So, where is Martha Stewart when you need her? I have 30 or so guests coming for a “Bohemian Themed” engagement party and could really use some clever ideas for turning my rather conservatively decorated home into something a little more trendy. Fringed throws on the furniture? Lots of potted plants and a roaming violin player? Maybe I could crank up the fireplace even though the forecast is for temperatures in the 90’s—or just use lots of candles and go for a string or two of twinkle lights?
Décor aside, the engagement party is for our precious granddaughter, Soleil, and as the clan and friends of the bride-and-groom-to-be gather, a good time is sure to be had by all. As we prepare for the engagement celebration our thoughts naturally turn toward October and the day the wedding will take place beneath a canopy of live oaks on a Carolina plantation.
Preparing for this festive event reminds and amazes me of how little has changed since the time of Christ. We may have “themed weddings” today, but the basics between the time engagement and the wedding feast still mirror the day the Lord, as the Bridegroom, will return for the wedding of His bride, the church.
The church, those who have trusted in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and have received eternal life, is the bride and Christ. The Bridegroom, Christ, has sacrificially and lovingly chosen the church to be His bride.
Though no one has a “Save The Date” card posted on the fridge, the followers of Christ—the church, the bride—are watching and waiting for the big day and praying, “Come, Lord Jesus, come!” At the second coming of Christ, the church will be united with the Bridegroom and the official “wedding ceremony” will take place. All the promises of God will all be fulfilled and the eternal union of Christ and His bride will begin. (Revelation 19:7–9; 21:1-2)
Maybe that will happen today and I won’t have to worry about what to wear at the engagement party—or any other thing. The venue will be will be gloriously radiant with everyone dressed in white garments of holiness and righteousness.
I’m ready—are you?
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:20
