Preparing the Bride
Weddings are such a joyous occasion. But do you know how much preparation they take?
Last weekend I had the joy of attending my niece Kristin’s wedding. I was so thankful to have the opportunity to participate in the preparation of the bride on her special day.
Well, maybe I should actually say I got to be …an observer of the bridal preparation.
Kristin’s hotel room was filled with many of her friends, a makeup artist, a hair stylist, food, music and way too many excited people including her Aunt Debbie from Phoenix (me). 🙂
There was such an air of excitement and anticipation for the big event that would take place later that evening.
Kristin wanted to look her very best for her groom Kevin.
The makeup artist spent much time applying the best makeup to enhance Kristin’s natural good looks. (Of course, this is her Aunt Debbie who is writing this.)
And then there was the hair stylist. Kristin had been looking through magazines to find the best way to have her hair styled to go with her wedding gown.
She decided to have her hair styled in an up hairdo but it took time to be sure every hair was in place.
I can tell you firsthand that the result was well worth the preparation. Kristin made a beautiful bride!
But all this careful preparation reminded me of an important spiritual lesson.
Revelation 19:7 says:
Let us be glad and rejoice and honor Him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and His bride has prepared herself.
As Christians, we are the bride of Christ. And one day He is coming back for us.
I was reading from Sheri Rose Shepherd’s book “His Princess: Love Letters from your King” and would like to share an excerpt with you.
My Princess …you are My beautiful bride
You are My beautiful bride! There is a day coming when we will rejoice together in heaven. No wedding on earth can compare to the celebration we will share on that amazing day! Every bride prepares for her earthly wedding by doing all she can to be her best. The bride’s attendants work diligently to make everything perfect before she meets her bridegroom. My princess, I am your heavenly Bridegroom, and I have already made all the preparations for you. Dont’ worry that your life is not perfect. On that glorious wedding day, I will present you spotless and blameless for all of heaven to see. All I ask of you today is that your heart be fully and completely Mine. Let My faithfulness, mercy, and love be the sweet music that fills the wedding sanctuary. You, My bride, will be clothed in a beautiful gown of My glory on that great day, and all the depths and heights of heaven’s joy will be yours.
Love,
Your King and your Bridegroom
I don’t know about you but that gives me chills. I want to leave you with a few questions to ponder:
- Are you growing in your faith?
- Do you love Jesus more today than last year?
- Do you spend time each day getting to know Him better?
- Do you listen and obey Him as you spend time in His Word?
How thankful I am to know that I am loved by my bridegroom. I can rest in knowing that He is preparing me for that day. I will wear a robe of His righteousness. He has not only provided me with His free gift of salvation but He is preparing me for that special wedding day in heaven.
Will you submit to Him and allow Him to transform you?
- Guidance
- How Much Will It Hurt?
I recently penned a post on bridal prep a year after our daughters wedding! Mine included the parenting / preparation of our children as well. Great post & beautiful bride!
I pray that His Word changes me on a daily basis. I am looking forward to the day when seeing my Savior face-to-face.
Thank you for sharing from your heart, Debbie. Kristin was indeed a beautiful bride.
Yes, I love Jesus more each day! He has proved Himself faithful over and over! My desire is to continually grow in my faith to honor Him. I welcome His hand on my life… Mold me and shape me, Lord. I am Yours.
Living for Him, Joan
Such a lovely post sis.
Such a lovely bride. Your thoughts made me dream of that wedding in heaven… thanks for sharing.
What a precious reminder of the JOY set before us!
Truly the Marriage Feast of the LAMB awaits All who put their trust in JESUS, when our Faithful, Loving, Almighty Bridegroom will wipe away every tear and remove every stain and hurt! Halleluja!
What beautiful thoughts. He is returning for His bride soon, we must begin the preparations! 🙂
Such a great post, Debbie.
Your niece and her groom look so happy.