A Blessed Event Part 2

Having been blessed to have been a guest at such a wedding...I have to tell you it has infused me with such hope! Two sets of godly parents put their shoulder to the harness, and went the distance-and now-they are reaping the harvest! What a shot of spiritual encouragement to those of us still in the traces, and in the middle of plowing a row!

I love this shot! This is Joshua-the groom-as he sees his bride coming down the aisle, along side of him, his best man, and the bride's brother-looks on.

Such a picture of purity, beauty, trust, and innocence.

Did I mention that 30 hrs before the wedding, the bride's sweet mother gave birth to a little baby girl? Here they are-mommy is listening to the ceremony....little sis is dreaming. This is a remarkable mother, with this little blessing being #9!

What an encouragement to see mulitple generations of Christians represented in these young people's lives. The dear, sweet couple pictured above, are none other than our wonderful friends, Mike, and Marci! (Parents of the groom!) Above is one of the bride's grandfathers.

And here is one of the groom's grandfathers dispensing some godly wisdom to the new couple.

Before I end part 2, I would like to give a little encouragement for parents, and for young people. I hope that as I share some of the details of this Christ-centered wedding...that it acts like a catalyst in each one of us-spurring us on to the finish line in raising our young people. And, if you are a young person, I hope that it causes you to yearn for doing it God's way!

I leave you with a portion of the ceremony done by the bride's daddy:

The entire ceremony was written to show the BIG wedding of Christ and His bride, the church. Here is what Jeff said just before the vows.

One of the best ways God has demonstrated to us what is occurring in a covenant was through the Salt Covenant.

This was a covenant of loyalty. The Word of God says,

"The Lord keeps covenant for a thousand generations to those who love Him and keep His commands."

In ancient times when two people wanted to enter into a covenant of loyalty, they would recite the details of the covenant, exchange salt from one pouch to the other and then shake the pouches.

The symbolism is powerful.

The only way this contract could possibly be broken is for each to individually retrieve their own grains of salt, which is impossible.

So, once the covenant of loyalty is spoken and made, it is bound on earth and recorded in heaven.

Joshua, you and Brittany will now exchange your solemn oaths to one another. You are in affect exchanging salt.

Your fathers and mothers and God say,

"Shake your salt pouch vigorously so the grains are inseparable for all times."

There was another part of the ceremony that I want to share as well.

Just before the pronouncement of husband and wife, Jeff shared this.

The question is asked, "Is there anything more beautiful in life than a young man and a young woman clasping clean hands and pure hearts in the path of marriage?"

And the answer is given,

"Yes- there is a more beautiful thing,

it is the spectacle of an old man and an old woman finishing their journey together on that path.

Their hands are gnarled, but still clasped;

their faces are seamed, but still radiant;

their hearts are tired and bowed down, but still strong.

They have proven the happiness of marriage and have vindicated it from the jeers of the cynics.

And now having pledged your love and loyalty to each other, and having sealed the pledge with marriage rings,

I do, by the authority of Almighty God, pronounce you husband and wife.

Joshua and Brittany,

you are no longer two independent persons,

but you are now one in the eyes of the Lord. You may celebrate with your first kiss.