The Candle of Love

 

And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. (Genesis 2:22–24 ESV).

 

Coincidentally, today is Mary and my 56^th wedding anniversary, and it is the Fourth Sunday of Advent. The focus today and for the next few days leading to Christmas Day will be on love. I cannot imagine a better way to be reminded of the love of Jesus than to think of this day over five decades ago.

 

We were still students at Texas A&M University in 1969. We both wonder at the wisdom of being married at such a young age, though we are certain this was God’s plan for us. That day at the First Baptist Church of Bryan, Texas, was a whirlwind of activity. Family and friends came to help us celebrate. All the traditions were observed. It was indeed an incredible day! There are so many memories from that day. One stands out to me today as I write this devotional. The pastor and officiant, Baily Stone, leaned into me just before the wedding march began and Mary entered the church on her dad’s arm and said, “Get where you can see Mary Anne clearly. This will be a sight you will never forget.” I moved a bit to the side where I had a clearer view of the aisle and as the doors opened, she stepped into view. Bailey was right! I have never forgotten that moment!

 

Through the years I’ve read the Scripture I’ve included with today’s devotional and thought of that very moment. Surely this is the love Adam was expressing for this great treasure God had created to be with him in his journey. I knew when I saw her that nothing could be better than this. The birth of my children and grandchildren do rival that moment, but do not equal it. I understood in the moment of clarity what love was meant to be.

 

It is no wonder that when the Scripture speaks of the Second Coming of Christ the imagery of a wedding is used. Jesus is the groom and we, the Church, are the bride. That is the ultimate definition of love. This is Jesus’ love for us and our love for Him being finally completed for eternity! Soon the trumpets will sound the wedding march and we shall be with Jesus forever! Light the candle of Love with that thought today!