I love weddings but it is rare that I can be easily impressed no matter how grand, artistic, extravagant or expensive they are. Please allow me to tell you about a memorable wedding that my husband and I had the privilege to witness a year ago.
The heavens opened wide that morning. I meant literally; it was a downpour. It was supposed to be a summer wedding in July but it was held in England, where weather is a source of fascination on a day-to-day basis.
This particular wedding was very special and different. The family and friends of the couple were all well-dressed but I did not notice a hint of self-importance from anyone. The wedding was not about the groom; he appeared very relaxed and tranquil in his suit. It was not all about the beautiful bride either. She walked along the aisle stunning in her lovely ivory dress, with a tiara adorning her hair — but the lady behind the veil was not the sole (or main) focus of the event.
Rather, throughout this wonderful moment of their lives, the couple chose to glorify Jesus. The songs were carefully picked signifying the love, hope and happiness that is found in Christ alone. The Bible reading and message focused on the basics of marriage: mutuality of love, contentment, faithfulness to one another and hope in Christ (Hebrews 13:1-6).
The favours were ‘Christmas crackers’. Inside these were small gifts but more importantly, a Bible verse written for every guest. The wedding speeches were words of humour-infused sweetness, but Christ was never forgotten by every speaker.
My reflections brought me to question, “How often do we hear couples say, ‘We would like to have a Christ-centered wedding’?”
Before everyone becomes very pre-occupied about the dresses, flowers, rings, guests, cakes, catering, drinks, suits, music, candles, bridal registers, speeches; would it be more appropriate to desire for a union founded upon the love of Christ more than anything else? The key to blissful wedded life is about sharing a life together where Christ is present, is it not?
This particular wedding was not all about tangible things but it will be remembered by those present because the overflowing love of Christ was there.
(A reflection of a Christian wedding held in Warwickshire, England; originally written two days after the event.)
“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don’t toil, neither do they spin ,yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won’t he much more clothe you, you of little faith?”– Matthew 6:28-30
Merry Tea 