There aren’t many occasions more exciting and lovely than a wedding, and my friend, Sandra Chambers, (Sandy) has been praying and hoping and waiting for her only daughter’s special day just as we mommas do. As her friend, I’ve shared Sandy’s concerns and dreams for her daughter. We’ve prayed together, cried, and prayed some more for her baby girl and the man she would marry. The day is finally here, and with all the preparations, the wedding has reminded Sandy of another one yet to come. Be encouraged. Get ready!
Guest blogger Sandra Chambers
I still remember when my daughter was eight years old and she decided she wanted to try on “Mommy’s wedding gown.” So we dug it out of storage and dressed her in it, veil and all.” She giggled, twirled and delighted at her image in the mirror. I don’t know what was going through her mind at the time, but I was seeing a beautiful future bride full of joyful hope and delight.
Those of us who have grown children know the advice given to us at their birth is true—“Enjoy them now because they grow up so fast!” But today, as I sit enjoying some quiet time, I wonder what God sees as He looks at His future Bride, the Church. I know He loves her, sent His only Son Jesus to redeem her and looks forward to the great wedding feast that will someday take place when Christ comes again to take His Bride home.
But I sometimes think God must be saddened by how long it is taking for His Bride to make herself ready. Saddened that she has played the harlot with the world. Does He weep tears waiting for His Bride to purify herself through the washing of the Word and to be clothed in white linen, which is symbolic of purity? (Eph.5:25-27). The Bible says, “I have betrothed you to one Husband, to present you as a chaste virgin to Christ” (Hosea 2:19, 20).
God calls His Bride the Church, the New Jerusalem, the wife of the Lamb, “a rare and most precious jewel, like jasper, shining clear as crystal.” (Rev. 21:9) Today, all the world sees is a tarnished Church full of corruption. But God promises that someday that will all change when He reveals His true Bride—“in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing” (Eph. 5:27).
Just as a bride prepares herself in secret, behind closed doors, I believe the true Bride of Christ ISmaking herself ready, waiting in purity and longing for her Bridegroom’s return. She is the wise virgin waiting for the Bridegroom’s call whenever it may come—night or day. She not only has oil in her lamp, but has purchased extra oil in case Her Bridegroom delays His coming (Matt. 25:1).
Just as my daughter will soon walk down the aisle to meet her groom, with family and friends witnessing, all heaven and earth will someday witness the marriage of God’s Son to His glorious Bride (Rev. 21:2). Are we ready for the most glorious wedding and wedding feast of all time and eternity?
How are you preparing? What’s your favorite part of the wedding ceremony?
ps.
Have a GREAT weekend my friends! If you enjoyed Sandy’s words of wisdom, you can follow her on Twitter @PrayWaves
also, I’m joining Christianmommyblogger today.
love ya!
