I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem,
coming down out of heaven from God,
prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband
(Revelation 21:2).
Background music: Michael W Smith, Christmas at Wildwood from Every Christmas
A wedding calls for a great deal of preparation.
There is much to consider: venues, caterers, flowers, photographers, invitations, music, cakes, decorations, garments, rings . . .
It all begins with the groom’s proposal.
There is a Groom who readies His bride with utmost thought and care. (Because there is no such thing as a “ready-made” bride. No! She must be prepared). And there is a Father of the Groom preparing a celebratory wedding feast.
Said Groom is Jesus. And the Bride I’m referring to is His Church.
The Church belongs to Christ, its Bridegroom. And the wedding imagery used in the New Testament portrays Jesus’ perfect love for those He saved.
You are a vital member of that Church, invited to the celebration of God’s enthroned Son. You must show up ready. But you first have to be willing to be prepared.
Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear. (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.) (Revelation 19:7-8)
The righteous deeds performed by the Bride prepare her for the Bridegroom. What are they? That, my dear one, I will allow you the honor of discovering for yourself (as part of that personal preparation).
I encourage you to dive into what the New Testament has to say about weddings and brides. You might start with one of the following parables:
Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids – Matthew 25:1-13
There you’ll read of five wise and ready (and five foolish and unready) bridesmaids. Those ready were watching for their returning groom.
Parable of the Wedding Feast – Matthew 22:1-14
In this parable, you’ll read of a King who prepared a banquet for His Son. The invitation extended is not one to be ignored! Nor are the King’s garments offered to wear.
The way we love one another is part of the ministry of readiness of the Lord’s Bride. Let’s pray we do so according to His expressed will.
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