Wedding Message

Rope Ceremony

The braiding of these three stands demonstrates how James and Lydia are being joined by God in marriage. Each strand holds special meaning.

The Purple Strand represents the groom [hold up and hand to James]. As a new creation in Christ, the majesty of the Groom is represented in purple. As James loves Lydia and submits himself to the Lord, the Lord in turn will demonstrate His great love through him in their marriage as he lovingly leads Lydia.

The White Strand represents the bride [hold up and hand to Lydia]. Having been cleansed by salvation in Christ, the purity of the Bride is represented in white. As Lydia respects James and submits to his loving leadership, Jesus will nurture and strengthen their marriage.

[James and Lydia braid their cords with the gold cord]

The Gold Strand symbolizes that the Lord Jesus Christ has been invited by James and Lydia to the position of authority in their marriage. Both of them are born again believers and are striving to live fully surrendered lives to Him. They know that it takes three to make their marriage work. When Christ is woven into the center of two lives that are surrendered to the Savior, the three form an unbreakable cord.

[Place braided rope on Unity Candle Table]

James and Lydia long for each of you to know the God whom they worship. The Bible uses the metaphor of marriage to demonstrate the relationship Jesus Christ wants to have with each one of us. It’s as if Jesus is the bridegroom and all who hear Him are his prospective brides.

Jesus wants each of us to open our lives to Him. He’s waiting for you to say, “I will” to Him. Will you love Him and honor Him? Will you trust Him to forgive your sins and give you eternal life? He’s already done it all. You just need to say, “I do” to Him. Believe and receive Him into your life today.

After reflecting on the foundation of a committed covenant relationship where working, walking, warming, withstanding and worshipping are prominent, Solomon concludes his search for meaning with these words in Ecclesiastes 12: “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Life is empty, and even marriage is meaningless, unless we fear God, keep His commandments, and put Christ at the center of it all.

James, Lydia and the Lord…three out of three… that’s how its meant to be!

Prayer

O great God of love, you have established marriage and only with you can it be worked out with joy.

We ask that you would bless James. Bless him as provider and protector. Sustain him in his service as a Marine. May his strength be her protection, his character be her joy and assurance. May he so live that she may find in him the haven for which the heart of a woman truly longs.

Please bless Lydia. Thank you for her tenderness towards you and towards James. Give her a deep sense of understanding and a great faith in You. Give her that inner beauty of soul that never fades. May she so live that he may be pleased to always treasure her.