Assessing the Procedures of a Christian Marriage Ceremony

Marriage project

What happens in a Christian marriage service? What is the importance of the ceremony?

The day before the ceremony the bride will probably have a hen night and groom will have a stag night. These 'nights' are a celebration, they tend to be a celebration of the couples last night of freedom. They are separate celebrations and the couple will not see each other until , the bride arrives at the church. It is known as bad luck for the couple to see each other before the wedding. It is also bad luck for the groom to see his future wife in the wedding dress. These are just superstitions, but now they tend to be a tradition.

The Groom will be at the front of the church , waiting for the bride, as the Bride enters the relatives ,family, friends stand to watch the bride walk down the isle. With traditionally her father, who gives her away.

The ceremony starts when the bride and groom stand before the priest, the priest calls out a few blessings and prayers(sometimes). Readings may be used, in some weddings a hymn may sung, the priest may preach a sermon.

The priest says:

We have come together in the presence of God, to witness

the marriage of (name)and(name),to ask his blessing on them

,and to share in their joy .Our Lord Jesus Christ was himself

a guest at a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and through his

spirit he is with us now.

I think this is important because getting married under the eyes of God is an honor , not a joke. It should be taken seriously, and is very significant in Christian religion. The priests mentions having God's blessings to share there joy, is important because when the marriage becomes hard and problems occur , god will always there as a helping hand. God will be there good and bad times. Not just the bad.

The scriptures teach us that marriage is a gift of God in

creation and a means of his grace ,a holy mystery in which

man and woman become one flesh. It is God's purpose that ,

as husband and wife give themselves to each other in love

throughout their lives, they shall be united in that love as Christ

is united with his church.

This shows that when you are married, love connects you together. The last connection to make you the complete , fulfilled human. This is referred as one flesh.

The priest then goes on about; how a husband and wife should comfort each other. Being faithful. Being there in time of need. Through, sorrow and in joy. Looking after their children caring for them. etcThis is what keeps the relationship strong, long-lasting. Promises that will be made under the eyes of God. Without these things , there's no real loving relation. These things will determine the strength and the lasting of the relationship. In time of course.

The Priests then says:

In marriage husband and wife belong to one another , and

they begin a new life together in the community. It is a way

of life that all should honor; and it must not be under taken

carelessly, lightly, or selfishly, but reverently , responsibly ,

and after serious thought.

This awares the couple that from this day forwards that, they will start a new as a couple, to share and to love each other. Marriage is not a Childs game it is serious, which should never be taken lightly. The priest then informs them that they will; give their consent to the other. Join hands. Exchange solemn vows. Give and receive a ring. 'Therefore, on this wedding day we pray with them, that, strengthened and guided by God, they fulfill his purpose for the whole of their earthly life together. The priest turns to the congregation and asks if there is any reason why the persons may not be lawfully married, to declare it now, or forever hold your peace.

The priest then explains to the couple that the vows they are about to make in the name of God, who is judge of all hearts and he knows the secret of all our hearts. And if there is a reason you cannot marry, please declare it now. The priest then says to the Bride and the groom. The vows.

(name), will you take (name)to be your wife/husband?

Will you love her/him, comfort her/him, honor and

propect her, and, forsaking others, be faithful to her/him

long as you shall both live.

These are vows they take in the name of God. This is very important, you are making vows, they are promising the almighty God the creator of all things. That they take this relationship seriously, they will love them and comfort them for as them as long as they shall live. This is a promise with God, you should never break promises, and so marriage should always be taken seriously. The couple then answer with I will.

The Bride and Groom face each other and they both say to each other:

I, (name), take you, (name),

to be my wife/husband,

to have and to hold

from this day forward;

for better, for worse,

for richer, for poorer,

in sickness and in health,

to love and to cherish,

til death us do pat,

according to God's holy law;

and this is my solemn vow.

This really speaks for itself, when two people marry, it should be for love and nothing else, when things turn ugly and problems arise. The couple should work it out. They shouldn't give up and walk away, the love should be so strong. Nothing can come between them (except death). When you take these vows they stay with you forever and ever. Marriage is not an excuse to get a house and feel secure, it's a life-long commitment powered by love. This is what marriage and these vows are all about.

The priest will then receive ring(s).He will then say;

Heavenly father, by your blessing, let this ring be to

(name)and(name) a symbol of unending love and

faithfulness, to remind them of the vow and the which

they have made this day; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

The couple place the ring on each other, on the forth finger of the left hand, while saying;

I give you this ring

as a sign of our marriage.

With my body I honor you,

all that I am I give to you,

and all that I have I share with you ,

within the love of God,

Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.

So the ring is of great importance it represents the love you have for each other, unending love. It is also a token of love that you will carry with you forever. Still the same bases of promises are made; sharing, giving and honoring. The priest then addresses the people with these words;

In the presence of God , and before this congregation,(name) and(name)have given their consent and made their marriage vows to each other .They have declared their marriage by the joining of hands and by the giving and receiving of a ring. I therefore proclaim that they are husband and wife.

(priest then joins their right hands together)

That which God has joined together, let not man divide.

The congregation remains standing, while the new husband and wife kneel, and the priests begin to bless them. With a few chosen words. Sometimes a few acclamations may be used. Here are a few examples;

priest: Blessed are you , heavenly Father:

All: You give joy to groom and bride.

Priest: Blessed are you, Lord Jesus Christ:

All: You have brought new life to mankind.

Priest: Blessed be, Father, Son, and Holy spirit

All: One God, to be praised forever. Amen

The registration of marriage takes place now or at the end of the service. This is a legal contact(document) to show you are legally married. There will be two witness. To prove that you got married. The husband and wife both sign the paper. Some readings may be read at this point , and a sermon may be preached. Everyone stands, and a hymn may be sung.