Friday, April 29, 2011

The Royal Wedding



"We are gathered here today in the sight of God and in the face of this congregation to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is an honorable estate instituted of God Himself signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and His church..."


I woke my girls up just in time to "attend" the Royal Wedding with me this morning. We had a fabulous view from our living room sofas :) The following video captures some of my personal favorite aspects of the ceremony:





- Reading from Romans 12 (3:45 into the video). Such a beautiful passage in God's Word. Imagine what a different place the world would be if we all lived accordingly. Following are excerpts from the NIV translation. 

Romans 12

A Living Sacrifice

1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. ...

Love in Action

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 


- The message shared after the exchange of vows. (9 minutes into the video)  was spoken so eloquently and communicated so effectively. Following is a favorite excerpt/quote: 


"Marriage should transform - as husband and wife make one another their work of art."


- And I was so moved by the simple yet profound and incredibly beautiful prayer (18 minutes into the video). I was every bit as impressed by what it says as I was by the fact the the bride & groom wrote it together. 

God our Father,
We thank You for our families, for the love that we share and for the joy of our marriage. In the busyness of each day keep our eyes fixed on what is real and important in life and help us to be generous with our time and love and energy. Strengthened by our union, help us serve and comfort those who suffer. We ask this in the spirit of Jesus Christ. Amen

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