 represents. 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 or play music that has a special meaning to the young lady. The young lady may also want to sing a song at this time, or a family member.

CEREMONY

Pastor: Beloved in Jesus Christ, we have gathered here, in God’s presence to give thanks for the sixteen 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. . .

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; however, now you must 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 Friends 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.

Pastor: (Take the Bible; and give it ). ___________, as a Christian you understand the importance of knowing the Word of God. It is the through the study of his word that you can begin to know and experience God's will for your life. It says in the bible that God's word never comes back void. This is a promise that through studying the word of God and practicing you faith in Christ will make you wise and strong while doing Christ's work in you. 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). God promises in Phillipians Chapter One that he (God) who has begun a work in you is faithful to complete it. May this book always be a lamp unto your feet and light unto your path.

Rose Ceremony (Women of three different ages representing the times of life)

(Mother – Brings 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.

(Grandmother brings 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

(Great Grandmother brings 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:

(God Mother/Spiritual Mentor gives her 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).

(God Parents bring 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.

(God Parents bring 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:

(Parents bring the 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).

(Mother/God Parents brings 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). 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". Can you imagine how much more beautiful it will be when you stand before the Lord and lay your crown before Him and say thank you for redeeming me." (Rev. 4:8-10).

Verse, Promise, Candle Ceremony, and Song (family can choose whether to do a ring or candle ceremony, or even both)

(Parents bring 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.

_______________: (She can sing her song or Promise and recite verse. Share what it means to be the kind of young woman God would like her to be, and then give her purity promise) This is a good time to give her testimony or talk about what it means to her to follow God.

Candle Lighting Ceremony

It is customary during a Sweet Sixteen Celebration to have a candle lighting ceremony. _________ will have several people come join her during this part of the ceremony that represent the light they are to her life. Each Candle has a special meaning and she will share that as she lights each one.

Pastor: The bible says in the Book of Matthew Chapter 5:14

You are the light of the world like a city on the hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead a lamp is placed on a stand where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way let your good deeds shine for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly father.

The bible tells us that we are to be the salt and light of the world... this is God telling us to share his light with all the world. _________ will pass the flame from her candle to one of yours as symbol of sharing the love of God with all of you. You in turn can share that love with your neighbors.

Pastor: (Ask the guests to stand with their candles). Next the young lady will offer her prayer of consecration. She may memorize Psalm 119:33-48 or write her own prayer.

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