The Wedding Feast of the Lamb

The bride looked across the reception hall. Her eyes settled on an unexpected moment. Her heart swelled with joyous surprise as she watched her maternal grandfather put his arm lovingly around her father, the man who had broken the heart of bride’s mother twenty years ago. This was a significant moment... A moment that illuminated reconciliation

The moment above is one of many precious memories from our wedding day. It is not uncommon for women to say that their wedding day is the best day of their life. To some that may seem cliche;  however, I whole heartily will tell you that our wedding day was the best day of my life.

The wedding planning and preparation was a gift in itself. My mother and step-mother joined hearts to provide us with a day we would never forget. The entire process was a family affair. James’ mother and my grandmother slaved away in the kitchen, preparing the delicious food for our rehearsal dinner. For hours the day before all of my immediate and most of my extended family worked side by side cleaning, building trees and decorating the reception hall.

The joy and wholeness I felt on April 28 was indescribable. I woke up that morning feeling rested and peaceful. Both I and my maid of honor were shocked at my peaceful demeanor; previously assuming I would be one of those stressed out brides. I was calm and collected, soaking in each minute of the day.

The time came for James and I to see each other for the first time before the pictures. He anxiously awaited me in the rose garden. I tiptoed towards him, wrapping my arms around him from behind. He turned to face me and complimented my beauty.

Minutes later our family members and bridal party members took turns freezing outside in the garden with us for pictures. Posed pictures can be either a fantastic expression of reality or a cheesy facade  The photographer captured my family as I perceive it to be: united by love, not as broken separate fragments. There are three pictures in particular that I will forever cherish. (1) A photo of my father, mother and me (2) A photo of my three brothers and me and (3) A photo of James and I with all four of my parents, my seven brothers and sisters, my brother-in-law and my niece.

Prior to the ceremony my Uncle Dave, our officiating minister, gathered both James and I’s families and closest friends into the chapel for a time of prayer. James and I sat in the middle as our loved ones surrounded us and lifted up their voices to the Lord. What a blessing for us to have parents, grandparents and friends who share our faith!

The ceremony was wonderful, accented with yellow flowers and glorious instrumentals. My long-time dream of marrying in the church my parents were married in was realized. With my daddy by my side, I walked toward my handsome groom. My parents gave me away and I happily became James’.

With much anticipation, James and I walked into the reception hall as “Mr. and Mrs. McManus.” The next few hours were filled with toasts, appetizers, cupcakes, and dancing. It was a great time of celebration.

When I think upon our wedding day, I do not reminisce on the external and temporal details (although they were wonderful!). When I think upon our wedding day, I reminisce on the internal and eternal things. I praise God for His goodness! 

In the presence of our dearest loved ones, I vowed to spend the rest of my life loving James, my best friend. The coming together of my family is a testimony of God’s gracious work among us. Divorce and brokenness has not destroyed my family. He has brought beauty from our ashes! God has granted forgiveness and reconciliation between people that from an earthly standpoint should be enemies. It is because of God first reconciling my grandfather and my dad to Himself that they were able to share that moment of reconciliation at the reception. It is because God has lavished my mother and step-mother in His grace that they joyfully planned our wedding together. It is because God so richly loved James and I that we love one another and were joined in holy matrimony. Our wedding day was the best day of my life and yet it is just a glimpse of what is to come.

One day I, the bride, will be sitting at the great banquet table at the wedding feast. Scanning the room the Groom’s eyes will meet mine. With joyous surprise I will watch as Jesus Christ walks towards me and lovingly embraces me, the once broken woman who had sinned against Him. It will be a significant moment... A moment illuminating with reconciliation.

I, along with all believers, will be united with the Bridegroom on a most glorious day. The preparation has begun as He has set His love upon me, forgiven me and is daily sanctifying me. Through Christ I have been reconciled to the Father. On that most glorious day our reconciliation will be fully realized. As we sit with the Bridegroom at the great banquet table, the joy I felt in seeing my family come together at our wedding will be just a fraction of the joy that I will feel as I see millions of people come together in union with Christ. It will be the greatest “beauty from ashes” moment. It will truly be the best day of all eternity.

Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “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 her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” 

Revelation 19:6-9