Years ago, my daughter shared with me this picture which was taken by her friend, Sarah Alston of Federal Way, Washington. I don’t think I have ever seen a wedding gown displayed in such a beautiful setting.
As I looked at this picture and the others in that wedding album, I thought of the preparation, months and months of preparation that goes into planning a wedding. Dave and I had a small home wedding but there was still so much to do. Each day had one more arrangement to be checked off the list of preparations.
Everything had to be done just right to make the day perfect. It was worth the wait!
As Christians we are in a time of preparation. We live each day as an example of God’s love to those around us but we are also waiting the return of our bridegroom, Jesus Christ.
“The LORD makes me very happy. I am completely happy with my God. He dressed me in the clothes of salvation. He put the victory coat on me. I look like a man dressed for his wedding, like a bride covered with jewels.” Isaiah 61:10
A bride covered with jewels. A bride without spot or wrinkle.
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish…32This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” Ephesians 5:25-27, 32
Preparing for His return ties in with the seeds of God’s word we have been planting in our hearts. Love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, humility and self-control, these are adornments that will make us a beautiful bride.
Staying focused on our destination, our heavenly home, is also a part of our preparation.
“If then you have been raised with Christ, keep looking for the good things of heaven. This is where Christ is seated on the right side of God. 2 Keep your minds thinking about things in heaven. Do not think about things on the earth.” Colossians 3:1-2 NLV
Our excitement should be building as we await the bridegroom’s coming. The preparation will be well worth the wait!