CHRISTIAN CEREMONY #20
A NEW DAWN
PRESENTATION OF THE BRIDE
Who is it that brings this woman to this man? / Who gives this woman in marriage? / “I do”
OPENING REMARKS TO GUESTS
Friends and family, we are gathered here at this hour to witness and to celebrate the coming together of two separate lives. We have come to join this man, _(Groom)_ , and this woman, _(Bride)_ in marriage, to be with them and rejoice with them in the making of this important commitment. Marriage is an estate rooted in the far dawn of human history, yet forever new with each man and woman who pledges themselves freely to each other. It is a union created by loving purpose, kept by abiding will, and to be broken only by the death.
On behalf of _(Bride)_ and _(Groom)_ may I tell you how honoured they feel to count you as family and friends and how pleased they are that you have chosen to share with them in the solemnity and joy of these sacred moments.
DECLARATION
_(Bride)_ and _(Groom)_ , you have made it known that you wish to be joined together in marriage. If either of you, or anyone here present, can show just cause why you may not lawfully be married, I charge you now to declare it, for the marriage covenant must be made in a spirit of honesty and openness.
STATEMENT OF INTENTION
_(Groom)_ , will you take _(Bride)_ to be your wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honour and protect her, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live? / I will.
_(Bride)_ , will you take _(Groom)_ to be your husband? Will you love him, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live? / I will.
Discourse on love by Ray Cross – three minutes
_(Bride)_ , would you please pass your bouquet to your Maid of Honour. Would you please face each other, and _(Groom)_ , would you please take _(Bride)_ ’s right hand in yours.
THE VOWS
_(Groom)_ , would you please repeat after me your vows to your bride?
I, _(Groom)_ ,
take you, _(Bride)_ ,
to be my wife,
to have and to hold
from this day forward;
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish,
til death us do part,
according to God’s holy law;
and this is my solemn vow.
Now, _(Bride)_ , would you please take _(Groom)_ ’s right hand in yours and repeat these vows after me to your groom?
I, _(Bride)_ ,
take you, _(Groom)_ ,
to be my husband,
to have and to hold
from this day forward;
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish,
til death us do part,
according to God’s holy law;
and this is my solemn vow.
THE EXCHANGE OF RINGS
Wedding rings as they are worn, symbolize to others your union in marriage.
In that your rings have no beginning and no ends, may that endlessness symbolize your love for each other.
WORDS OF EXCHANGE
May I have the rings please?
_(Groom)_ , would you please place the ring on _(Bride)_ ’s ring finger and repeat after me your commitments to your bride?
_(Bride)_ , as a sign and pledge
of my love, faith and loyalty,
I give you this ring.
May it constantly remind you
of my commitment to you this day.
_(Bride)_ , would you please place the ring on _(Groom)_ ’s ring finger and repeat after me your commitments to your groom?
_(Groom)_ , as a sign and pledge
of my love, faith and loyalty,
I give you this ring.
May it constantly remind you
of my commitment to you this day.
DECLARATION
For as much as you _(Bride)_ and you _(Groom)_ have declared your love and life long commitment to each other before this assembly of your family and friends, as well as before me as a minister of the Gospel, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Province of Ontario, I now declare your to be husband and wife. May all honour, protect and support your union.
SHALL WE PRAY
Heavenly Father, who established marriage for your children and endowed us with the ability to love creatively, we bring _(Groom)_ and _(Bride)_ before You and earnestly pray for them. May their union be blessed with true devotion, spiritual commitment and personal integrity. Grant _(Groom)_ and _(Bride)_ the grace and ability to keep and maintain the vows they have exchanged today. When selfishness threatens their relationship, overwhelm them with a generous spirit. When lack of trust creeps in, impart to them new messages of faith in one another. Where misunderstandings arise, increase their willingness to communicate honestly and openly, and fortify them with patience and gentleness. If and when suffering comes their way, strengthen them in their inner being for all endurance with patience and joy. May their home be a happy shelter from the pressures of living, and an effective force of resistance against that which corrupts and destroys. May spiritual understanding and holy living be their inheritance. May Your grace, mercy and peace be a part of their lives from this day forward. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
SIGNING OF THE REGISTER
PRESENTATION OF THE BRIDE AND GROOM
It is my privilege and pleasure to present to you Mr. and Mrs. ——- .
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