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On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When
the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine."
Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied, "My time has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."
Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim.
Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet." They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew.
Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now."
A marriage of hearts and minds took place ten years ago. A and K made commitments to each other way back then, when they were fairly young, and life was a steep learning curve for them. Now with two beautiful children, J and E making one big happy family, I’m sure everyone will agree they’ve both done a grand job so far. Theirs is a relationship that works! And long may it continue.
SO when I invited this happy couple to respond to the oaths and promises just now, instead of each saying ‘I will’ I half EXPECTED them to respond,
‘We already have done, and will continue to do so.’
Both being still young at heart, they’re very much in tune with J and E, and they both support them in every way; encouraging their friendships, and furthering their many gifts and talents every week, day in day out . . .with swimming, football, dancing, rainbows and cubs.
J and E I know you realise what brilliant parents you both have in front of you today, and I know how much you both appreciate them making your life so very special, because you’ve told me so.
What did the children make of the happy couple? It is not often I get the chance to ask this of a bride and groom
E said straight away, my mam and dad are so special and we love them very much!
J said, ‘We’re very happy they’re getting married and we’re so grateful that they’re our parents.
They are both very proud children today, but I’m sure you both already know that.
But I must say first how very handsome J looks, and how beautiful you look today E, as you give YOUR support and encouragement to your parents today , as usher and bridesmaid, making their wedding day so very special!
When I asked K and A what was important to them about getting married, K replied that a wedding had always been that event in the future they both looked forward to, and when the time was right, it would certainly take place, with much excitement and planning.
Today that much looked forward to event is here at last for them.”
K went on to say, “I know we’ve done things backwards, it’s been unconventional, but it’s the final piece of the jigsaw for us in place now! It finalises everything.
K is right! Something just doesn’t seem right about a jigsaw all complete bar one last piece!
I don’t know if the name Jack Harris rings a bell with any of you, but he has been in the news this week?
He’s the pensioner, who after spending seven and a half years doing a 5000 piece jigsaw puzzle, found to his dismay that the 4,999th piece was missing! The small hole, left by the missing piece, in the middle of his 5 foot jigsaw was something he just couldn’t live with.
But Falcon Games LTD, the puzzle's manufacturer, came to his rescue by having a replacement piece sent to his home.
Speaking after the piece was delivered to his home in by courier, Jack said: ''I was delighted to be able to finish the puzzle at last after all. It was such a disappointment that there was one piece missing. Eve, his daughter-in-law said it was a ''joyous'' moment for the family to finally see the monster jigsaw completed. Jack is now so very proud.
This is exactly how we ALL feel today.
In a joyous mood, so proud and ready for a real celebration!
These two always knew it would happen one day!
And basically they said didn’t want a rush job.
Well I can honestly say today that after ten years, no-one is going to accuse you two of that!
I gather though, that one of the in-laws, who shall go un-named, when they found out the marriage was taking place at long last, said in a matter of fact way:
‘It’s about time!’
I think I can guess who it was that said that! I may be wrong!
But I know both sets of parents are really thrilled today.
But you know there’s a saying that, All marriages are happy, it’s the living together afterwards that causes all the trouble!
But having done things the opposite way round here, it is testimony to your relationship, that after the living together, you both are still very keen to go through with marriage. That’s admirable.
A and K know each other so well; they both still have an independence of spirit; they are so very different in character and by nature, but they complement each other without a doubt.
But I also asked A what K’s best qualities were, and she said he was he was very affectionate in practical ways, he shares responsibilities, he is caring, kind and thoughtful. He is a great dad, a good cook, good at helping around the house.
And he’s ‘athletic’, by this I think she means he’s got the wow factor!
I would add that he’s very keen to do his job well, and provide for his family. Very down to earth! Matter of fact!
What about K, how does he see A’s best qualities?
A is the best he said, “She’s a great mother, very open in communicating with others, great at conversation, very sociable. She runs a good home, wise with money, she’s sensible, dedicated. And she’s affectionate, very loving, and she loves cuddles.
I’ve know A for a number of years now, and she is all these things and more. I must add to all these how very radiant and beautiful she looks today!
And K, birthday presents don’t always come wrapped up this special! (his birthday yesterday) In white silk. Do they? Take care of your gift today . . and that goes for both of you.
SO . . . why church?
K and A told me quite simply they were looking for the full works, tradition, the full service. They were looking to do the right thing. . .
What is the right thing as far as Christians are concerned?
Let’s see if we can find out from scripture.
At the very front of your wedding booklet on the page which says Introduction is a story set in a place called Cana in Galilee.
I wonder if anyone has read it as we sat waiting for the service to begin?
It’s a story about the first ever miracle Jesus performed. . . at a wedding!
What is interesting about this story is
Jesus had been invited there and was present as a guest. We believe as Christians he is here today, right now in this house of God! ‘Where two or three are present....’
Jesus was at hand when they ran out of wine. He provided for the couple in their need, he was looking after them, when the wine ran out. As far as we know, the couple didn’t even realise he had played such an important role that day.
Jesus, by way of being there, turned something that was really quite ordinary ( i.e. water) into something very beautiful and sparkling and special (i.e. into wine) . When a relationship becomes a marriage, it is ordained by God, and is therefore unique and blessed by him. It becomes a precious union, like no other, as a man and woman join together, leave their parents and become ONE brand new unit.
There’s a very interesting comment at the end of the reading, when the master of ceremonies remarks to the groom,
‘You’ve saved the best wine till now!’
May this be true for you both from this moment on.
May the best time of your lives start here today.
As you both have invited Jesus here as guest into your lives by pledging yourselves to each other, may you find
· your commitment to each other growing deeper and deeper day by day;
· may your promises to each other made this day be for keeps,
· and may you both be aware of the presence of God filling you (and your lovely family) to overflowing with effervescence, sparkle, fruitfulness and maturity in the years to come.
Really just like good wine ought to be.
God bless you both, Mr and Mrs G
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