Glory of a bride and groom

Did anyone else just love weddings as a little girl? Adornment. Raiment. Folds and folds of luxurious material purposed for those who walk the isle toward him, the groom whose love was such a mystery to the observer on the outside. 

I will never forget my experience at a weddings in the post-soviet country my husband and lived in. The rejoicing atmosphere was unlike anything I had ever encountered.

At one wedding the groom had waited for this bride for years. His patient endurance was their love story. Even his friends encouraged him to, “Give up!” and “Let the dream die.”

But he would not.

Though she gave no interest, he would never stop hoping and believing they were destined to be married. Then one day, all changed. Her heart turned toward him. And they got engaged.

The image that will never leave my mind is the expression on Karan’s face (the groom) when he and his bride were just introduced to the celebrating guests at the reception. Per tradition, friends and family circled wide and stood with unconcealed joy. Karan entered, his eyes bright with tears (not an exaggeration). He led her forth, arm extended, gallantly leading his bride and displaying her for his friends and family to see.

With triumphal music swelling, Karan paraded his bride before us in a wide circle. He gazed at her, then turned to us in wonderment, shaking his head in incredulity as if to say, Look at her! Look at the treasure God has given me! She glided demurely past the rejoicing celebrants, aware she was on display, yet expressing graceful humility. Her smile was radiant.

And the groom’s face was the face of Christ to me.

Now, if glory is blue, where would we see it during this moment for Karan and his bride? Was it on Karan’s face? Was it flowing out from the rush of air when the bride glided past? Was it between Karan and his witnessing friends as he communicated his incredible joy through his eyes? Was it in the bride’s radiant smile?

Yes. Yes. And yes. There was glory in it all.

I cannot help but wonder if Jesus will do the same as Karan, on that day when the Church, his Bride, is revealed to be victoriously his? Will Christ’s face tell the story like Karan’s did? Look at the treasure God has given me! When it seemed all hope was lost . . . then her heart turned toward Me!”

Take a moment to imagine the face of Jesus.

Imagine Jesus parading His Church in front of the world with delight and triumph. What emotions arise?

What questions?

Try to imagine the eyes of Jesus. What expression do you see in His eyes when he looks at you?