Would you consider yourself a wedding person? Do you look forward to attending weddings, crying when the bride walks down the aisle, rejoicing when the bride and groom are pronounced man and wife, and then eating till your heart’s content at the reception? Some people enjoy going because they are hopeless romantics, some go to pick up free food and to find a date (no, we do not recommend this!), some would rather eat dirt than attend any weddings, but most people enjoy going primarily when they really care about the couple. Most of the weddings I’ve attended over the years have been normal, traditional, beautiful weddings; however, a few stand out in my memory as amazing….
What made them amazing had nothing to do with the decorations, the food, or even the bride’s gown. So, what was it? It was the obvious love the bride and groom had for each other and for the Lord.
When I was fourteen, my dad was invited to the wedding of a co-worker’s daughter. While I did not really want to go, since I had never met the couple, my dad did not want to go alone, so I went with him. It took place at a small, country church, but the event was as spectacular as if we were in a cathedral.
First of all, the couple had many friends and family. If I recall, there were about twenty-eight people in the wedding party split evenly between the bride and groom – and not even counting the bride and groom! The maid of honor sang a breath-taking song which brought the house down. The worship was out of this world. The wedding party was completely relaxed and they seemed genuinely joyful to not only be a witness to the union, but participating in the wedding of this man and woman!
After the couple was pronounced man and wife, they left the sanctuary and a gospel message was presented along with a plea given to married couples to continue to persevere, love, and grow together. (This is a great time to present a gospel message to an audience that may have unsaved friends and family!) At the end of the ceremony, the wedding party sang more amazing worship music. It is the only time I can ever remember not wanting to leave the sanctuary at the end of a wedding.
It’s been fifteen years since that wedding and I don’t remember the dresses or the decorations; but, I will never forget the anointing that was on that marriage event. God, and His institution of marriage, was honored on that day. After that experience, I don’t know why any believer would not want to openly honor God on their wedding day. Recently, I found out that this couple is not only still together, but also the parents of five children. They honored Him at their wedding and God has blessed their union.
One other wedding that stands out in my mind was just a little over two years ago. They had dated for several years and during their courtship, they both grew in the Lord in visible ways. After seeking the Lord’s guidance on their relationship, and working through various disagreements and concerns, they tied the knot. Since I’m not a fan of large crowds, it is rare that I look forward to a wedding; yet, I was so excited about attending theirs. (Eric and I were good friends with them before they wed and still are since they have wed.)
What I found remarkable while she was getting ready was… her face. She looked so content and at peace that day. When I commented on it, she just said that nothing could really ruin her day. It is a rare occurrence indeed to see such a peaceful bride. Just as in the wedding mentioned above, they too desired to magnify and glorify God in their wedding ceremony as well. Both the bride and groom wore white to represent the purity of Christ and the Church. It was so exciting to be able to witness the forming of this family. They honored God before their wedding and it was exciting to watch them become one before Him. They are still happily married, faithfully serving God, and the parents of two beautiful babies.
Do you want your wedding day to be unforgettable? In fifteen years, do you still want people remembering your special day as a powerful day of worship to the Lord? Have you given thought to how you might show Him glory in your wedding? Take some time and think about how you would like to honor God in your wedding ceremony. At the end of every day, all that matters is that we’ve pleased God. This is as true on your wedding day as any day. Especially in an age and culture where everyone is telling the bride and groom, “It’s all about you… make your wildest dreams come true!”, it is a bit of a shock to refocus on glorifying God instead of self at one’s wedding! When making your plans, be sure to keep Him front and center – in your ceremony and in your marriage. Remember, a Christian wedding – the blessed and holy union it is – unites you, your future spouse, and God.
In what ways have you seen God honored at weddings you’ve attended?
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