June is traditionally the month of weddings. A wedding ceremony does not make a marriage but is an important beginning. Traditionally: “a bride is a woman who is about to be married or who has just been married, a fiancée.” Likewise, “a bridegroom is a man who is about to be married or has just been married.”
Are any of you readers of Mississippi Mom about to have a wedding in your family? I hope someone can use some of the quotations I researched for a friend to use during the celebration of a family wedding.
A beautifully written prayer from The Book of Common Prayer is for all brides and bridegrooms, their parents, family and friends:
“Lord, 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.
Amen.”
You have no doubt heard or read some of the words of German theologian,
Martin Luther (1483-1546):
- His famous speech, made in 1521, is inscribed on his tomb: “Here I stand; I can do no other. God help me. Amen.”
- In 1529, Martin Luther penned the magnificent hymn of the Christian faith based on Psalm 46, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.”
- But perhaps you missed Luther’s heartfelt quote on MARRIAGE. Consider these lovely words my husband read in 1993 to our son and our future daughter–in-law at their wedding rehearsal-dinner, the night before their wedding:
MARRIAGE
“There is no more lovely,
friendly and charming relationship,
communion or company than a
good marriage.” -Martin Luther,
“On Marriage”, 1530.
WHAT IS LOVE, ANYWAY?
Is love that warm fuzzy feeling? Is love just sweet and sentimental. No, discerning readers of this blog know that LOVE IS ACTIVE. LOVE IS DAILY. Love continues in the knitty-gritty details, circumstances and difficulties of life.
Lovely wedding words, poignant with meaning are these penned by Paul the Apostle, centuries ago: “Love is…patient and kind. Love does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs, does not delight in evil but in good. Love always: protects trusts, hopes, and perseveres. Love never fails!” * Challenging words! Can humans always love in this manner? Ponder that question.
No. Well, I for one, can’t always love like that. But the triumphant truth is: “God IS love” and enables humans to love. The passage is pretty and poetic to read at weddings but more importantly contains words of proven wisdom for daily life in marriage and for everyone in the ups and downs of every human relationship.
I hope some of these words and thoughts on weddings, marriage, and anniversaries touch your heart. Congratulations and best wishes to all new brides and grooms. May you have many meaningful years of joy in your marriage.
Actually, I was a June bride! Dear PawPaw, Happy 48th Anniversary to you from your sweetheart! I love you!
Nana
NOTE: * Quote from the “Love Chapter” in Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13 NIV.
From MississippiMom: Wasn’t Mrs. Ginger the most beautiful bride?! We might have to feature some beautiful wedding photos on here this month…..