It has nothing to do with the amount of money that the couple spent on the ceremony, much less the reception. It has even less to do with the flowers chosen, the colors used, the look of the wedding dress or the number of people in attendance. We have had the amazing food at some of the receptions. One wedding had a "rice krispie treat" cake , complete with Dr. Peppers. How I love that couple! Some weddings were 1 hour and some were 6 hours. We have been to outside-in-the-middle-of-July weddings, in-the-middle-of the park weddings, on-the-beach weddings, etc. Our own two sons had totally different ceremonies. Ben and Lynn had a large church wedding followed by a sit-down dinner and dancing, while Luke and Cherish had an intimate wedding and reception at our home. My mom, a retired caterer, put out a spread for Luke's reception that is still being talked about. Thanks, Mom! Both were tear-jerkers. Both weddings were memorable to all that came, I am sure. Of course, I am not a bit prejudiced towards my perfect daughter-in-laws:
Ben and Lynn asked the minister to make sure that he explained the good news about Christ at their wedding. I can still hear the song that was sung while Ben prayed over Lynn,
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand
In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt of life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.
By the same token, I can still remember the end of their vows spoken to each other at Luke and Cherish's wedding,
And I will love you until the seventh trumpet blows and Jesus returns!
It was made unmistakably clear that their commitment to Christ was first, before their commitment to each other.
Everyone at their wedding had to stand and confirm their vow to invest in the couple spritually. We prayed over them and promised to hold them accountable for the promise they made to serve and honor Christ.
What sweetness! You can sleep good at night knowing that your sons love the Lord and that your grandchildren were going to have godly parents. Yahoo!
If you happen to be planning a wedding, please plan more about the life that follows than the actual ceremony.
Ben and Lynn
