Dearly Beloved, We are Gathered Here . . .
We are just as married, in the eyes of the law, whether the ceremony is officiated over by a judge, a justice of the peace, a sea captain, or a clergyman. In view of this truth, why do most couples, whether or not they profess religious convictions,choose to have their wedding service performed by a clergyman of some kind in a place of worship: A CHURCH WEDDING?
To me, a wedding ceremony performed in a church by a minister of the gospel signifies that a couple is evoking the blessings of God on their union. To God it is much more. They are striking a pledge before God to keep their vows. They are agreeing with him that marriage is an act of obedience. A couple is also pledging to honor Him in their marriage.
I am sure people who do not live their lives by the word of God have other reasons for having a “church wedding” with the ceremony performed by a minister: tradition, a beautiful setting, family expectations, serenity, spirituality. However, I suspect that there is an unconscious acknowledgement that God is the one ingredient they need in their marriage that the wedding planner cannot arrange. Their minds touch, perhaps fleetingly, on the author and creator of marriage, and for an instant they give Him honor and attempt to evoke His blessing.
My prayer is that more couples, in joy or troubles, would remember that of all the choices they had, they chose to stand in the presence of the Almighty at the moment of they took their vows. Perhaps this could lead the way to a deeper, more committed union, and a closer relationship with our Loving Father.
