here comes the bride

I have the privilege and blessing to be a part of the wedding celebration for a close friend this weekend. Tonight is the rehearsal with the actual ceremony being tomorrow afternoon. I used to be impartial to weddings. I knew I would enjoy celebrating, but I never had much anticipation heading into them (besides when the couple was family and/or close friends). Now I look forward to each and every one I get to be involved in, whether as a member of the bridal party or one of the guests. Some of it has to do with the couple, but most of it centers around the beautiful picture of what awaits those who are in Christ Jesus.

"Hallelujah!

For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.

Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory,

for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready;

it was granted to her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure..."

And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb."

~Revelation 19:6-9

One day the Bride of Christ (the Church) will finally be ready for her wedding day. Until then, we continue to make ourselves ready by working out our salvation through the power of the Spirit. On that day, we will be in full reality what we already are (because of Jesus Christ) before the throne of God: bright and pure. All of our imperfections will be removed completely. We will be the immaculate bride dressed in white. Our groom will be Jesus Christ ready to usher us into His presence for all of eternity.

Weddings on earth provide a glimpse into our hope. We see the establishment of an everlasting covenant, joyful celebrating, reuniting with friends from long ago, worshiping of God, the presentation of a bride, and so much more. It should cause us to sit on the edge of seats and long for the day when we will be united forever with our Groom who gave Himself up for us.