Advent Wedding

On the first Sunday in Advent, November 29, gathered in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church, Tupelo, Mississippi, were the families and friends of Millie and Chris to share with them the celebration of their marriage. As the congregation began singing the processional hymn, Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, it was as if prayers of blessing were being prayed over Millie and Chris. Millie, escorted by her parents and Chris, escorted by his, found their places at the altar, the final refrain echoed through the sanctuary.

As the service proceeded, words of life were exchanged. Big, important words. After the vows were exchanged, the father of the groom prayed this prayer, adapted from the Book of Common Prayer.

Eternal God, creator and preserver of all of life, author of salvation, and giver of all grace: Look with favor upon the world you have made, and for which your Son gave his life, and especially upon Chris and Millie whom you make one flesh in Holy Matrimony. Give them wisdom and devotion in the ordering of their common life, that each may be to the other a strength in need, a counselor in perplexity, a comfort in sorrow, and a companion in joy.

Grant that their wills may be so knit together in your will, and their spirits in your spirit, that they may grow in love and peace with you and one another all the days of their life. Grant them grace, when they hurt each other, to recognize and acknowledge their fault, and to seek each other’s forgiveness and yours. Make their life together a sign of Christ’s love to this sinful and broken world, that unity may overcome estrangement, forgiveness heal guilt, and joy conquer despair. Give them such fulfillment of their mutual affection, that they may reach out in love and concern for others. Grant that all those who have witnessed these vows may find their lives strengthened and their loyalties confirmed.

Grant, too, that the bonds of our common humanity, by which all your children are united one to another, and the living to the dead, may be so transformed by your grace, that your will may be done on earth as it is in heaven; where, O Father, with your son and the Holy Spirit, you live and reign in perfect unity, now and forever. Amen.

Two lives joined in body, mind, and soul. There is deep peace resounding in the spirits of those who witnessed and shared this day.

As the gospel writer in John writes, As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.

So be it. Now and forever. Amen.