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We have come
together at the invitation of ___________ and
___________ to celebrate the uniting in Christian
love their lives and hearts. This is possible
because of the love God has created in them,
through Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "I am come that
they might have life and that they might have it
more abundantly." This abundant life, for many
people, is an impossible dream, yet God wants us
all to have this abundant life and proved His love
for us by giving His son that we might have this
life.
Another
way that God provides for this "full" life is
creating those who will love us. ___________ found
such a one in ___________ Their hearts and spirits
were drawn together before today by the Lord of
all creation. Two lives are not united by
ceremony, but only in the power, love and grace of
God.
___________ and ___________ are here to publicly
declare that because of Jesus Christ's love, they
too can truly love one another. As God
demonstrated His love in Jesus, Our Lord,
___________ and ___________ will demonstrate this
God given love by giving themselves to one another
and one for the other.
They have
not reached this place alone, each has been given
life by their parents. These who gave to them
life, love, provision, are and will be, a vital
part in their continued lives. Their love has
borne fruit in ___________ and ___________. Love
and respect for these will continue as they grow
in their own love, made possible by their parents.
Giving Away
of Bride
Pastor --
Who then has prepared this woman for marriage to
this man? (or Who giveth this woman to be married
to this man?)
Father
answers -- Her family and I have prepared her for
marriage. (or Her family and I.)
Wedding Vows
I
sometimes counsel with the couple and ask them to
write what they wish to say in their vows to each
other. They learn this and I allow them to express
it without too much (if any) prompting. One
service I had the girl did not remember what she
had planned to say so she blurted out, "Jim, I
have forgotten what I wanted to say to you. I'm
afraid, but I do love you deeply and with all my
heart!" The wedding service was successful.
Ring Vows
Pastor --
A ring is more than a symbol of your marriage. It
is a seal of the vows you have given to one
another! The circle of the ring is, as far as
human eye can see, a perfect circle--without
beginning or end. So God too has perfect love for
you and wants you to love one another in His
grace--never, never ending. This ring is made of
precious metal.
Pastor to
Bride -- You __________, are precious in God's
sight and now in the life of ___________. When you
are absent one from another, the presence of the
ring reminds you to be faithful to and to fulfill
your vow to ___________ . Rings have historically
been the sign of authority--used to seal documents
and proclamations. You now accept his authority in
your life.
Pastor to
Groom -- ___________, this ring is a seal of
____________'s vow to you. She presents this to
you as a token of her submission to you in Jesus
Christ. This is a symbol of leadership and
privilege. God has placed you as head of the
family. You must lead in worship, works and
fellowship. As the weaker vessel she depends upon
you for strength.
(Charge
the couple to respond to the scripture of 1 Peter
3 and Eph. 5.)
Pastor to
Groom -- ___________, are you now prepared to love
___________ as Christ loved the church? Are you
willing to love cherish, provide, and protect her,
in sickness and health, in sorrow or in joy, etc.
According to the Word of God will you cherish and
love her as your wife until death separates you?
Groom --
"I will."
Pastor to
Bride -- ___________, are you prepared to be
subject to ___________ in the Word of God. As your
husband will you respect him, love him, etc.
Bride --
"I will."
Prayer
Perhaps
ask the best man to pray for the Groom and Maid of
Honor to pray for the Bride.
Pastor
close in prayer
Introduction
of New Couple
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