Christian Marriage Ceremony How the Marriage Ceremony, Rituals and Symbols reflect the Christian Churches teaching on Marriage.

Elements of a Christian Wedding ceremony. Readings from Scripture. Wedding Vows. Rings exchanged. Prayers. Nuptial Blessing. Minister and Community as witnesses.

Theology of a Christian Wedding. God’s infinite love for us is reflected in married love. Marriage is seen as the highest vocation you can be called to. Scripture: Jn 15:13 No greater love than to give your life for your beloved. Hos 2:21 I will espouse you to me for ever.

Theology of a Christian Wedding Marriage is a Sacrament in most mainstream Christian Churches, therefore it is the visible sign of God’s grace [Love] for each of us. Marriage is not a PRIVATE ceremony, but rather a PUBLIC RITUAL before the Christian Community. A marriage should take place in a Church simply because that is the place that has been sanctified by communal worship. The Priest or Minister DOES NOT MARRY THE COUPLE. Rather, he is the WITNESS of the Church. The couple MARRY EACH OTHER. The Priest / Minister BLESSES the Marriage. Marriage is a greater expression of public love than cohabitation.

Scripture Texts Scripture, both Old and New Testament reveals the depth of God’s love for his people. In a Christian Marriage ceremony, the Readings reflect this love. When the gathered assembly listen to the Word, it is as if God himself speaks. Texts: 1 Cor 13: Love is patient, love is kind… Mk 10: 6-9: For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother…..joined to his wife. Gen 2: 18-24: It is not good for man to be alone….

Marriage Vows The Marriage Vows follow the readings and contain various word formulas. However, it is possible to understand each section as a clear reflection of the nature of Marriage.

Marriage Vows Both come of your own free will…… FREEDOM Promise to love each other for all time? LOVE Acceptance of whatever children God may give? GIFTEDNESS Celebrant witnesses the union. CONSENT – Universal declaration given. Exchange of Rings… RINGS – Precious, eternal and a reminder of the couples eternal love for each other and God’s eternal love for each of us.

What do the words ‘I do’ really mean? Self Sacrifice. A life long commitment. Responsibility of Child rearing. Children in a Christian marriage are seen as God’s gift. Therefore, just as marriage is seen as a gift, then children are the visible manifestation of that love. Overcoming economic and societal pressures. Affirming a belief in God and his providence. Radical decision for life commitment.

Nuptial Blessing Highlights the ‘Giftedness’ of Marriage. A gift is freely given without expecting something in return. Likewise, it should be freely accepted – mirroring God’s love for us.

Some discussion questions… How does the Christian ideal, experienced in the marriage ceremony, challenge the cynicism of contemporary culture? How does the practice of cohabitation fall short of the ideals of marriage as expressed in the ceremony?

Marriage annulment If the marriage ceremony was not legally acceptable to the Catholic Church (this affects only Catholics and Orthodox Christians) If either spouse was not free to marry If either spouse was not adequately prepared to understand, accept and fulfil God’s plan for married life as the Catholic Church teaches it If either spouse did not intend, from the beginning of marriage, to accept God’s plan for married life as taught by the Catholic Church (examples would be the refusal to have children, or to be faithful, or to marry for life.)

Just so you know! Bridal dress Wearing a new white dress to be used only for a wedding ceremony is a tradition that is only about 150 years old. Before that, few women could afford a dress they would wear only once. White traditionally symbolizes youth and innocence. Red and orange are popular in Asia and the Middle East, where they are considered joyful and festive colours. Flowers Ancient Roman brides wore bunches of herbs under their veils as symbols of fidelity. Orange blossoms are symbols of happiness and fertility because the orange tree blooms and bears fruit at the same time. Roses are the flowers of love, making June, [December in Oz!]the month of roses, the most popular wedding month. The early Greeks believed ivy to be the sign of everlasting love. It is still used to trim wedding bouquets.

Just so you know! Rings Engagement rings originated from the custom of exchanging rings to seal an important agreement. Rings are circular and without end to symbolize eternal love. A wedding ring is worn on the third finger of the left hand because it was believed that a vein or nerve ran directly from this finger to the heart. Rice throwing Rice is a symbol of fertility and long life. Guests throw it at the bride and groom as a wish for children and a good life. Other good luck charms are confetti, orange blossoms, corn, barley, chickpeas, and dates and figs to sweeten the marriage.