On earth as it is in heaven

This afternoon, I attended the wedding of a dear friend. Jeremy and I met on twitter a couple of years ago, and he has been like a brother to me. Today, he married his  person. 

I sat there in the ceremony, humbled and excited by the event taking place, because I could so clearly see the Kingdom of God in front of me. 

There were multiple traditions represented, and there was a wide open spectrum of people-family- there to support and protect and pray. We were all one in Christ, no one was on her side or his, no denomination or color or gender. The stone archways of the church sang and candles flickered with joy, crying in unison: his is a holy moment. 

The bride and the groom were both walked down the aisle by their families, and guests were encouraged to sit where they liked. The message was made clear: this is a celebration of family.

Hang my locket around your neck, wear my ring on your finger. Love is invincible facing danger and death. Passion laughs at the terrors of hell. The fire of love stops at nothing— it sweeps everything before it. Flood waters can’t drown love, torrents of rain can’t put it out. Love can’t be bought, love can’t be sold— it’s not to be found in the marketplace.  (Song of Solomon 8:6-8 MSG)

I think there's a reason that the Bible uses so many wedding metaphors. A wedding is designed to be a joyful ceremony, of two becoming one, and their families coming alongside to support and encourage. These families are not simply parents or cousins, these families are the community which surround and help and love. 

I was invited to become a part of that community; to witness two people laugh and cry as they chose each other as partner and spouse and friend, as they promised to love and comfort and support and cherish. 

It is this love, the love of God for us, that moves mountains and that once hung the stars in their galaxies. It is a quiet whisper, a great roar, a love made of grand gestures and deep intimacy. It is hope, is is breath, it is the gospel, that God so loved the world that he have his only son that we might all receive an everlasting and abundant life. 

Selah, amen. 

Pause, think, so be it. 

Congrats, J&J! Thank you for letting me celebrate with you on your special day.