I love a good wedding. One of my favorite moments is when everyone stands up to catch a first glimpse of the Bride. I try to take a moment to look over to the Groom and see his face as his future wife is arriving at the aisle. Pure joy. Uncontrolled smile. Hope. So much of my wedding day was a blur but there is one moment that will be etched in my memory forever. Etta James beautifully belted out, “At last, my love has come along…” as Erin arrived at the other end of the aisle. I lost it. Tears. She was beautiful and we were about to begin our forever journey together! I’m welling with emotions just thinking about that moment. Anytime “At Last” comes on, I stop whatever I’m doing to take Erin’s hand dance with her. It’s one of my favorite traditions.
I’ve had the privilege of officiating a few weddings here recently that have been very meaningful to me. Whether I do their premarital counseling or not, I try to spend a bit of time with the couple so that I know them collectively. It is typical that I know one better than the other so I make it a point to get to know them as a couple so I can best tell their story for those who come to witness their union. There are a few promises I make to them: I don’t want to do anything that draws attention to myself and away from them and I will be their advocate if there are people trying to take over “in their best interest.”
I approach officiating weddings differently than most preachers. I tell the couples story, interlacing it with scripture, so that everyone who is there walks away knowing better the journey towards committed love this couple took. I share their funny moments, when they fell in love, what they respect and appreciate about one another, etc. Everyone who hears what I say will know fully well why this couple is getting married. I do have a section where I call them to continue in the journey of love together, reminding them of the love of Christ that is immeasurable, and to dive deeply into that love for one another. Those in attendance, I always remind them of their responsibility to hold the couple accountable for the love they profess today. They are to walk with them and remind them of their commitments when times are hard.
In John 3:22-36, we have just read in the previous section about God’s love for the world, a love that draws us into the light where we find true life. John brings us back to John the Baptist and his disciples. They are baptizing in the same area where Jesus and his followers are baptizing. Those with the Baptist were concerned about the success of Jesus’ ministry, that it might be taking away from John’s. Thankfully, John the Baptist, understands his role clearly. He is to tell the story of Jesus so clearly, God’s love come in the flesh, that Jesus continually increases to the point where John is forgotten. John the Baptist uses imagery from weddings to tell the people of his role. He’s the Best Man. He is not the Groom. His job is complete when the Bride and Groom come together and he can take joy in sliding into the background.
All of the metaphors and stories up to this point come together in what I believe is our mission as Christians. We need to continually catch glimpses of God to see the overwhelming joy and love he has for the world. We need to invest in time with God and his bride to know their love story so we can clearly communicate it so the world knows the depths of love they share. When we know God’s love for the world, we see the world through his love and communicate his love more clearly through how we love those we encounter in the world.
In this season of Lent, starting Wednesday Feb 17, I want to invite us to walk with Jesus through the “signs” John lays out in his Gospel. Pay attention to Jesus’ actions, who he blesses, gives his attention to, and how he communicates God’s love for the world. As you read these stories in our preparation for Easter, consider taking time to walk with Jesus every day as you reflect on the passage of the week or Dwelling in the Word for the week. Invite someone to talk with you once a week either in person or over the phone and share together how the readings have encouraged, challenged, convicted, given you hope, of have helped you feel God’s love. Set aside time every week to do this together. You can find a handout and calendar for Lent here.