1.Opening Bride and Groom
I get to say what Ben & everyone is thinking – WOW!
Today ______ & ______ are on the threshold of the closest relationship that can exist between a man and woman . . . marriage – the first and most important institution that was created by God himself at the beginning time.
In ancient times, weddings were some of the most anticipated events of a lifetime. It was understood that the union of a man & woman signified new life and represented God’s love & passion for humanity.
So today we all participate in the oldest ceremony know to mankind.
The purpose for today remains the same as it has for thousands of years – 2 lives uniting to become 1
Here are the words of Jesus Christ as recorded by the apostle Mark
’For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one.
(Mk 10:7-8)
So as we begin this Uniting Marriage Ceremony of BEN & BETH it is my privilege to ask:
“WHO GIVES THIS WOMAN TO BE MARRIED TO THIS MAN?”
*JOIN BRIDE & GROOM.
*PRAY FOR MARRIAGE COVENANT
Father God...you have created the universe, the heavens and the earth. You have made man and woman for one another. You have instituted the sacrament of marriage wherein man and woman might be joined to become one flesh. It is for this purpose that we come to witness the union of BEN and BETH in Holy matrimony and to share with them on this joyous occasion as they make their vows to each other and before you. We ask your Holy Spirit to bless and sanctify this marriage from this time forth. AMEN
*CONGREGATION BE SEATED.
2.Charge to Bride and Groom
Today is a significant day. It is a defining moment. It is one of the most defining days of your entire life. But as significant as today is, it is just the beginning of your marriage.
The amount investment that you make into the future days of your marriage will result in a lifetime dividends.
I BROUGHT 3 KEYS TO MY HOME
(Gate – Deadbolt – Doorknob)
Key I – Build it on Jesus
Since God created marriage then it is only right that you build your marriage on the solid rock of His son Jesus Christ.
Jesus said: "A wise man builds his house on Solid Rock.
And even though the rains come and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse, because it is built on solid rock. But a foolish man builds his house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will fall with a mighty crash. (Matt. 7:24-27)
I know that Jesus is your Rock.
The rain/wind are trials of life – they will come.
But knowing that your marriage is founded on Jesus the Solid Rock, insures that it CAN withstand the storms that will come.
Key II - Healthy communication
Communication to a marriage is like fresh air to a body or oxygen to a flame - Without it your relationship will slowly suffocate.
Nations go to war when communication breaks down.
Cultures are divided when there is no clear dialogue.
Jesus said it best “a house divided will not stand.” (Mt 12:25)
Communication lines can clog quickly and the “air” supply will disappear before you know it.
So to keep those lines open let’s listen to what says in Eph.
"If you are angry, don’t sin by nursing your grudge.
Don’t let the sun go down with you still angry (get over it quickly); for when you are angry, you give a (secure position) to the devil." (Eph. 4:26-27)
The way to keep those commun. Lines open
- Be quick to forgive
- Resolve anger on the same day
There was an interview in the OC Reg. of couple that had been married 80 years. They were asked how they did it?
The first thing they said, “We talk thru everything…”
They understood the key of healthy communication.
Key III Genuine Love.
Bible says "Without love I am only making a meaningless (hollow) noise.
I have heard a lot of marriages that make a lot of noise.
But a marriage with genuine love is like a beautiful song.
God’s definition of Genuine love
1 Cor 13:4-8
Love is patient and kind.
Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.
Love does not demand its own way.
Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged.
It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance.
Love never fails.
A music artist named Toby Mac has a song titled:
LOVE IS A VERB
Gen. Love is active not passive.
Gen. Love is expressive not unemotional.
Gen. Love requires effort.
THESE 3 KEYS UNLOCK A HOME THAT CAN LAST A LIFETIME.
3. A Vow (Covenant Promise)
NOW COMES YOUR PART
You are about to make vows (Covenant promises) to each other.
No matter what trials or storms come your way let these vows be an anchor that reminds you of your commitment to each other and Jesus Christ.
Jesus said "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
*BRIDE HANDS FLOWERS OFF TO MAID OF HONOR
*FACE EACH OTHER & HOLD HANDS
4.Vows
Grooms Response (x3): "I Do"
Do you _____, take ______, to be your wife, pledging your body, mind and heart, to be a constant friend and one true love?
(Man answers, "I do")
Do you promise to stay by her side as her faithful husband in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, as well as through the good times and the bad?
(Man answers, "I do")
Do you commit to love, honor and respect her, protect her from harm, and comfort her in times of distress, always being open and honest, cherishing her for as long as you both shall live.
(Man answers, "I do")
Brides Response (x3): "I Do"
Do you ______, take ______, to be your husband, pledging your body, mind and heart, to be a constant friend and one true love?
(Woman answers, "I do")
Do you promise to stay by his side as his faithful wife in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, as well as through the good times and the bad?
(Woman answers, "I do")
Do you commit to love, honor and respect him, support his dreams, and comfort him in times of distress, always being open and honest, cherishing him for as long as you both shall live.
(Woman answers, "I do")
5.Ring Ceremony
RINGS FROM BEST MAN/MAID OF HONOR.
In ancient times covenants where established between tribes.
These covenants could only be broken by death.
One of the symbols of a tribal covenant was visible scare on the ruler or kings thumb. The scare told all who were concerned that this tribe was in covenant with another tribe.
Today the symbol of the marriage covenant is a ring.
Presious Metal. Free of impurities
A diamond. Considered the hardest substance on earth.
Round. Unceasing. Unending.
Let your care and protection of these rings, be a reminder that you are to protect and care for each other.
6. Ring Exchange
Groom:
_______place the ring on ______ finger, and repeat after me:
_____, I give you this ring, as a symbol of my covenant before God. I choose you to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward for better or for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish as long as we both shall live.
Bride:
BETH place the ring on BEN’S finger, and repeat after me:
BEN, I give you this ring, as a symbol of my covenant before God. I choose you to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward for better or for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish as long as we both shall live.
7. UNITY CANDLE & COMMUNION
8. PRONOUNCEMENT
Today, in God’s eyes, two individuals have become one flesh.
Two independent families have become one interdependent family.
And as witnessed before God and this company, they have given and pledged their love to each other, (and have declared the same, by the giving and receiving rings).
I pronounce that they are now, husband and wife, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
(Groom) _________ you may now kiss your Bride!
IT IS MY PRIVILEGE TO BE THE FIRST TO INTRODUCE:
MR. AND MRS. ____________________________
