Love is, indeed, a many-splendored thing.
I was aware that both families were not entirely thrilled with the match, and on the day of the wedding there was some tension in the air. But I also knew that the bride and groom were bright and happy and adaptable. So I asked them if they were willing to try a little surprise during the ceremony that might draw their families together, even if they might have to look a little foolish at first. They agreed. Even though they did not know what I had planned, they trusted me.
So instead of a typical wedding sermon, I asked them to stand in front of me, then face each other, up close and very personal, and look deeply into each other’s eyes, remembering just how deeply they loved each other.
Then I told them, while looking deeply into each other’s souls, to think about where their right foot was, and in a sort of hypnotic cadence, I told them I would count to three and then tell them what to do. One…two…three…step forward with your right foot!
Bang – they smacked right into each other and bounced off, the audience collapsing in joyous laughter.
Then I asked them to hold hands, face the cross behind me, look into each other’s eyes just as before, find the right foot, count to three, and step forward toward the cross. With all the regality of the Duke and Duchess of Kent, they moved forward in unison, and the audience actually applauded!
This simple demonstration of unity brought the audience to tears in a way I never could have imagined, and soon family members were hugging and the tension was gone! Unity beats in the hearts of all people.
The bride of Christ cannot be divided and she cannot move in different directions without colliding with the groom. She must join hands with him and step forward together toward the cross.
And oh, what a wedding reception that will be!