The Marriage Ceremony

The Marriage Ceremony

By Janet Wagoner

Morning has come and my heart rejoices, my soul soars as an eagle upon the wings of destiny.
Lifted up from the valley of despair and disappointment. Filled by his spirit, in awed by his presence, and alive with the goodness of God. His oil of gladness runs through my veins, joy unspeakable surrounding. Quicken by his holy spirit, transformed by his grace. With all that I am my being sings I am whole, I am whole. Liberty has been purchased on Calvary, no longer enslaved and bound to the bondage of death.

My soul arises to be with my Savior. I ascend and go forth as Lazareth as the trumpet has sounded and his voice fills my ears. The glad tidings of: "come forth my bride" has been spoken, the midnight hour has come. Voices so full of animation are speaking, "Your bridal chamber has been made ready, the guest are eagerly waiting."

The table set in the splendor of Heaven's treasures, draped in the colors of rainbows unseen by earthly eyes. The acuity of the eyes is astounding, the auditory of the ear is unspeakable. No haze dims the vision as the light of Heaven has been magnified by the combined light contained in the lamps of the wise virgins who have awaited this moment. The songs of praise and worship accompanied by Angelic harps are heard, enhanced by natural acoustics created by the Master Musician. Perfect tempo and harmony fills the air in balance far beyond mans imagination.

A healing river flows from the throne of God, and we play in it like little children on a hot summers day. Laughter and joy are heard and sadness and heartache have been replaced by contentment and peace. Our new bodies are glorious without pain or disability.

Wedding music begins to play, having been prepared for marriage to the lamb we are dressed in the finest white linen made of pure righteousness. We stand before the throne in anticipation, the Bridegroom enters. All eyes are upon him. His voice like the sound of many waters yet with the gentleness of a soft wind. His words fills our heart with love that knows no boundary as he speaks: I have fulfilled my vows, I have paid the contracted price, I have committed myself to none other and I have remained faithful to my promise. I have prepared the wedding chamber and my love for you has been beyond reproach. I take you to be my bride for evermore. And likewise our vow to him: We accepted you proposal, we waited faithful and patiently for your returning, our love for you has been our virtue and our desire for you our stay. We committed ourselves to you forever and rejoicing remain with you through eternity.

The wedding ceremony has ended the reception and wedding supper beginning. We toast our marriage with the finest wine made from the fruit of the vine in heaven Our hearts are merry, our soul is delighted. We have reached our destiny and our pleasure is to serve our Lord.

By Janet Wagoner