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The magnificent doors opened. The string ensemble silenced their instruments, and those gathered faced the center aisle. The herald stepped into the sanctuary and announced the arrival of the Bride. A stately coach stopped outside just as he finished speaking. The coachman leaped from his perch, placed the step in position. The coach door opened and the Bride stepped into view. Her gown glistened as new snow in the winter sun. Brilliant diamonds traced the hem of her veil. Her tiara flashed and caught the golden light from the lamp stands that lit the hall. A bride more beautiful had never lived.
The Groom stepped forward looking to His Father. His Father nodded. The ceremony could begin. One by one the attendants of the Groom started down the long center aisle of the sanctuary carrying golden palm fronds. They placed them on the floor before the Groom. When they arrived at the feet of the bride the last one was laid in place. They took their places at her side. Six to the right and six to the left, and raised a finely woven canopy to shelter her. The poles were of acacia wood covered in gold. The blue fabric of the canopy had a quality of the sky. The bride stood in the shelter. She waited.
The Groom stepped forward. His robes flowed gracefully around him, his sash a mixture of gold, sapphire, and a scarlet thread. The fragrance of incense that burned in honor of this occasion filled the sanctuary. He descended the steps and walked down the gold paved aisle toward his Bride. A hush filled the sanctuary. Those gathered bowed at His presence while His Father waited for Him to return with the Bride. The dais had great columns of ivory decorated with jewels the color of pomegranates and almond blossoms. A webbing of gold and diamonds created a ceiling over the dais. He waited as the Groom and His Bride returned to Him.
A great brass ensemble now joined the string ensemble. They struck the processional of all time. Music filled the air. The Groom offered His hand to the Bride. She placed her hand on His, came along side Him, and together they walked the golden way to the front. The canopy covered them as the attendants marched beside them. They sang loud choruses extolling of the virtues of the Groom and His Bride. The regal procession made its way slowly toward the Father. Those assembled watched in awe as the procession passed their places.
In the front, the Father stood and waited for them. Great love and joy filled His expression as He watched His only Son bring His Beloved to Him for approval. The long anticipated moment arrived.
“Father, my Bride. Accept her in Your love for Me. Her dowry has been met. No others have any claim on her. Her purity, I assure. Her beauty, You behold. Accept her in Your love for Me.”
The Bride stood waiting for the Father’s reply. He extended His hand to her. The Groom placed her hand on His Father’s and she stepped forward one step. The last step of her walk to the Father. The moment had come.
“My Son, You have indeed met her price and she is fairer than any other. Her purity is apparent to Me. I accept her in My love for You.” He placed her hand back onto His Son’s.
They turned and faced those assembled. Now the Groom said, “From this moment, throughout eternity I pledge to keep her, honor her, protect her and love her.” Thunderous applause arose in response to his vow. He turned to her and lifted her veil.
“From now throughout eternity, never shall the veil separate us.”
They turned back to the Father and the Groom said, “Father I thank You and glorify Your Name here in this assembly, that You declared from before the foundation of the world that this union should occur. May You be blessed by seeing your desire fulfilled in this place.”
Music resounded in the sanctuary again as the Groom and His Bride walked once more across the golden fronds. The long expected, joyous union of the Groom and His Bride completed. The coach received them and they journeyed to the palace the Groom had prepared for His Bride. There those invited to the Feast awaited their entry. All was in readiness. Trumpets announced their arrival. Hallelujah! and Amen!
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