We rejoiced in the wedding of two wonderful people this past weekend in one of our churches, a young woman and young man of untold potential. It was our privilige to pronounce them husband and wife. It was such a glorious ceremony, with strirring music and heartfelt words. After the pronouncement of marriage there was an outburst of praise choruses and then a commissioning service with everyone lighting candles to the music of "Light Your World."
As the lights went off and the church was lit by the warm glow of over 200 candles, it was a sight I will never forget. The truth of the Scriptures was writ plain in the people: God is love, and those who abide in love, abide in God, and God abides in them. This was a day that God had made, and we rejoiced together in the couple's love and faith. God has great plans for them!
We asked God to bless them so that they may be strengthened for their life together. We praised God for their happiness, and we found in their love a reason to renew our own commitments to those whom are near and dear to each of us. They were called together by God for the purpose of their union. Praise God that He cares enough for us to do such a great thing.
The Gift of Marriage does not unite a man and a woman. Rather, it is the Church's recognition of a union that God has already begun to work in their lives. As long as the union remains within the reality of this world, it will be subject to sin, pain, and death. But, through marriage, the union enters at the same time into a new reality: that of God's Kingdom. In Christ, marriage is restored to its initial perfection and in the holy vows, this union is made open to the possibility of what God intended marriage to be from the beginning: an eternal life of joy in union with Him. Below is an essay I read at the wedding, that many have asked me to give them a copy. It crystalizes many of our thoughts about marriage.
The Gift of Marriage from the Presbyterian Church USA Book of Common Worship
Marriage is a gift of God in creation through which husband and wife may know the grace of God. It is gift that as man and woman grow together in love and trust,
they shall more and more be united with one another in heart, body and mind, as Christ is united with his bride, the Church.
Marriage is a way of life made holy by God, and blessed by the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ with those celebrating a wedding at Cana in Galilee. It was part of God’s great plan that He performed his first miracle there, turning water into wine for the wedding feast. Marriage is a sign of unity and loyalty which enriches society and strengthens community.
God created us male and female, and gave us marriage so that husband and wife may help and comfort each other, living faithfully together in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, throughout all of their days.
God gave us marriage for the full expression of the love between a man and a woman. In marriage a woman and a man belong to each other, and with affection and tenderness, they freely give of themselves to each other.
God gave us marriage for the well-being of human society, for the ordering of family life, and for the birth and nurture of children.
God gave us marriage as a holy mystery in which a man and a woman are joined together and become one, just as Christ is one with the church. In marriage, husband an wife are called to a new way of life, created, ordered and blessed by God. This way of life must not be entered into carelessly, or from selfish motives, but responsibly and prayerfully. We rejoice that marriage is given by God, blessed by our Lord Jesus Christ, and sustained by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, let marriage be held in honor by all.
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